Review on Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Cough Syrup

Herbal syrup is a mixture made by combining a concentrated herbal decoction with honey, sugar, or sometimes alcohol. The base of the syrup is a strong herbal extract, and adding honey or sugar helps to thicken and preserve it. Herbal plants and such formulations are used to treat various diseases, including cough and other health problems. For thousands of years, nature has been a source of medicines. Many modern drugs have been developed from natural sources, especially plants, based on their traditional uses. In the future, medicinal chemistry and new technologies will be used to improve natural products and create effective medicines and other useful bioactive compounds. Another name for “cough” is “tussis.” It is an action, either voluntary or involuntary, that helps clear the throat and airways of dust, germs, irritants, fluids, or mucus. A cough is basically a quick release of air from the lungs. When the throat or airways are blocked or irritated, the brain senses something foreign and signals the body to cough to remove it. Liquid medicines are often given by mouth because they are easier for people who have trouble swallowing tablets or capsules. Cough syrup is one type of liquid medicine. It is made by mixing sugar and clean water to form a thick liquid. Syrups are different from other solutions because they contain a lot of sugar. Some syrups have medicine or flavoring added to them, while others only have flavor and no medicine. Flavored syrups are often used to make bitter medicines taste better, creating what is called a medicated syrup. Because syrups contain a lot of sugar, they can spoil easily, so preservatives are often added to keep them safe. Syrups can be different from each other based on their contents. Some syrups contain medicine, while others only have flavoring agents. When a syrup does not contain any medicine but only flavoring, it is called a flavored or non-medicated syrup. Cough is a very common problem that affects almost everyone. There are two main types of cough: dry cough and wet cough. In a dry cough, there is no mucus or phlegm, while in a wet cough, mucus or phlegm is present. Cough syrup is a popular and commonly used medicine to treat cough and cold because it is easy for patients to take.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Herbal Medicine:

Advantages:

1. Helps to improve the immune system.
2. More easily accepted by people in the community.
3. Better suited for the human body.
4. Low cost and has little to no side effects.
5. Natural and easily available.
6. Can help manage serious diseases like Alzheimer’s and others.

Disadvantages:

1. Risk of poisoning from wild herbs.
2. Not properly regulated or controlled.
3. No clear guidelines for correct dosage.
4. Herbs can react with modern medicines.
5. Not suitable for all health conditions.

Classification of Cough:

1. Acute Cough – Lasts for less than 3 weeks.
2. Chronic Cough – Lasts for more than 3 weeks.
3. Dry Cough – No mucus is produced.
4. Wet Cough – Mucus is present.

Advantages:

• Protects against allergic cough.
• Easily available.
• Low cost.
• Helps improve the respiratory system.
• Has little or no side effects.
• Safe and harmless.
• Easy for patients to use.
• Herbs grow in common places.
• Does not require a prescription.

Disadvantages:

• Not properly regulated.
• Herbs may react with modern medicines.
• No clear dosage instructions.
• Takes longer to show effects.
• Not suitable for emergencies or unconscious patients.

Herbs Used in Cough Syrup:

1. Tulsi
2. Clove
3. Vasaka
4. Zinger
5. Honey
6. Thyme
7. Fennel
8. Cinnamon

1. Tulsi –

Tulsi has strong antimicrobial properties that work against many germs that affect humans and animals. Because of this, it can be used as a hand sanitizer, mouthwash, and water purifier. It can also help in animal care, wound healing, food preservation, storing herbal materials, and maintaining good health while traveling.

Fig. Tulsi Plant

Synonym: Tulas, Tulsi

Biological Source: Tulsi consists of the fresh and dried leaves of Ocimum species, such as Ocimum sanctum L. and Ocimum basilicum L.

Family: Labiatae

Chemical Constituents: Phytochemical studies show that Tulsi contains oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, eugenol, carvacrol, linalool, and β-caryophyllene as its main chemical components.

