Herbal-Based Fennel-Flavored Effervescent Tablets: A Novel Approach to Natural GI Health

Dr. Majid S. Khan*, Devendra Bagul, Sakshi Bachhav, Nishigandha Bagul, Sumit Birari, Siddharth Batole, Dr. Avish Maru

Loknete Dr. J. D. Pawar College of Pharmacy, Manur, Kalwan, Nashik, Maharashtra

*Correspondence: mskhanpharmacy@gmail.com Contact no: +91 9404787866

DOI: https://doi.org/10.71431/IJRPAS.2025.4609       

INTRODUCTION

Effervescence refers to the release of gas bubbles from a liquid due to a chemical reaction. Effervescent mixtures have been used medicinally for centuries, initially as powders and later as tablets. These tablets offer convenience, ease of use, and premeasured dosages, eliminating spillage and instability issues associated with powdered forms.¹

Objective:

This study's objectives are to create and assess effervescent pills in order to:

- Enhance onset of action and solubility

- Achieve faster action and Increased adherence by patients.

- Stay away from the first-pass effect.

Rationale:

Effervescent pills increase API breakdown in water and cover up undesirable flavors by releasing CO2 gas²

Effervescent tablets offer several advantages, including improved taste, gentle stomach action, and marketing benefits. They are manufactured using wet or heat fusion, compressed to produce a rapid effervescent reaction, and require controlled climatic conditions to prevent premature reaction. The pill is administered by adding it to a cup filled with water, which causes a quick release of CO2 that reduces heartburn, indigestion, and acidity. Active ingredients like Ajwain (carom seeds) and fennel aid digestion, reduce bloating and stomach pain, and promote better digestion due to their carminative properties.³

MATERIALS AND METHOD :

Materials

- Citric Acid: Highly soluble, high acid strength, and available in various forms. It's hygroscopic, requiring careful storage

 - Tartaric Acid: More soluble and hygroscopic than citric acid. It's a strong acid, but more is required to achieve equivalent acid concentration

- Sodium Bicarbonate: Major source of carbon dioxide, completely soluble in water, nonhygroscopic, and inexpensive. It's widely used as an antacid and in food products

Key Properties:

Ø  Citric Acid: Triprotic, high acid strength

Ø  Tartaric Acid: Diprotic, more soluble than citric acid

Ø  Sodium Bicarbonate: Completely soluble, nonhygroscopic, pH 8.3 in aqueous solution.⁴

Ø  Fennel :

Synonyms:  Fennel fruit, Fructus foeniculum

Biological Source: Dried ripe fruits of Foeniculum vulgare Miller (Umbelliferae)⁵

Uses:- Carminative, aromatic, stimulant, expectorant, Flavoring agent in pharmaceuticals⁶

Ø  Ajowan -

Synonyms: Trachyspermum copticum Link, Bishop's weed

Biological Source: Dry,fresh fruits of Trachyspermum ammi Sprague (Umbelliferae)⁵

Uses: Antispasmodic, stimulant, carminative, Relieves sore throat, bronchitis, Used in lotions, ointments for chronic discharge, Ajowan oil: antiseptic, antifungal, insecticide, anthelmintic⁶

Ø  Coriander

Synonyms: Coriander fruits, Cilanthro leaves

Biological Source: Dried ripe fruits of Coriandrum sativum Linn (Umbelliferae)⁵

Uses: Aromatic, carminative, stimulant, flavoring agent, Prevents gripping when used with purgatives, Ingredient in compound spirit of orange and cascara elixir⁶

Fig.1 Ingredients used for Formulation of Tablets

Methods

Preparation of Herbal Granules:

1. Clean and dry glassware as per SOP.

2. Weigh and mix ingredients in ascending order by trituration.

3. Heat water bath to boiling point.

4. Mix powder in preheated porcelain dish to form damp mass.

5. Pass mass through sieve 20 to collect wet granules.

6. Dry granules in hot air oven (≤60°C).

7. Fill and label granules in airtight containers.⁷

Direct Compression Method for Herbal Effervescent Tablets:

1. Select Herbal Extract: Choose a suitable extract (e.g., fennel oil, peppermint oil) for the desired therapeutic use.

2. Mix Ingredients: Combine the herbal extract with effervescent elements and excipients (e.g.,binders, lubricants) in the desired ratio.

3. Mix Thoroughly: Ensure uniform distribution of ingredients.

4. Compress: Compress the mixture into tablets using a tablet press.

5. Evaluate: Assess tablets for physical characteristics (e.g., hardness, friability) and effervescent properties. ⁴

Fig.2 Herbal Granules and Herbal Tablet

Table No. 1 Formulation table

Evaluation :

v  Bulk Density -

A material's bulk density, sometimes referred to as apparent density, is calculated by dividing its particle mass by its bulk volume, which comprises internal pore volume, inter-particle voids, and particle volume.

Measurement:

1. Pour powder blend into a measuring cylinder.

2. Note the initial weight (bulk mass).

3. Calculate bulk volume using the formula:

Formula: Bulk Density = Bulk Powder Mass / Powder Volume⁸

v  Tapped Density -

A powder's total mass divided by its tapped volume is known as its "tapped density."

Measurement:

1. Pour powder blend into a measuring cylinder.

2. Tap the cylinder to settle the powder.

3. Measure the tapped volume.

The formula is Tapped Density = Tapped Powder Volume / Powder Volume.⁹

v  Angle of Repose -

The angle formed by a powder heap's surface and the angle of repose is the name given to a horizontal surface.

