FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF POLYHERBAL LOZENGES TO TREAT TONSILLITIS

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsils commonly caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and other microbial infections. Prolonged use of antibiotics may lead to resistance and side effects, highlighting the need for safer herbal alternatives. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate polyherbal lozenges using Justicia adhatoda, Piper betle, and Trachyspermum ammi for the symptomatic relief of tonsillitis. The crude powders were subjected to macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical, and preliminary phytochemical analysis. The extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, carbohydrates, saponins, and glycosides. Polyherbal lozenges were prepared by the moulding method and evaluated for physical characteristics, pH, weight variation, and friability. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the albumin denaturation assay. The lozenges showed significant inhibition (83.10% at 100 µg/ml) with an IC₅₀ value of 60.20 µg/ml, compared to aspirin. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by agar well diffusion method against Streptococcus pyogenes and Escherichia coli. The lozenges demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity with zones of inhibition comparable to the standard drug. The study concludes that the formulated polyherbal lozenges possess promising antiinflammatory and antimicrobial properties and may serve as an effective herbal remedy for tonsillitis.