Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a silent killer of mankind that leads to huge economic loss in a developing country like India. There is a need for better treatments with less adverse effects to minimise the burden on the health and economy of an individual and the society. The main aim of the study was to prepare a polyherbal powder for diabetes mellitus and evaluate the powder based on organoleptic, rheological and physico and phytochemical characteristics. Herbs used in the preparation of the polyherbal powder were Ocimum sanctum, Aegle marmelos, Emblica officinalis, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula, Momordica charantia, Syzgium cumini, Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Curcuma longa. Evaluations were done using standard procedures. Organoleptic characters of the polyherbal powder were found to be dull brown in colour, characteristic odour and astringent taste with moderately fine texture. Phytochemical qualitative analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, steroids, carbohydrates and glycosides. Physicochemical analysis revealed longer stability with good flow property of the polyherbal powder. Thus, the polyherbal powder was evaluated, which has a potential to treat diabetes mellitus.