Measurement:

1. Use a funnel to pour the powdered form combination. 

2. Raise funnel to specified cone height (h).

3. Measure radius of heap (r).

Formula: θ is the angle whose tangent is h divided by r. ¹⁰

v  Compressibility Index -

A powder's flowability and the compressibility are gauged by Compressibility Index.

Formula: Carr's Index (%) = ((Tapped Density - Bulk Density) / Tapped Density) x 100 ¹¹

v  Hausner Ratio (HR) –

A comparison of bulk density with taped density yields the Hausner Ratio, a measurement of powder flowability.

Formula: HR = Tapped Density / Bulk Density ¹²

v  Tablet hardness –

A key factor in determining a tablet's effectiveness and performance is its hardness, which

quantifies the force needed to shatter it under tension or bending strain. Quality control is crucial, particularly when it comes to patient use, shipping, and packaging. A number of gadgets, such as the Tablet hardness is measured with Monsanto testers. The pill is placed on the lower plunger of the Monsanto tester, This features a barrel with two the plungers separated by a flexible springs. After that, the higher plunger is dropped upon it. ¹³

v  Tablet thickness -

The distance through a tablet is called its thickness, and it is commonly expressed in millimeters or inches. It is essential for the food and pharmaceutical sectors' quality control, dissolving rates, and packaging.¹⁴

v  Weight variation -

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, weight variation—the weight difference between individual tablets or capsules in a batch is a crucial quality control metric. ¹⁵

v  Friability -

The propensity of a solid substance, such as a tablet, to shatter or disintegrate when subjected to mechanical force is known as friability.

Formula: Friability (%) = ((Initial weight - Final weight) / Initial weight) x 100 ¹⁶

v  Time of Effervescence -

Measure a time it takes for 1 dose of effervescent granules to dissolve in 200ml of water, forming a clear solution. ¹⁷

v  λmax (Maximum Wavelength) Determination -

Using a UV Spectrophotometer, the maximum absorbance of ajwain extract was determined by scanning wavelengths from 200-400 nm. The λmax was found to be 219 nm. ¹⁸

v  pH Range -

The pH of the formulations ranged from 3.2 to 5.8, indicating an acidic nature.

Reason: The acidity is likely due to the presence of free or unreacted citric acid.¹⁹

v  Drug Content -

The percentage of drug content ranged from 82.43% to 96.84%, meeting the IP standard requirements of 75-110%. ²⁰

RESULTS :

DISCUSSION :

This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a fennel-flavoured effervescent tablet targeting gastrointestinal (GI) health. The formulation was assessed through a comprehensive set of pre- and post-compression tests, including disintegration behavior, pH profile, and analytical validation using UV spectrophotometry.

Pre-compression parameters showed promising results for direct compression. As shown in Figure 3. Pre-compression Evaluation Parameters, the bulk and tapped densities were 0.72 g/cm³ and 0.85 g/cm³, respectively, yielding a Carr’s Index of 13% and Hausner Ratio of 1.18. These values suggest good flowability and compressibility of the powder blend, facilitating consistent tablet formation. An angle of repose of 25.36° further supports this conclusion.^9,11

Fig.3 Angle of rest (Pre-compression assessment)

Post-compression evaluation confirmed that the tablets had acceptable mechanical integrity (Figure 4: Post-compression Tablet Characteristics). The measured hardness (30 kg/cm²) and friability (1.04%) fell within suitable limits, while the thickness (4 mm) and weight variation demonstrated batch uniformity.^13,14,16

Fig.4 Post compression evaluation (Hardness, Thickness, Friability)

The disintegration time, critical for effervescent dosage forms, was approximately 2 minutes and 15 seconds (Figure 5: Disintegration Time Profile), indicating rapid breakdown and immediate drug availability upon administration, which are designed to provide fast relief, particularly for GI disturbances.¹⁷

Fig.5 Disintegration Time

The pH of the dispersion solution was recorded at 5.2  indicating a mildly acidic environment. This pH range is compatible with both the physiological pH of the upper GI tract and the stability of the active components, while also supporting the traditional digestive benefits of fennel.¹⁹

To validate the chemical identity and purity of the active compound, UV spectrophotometric analysis was performed. The UV absorbance spectrum (Figure 6: UV Absorbance Profile of the Active Ingredient) confirmed a well-defined peak with no significant interference, indicating the absence of degradation and validating the method's suitability for quantitative analysis.¹⁸

Fig.6 Graph of Relationship between Concentration and Absorbance

Despite these positive findings, the study has a few limitations. The data are restricted to in vitro tests, and in vivo performance remains to be established. Stability data, particularly under accelerated conditions, are lacking. Additionally, patient palatability and acceptability important for oral effervescent forms were not assessed.

Future research should include clinical evaluation for therapeutic efficacy, taste masking studies, and full ICH stability profiling. The addition of synergistic herbal or probiotic agents could also be explored to expand the tablet’s functional benefits for GI health.

CONCLUSION :

Effervescent tablets of ajwain and fennel offer a promising approach for delivering herbal ingredients in a convenient and palatable form. This review provides insights into development, evaluation, and potential benefits, including improved bioavailability, enhanced patient compliance, and therapeutic applications. The formulation highlights optimization of parameters for stability and efficacy, investigation of synergistic effects, and exploration of novel applications in preventive and therapeutic healthcare. Overall, effervescent tablets demonstrate potential as an innovative delivery system for herbal ingredients, paving the way for future research and development.

AKNOWLEDGMENTS :

The authors are thankful to Shri Gurudatta Shikshan Santha, Loknete Dr. J. D. Pawar College of Pharmacy, Manur, Nashik for providing necessary facilities to carry out the present research work.

REFERENCES :

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