Uses:

• Acts as an expectorant
• Helps in asthma treatment
• Used in cough syrups
• Works as a nasal decongestant

Top of Form

2. Clove –

Many research studies have explored the health benefits of clove and its main component, eugenol. These benefits include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, heart-protective, and brain-supporting effects.Bottom of Form                   

Fig. Clove

Botanical Overview of Clove

• Scientific Name: Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry
• Family: Myrtaceae
• Common Names: Clove, Laung (Hindi), Lavangam (Tamil/Telugu)
• Plant Part Used: Dried flower buds

Uses of Clove

1. Analgesic and Anaesthetic

• Eugenol works as a natural pain reliever and local anaesthetic.
• Clove oil is used on toothaches and mouth sores to reduce pain.

2. Respiratory Relief

• Acts as an expectorant, helping to remove phlegm in cases of cold, bronchitis, and asthma.
• Used in steam inhalation to relieve respiratory congestion.

3. Antimicrobial Activity

• Has strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
• Effective against germs in the mouth, such as Streptococcus and Candida albicans.

3. Vasaka –

Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica) is traditionally used for treating respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and cough. It is also known for its benefits in managing skin problems, bleeding disorders, and microbial infections. The leaves contain active compounds—particularly vasicine—that help loosen phlegm, clear airways, and ease breathing.                    

Fig. Vasaka plant

Botanical Name: Adhatoda vasica (also known as Justicia adhatoda)

Family: Acanthaceae

Common Names: Vasaka, Malabar Nut, Adhatoda, Arusha

Uses of Vasaka (Adusa):

• Respiratory Problems: Commonly used in Ayurveda to treat asthma, bronchitis, cough, and cold. It helps open airways, loosen mucus, and make breathing easier.
• Antibacterial and Antifungal: Has natural properties that help fight bacteria and fungi, useful in treating infections.
• Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief: Reduces swelling and pain because of the active compound vasicine.

4. Ginger –

Ginger is the underground stem (rhizome) of the Zingiber officinale plant. It is a spicy herb used in cooking and traditional medicine. Ginger is known to reduce nausea, ease pain and swelling, and help with menstrual cramps. It also has antioxidants and other helpful compounds that may support joint health and control blood sugar, though more studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

Fig. Ginger

Biological Source: Ginger comes from the rhizome (underground stem) of the flowering plant Zingiber officinale.

Family: Zingiberaceae

Chemical Constituents: Ginger contains many active compounds such as phenols, terpenes, and paradols. In fresh ginger, the main active compound is gingerol, which gives it its unique flavor and medicinal properties.

Uses:

• Acts as an expectorant (helps remove mucus)

• Used in cough syrups

• Helps clear a blocked nose (nasal decongestant)Top of Form

5. Honey –

Honey is a sweet, thick liquid made by honeybees from the nectar of flowers. There are around 320 types of honey, differing in color, smell, and taste. It mainly contains natural sugars and also includes small amounts of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc, and antioxidants.                           

Fig. Honey

Botanical Characteristics:

• Scientific Name: Apis mellifera (the honeybee that produces honey)
• Family: Apidae
• Origin: Honey is made by honeybees from the nectar they collect from flowers.

• Soothes the throat: Honey forms a coating on the throat and gives relief from irritation and dry cough.
• Reduces cough: It may help control coughing and can sometimes work better than some cough medicines.
• Helps clear mucus: Honey can make mucus thinner, making it easier to cough out.
• Fights infection: Because of its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, honey helps prevent infections and reduce throat inflammation.Top of Form

6. Thyme –

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a fragrant herb. Its flowers, leaves, and oil are often used to add flavor to food and for medicinal purposes. Thyme has natural chemicals that can help fight bacterial and fungal infections.Bottom of Form                  

Fig. Thyme

Botanical Overview of Thyme

Scientific Name: Thymus vulgaris

Family: Lamiaceae

Biological Source: The dried leaves and flowering tops of Thymus vulgaris plant.

Chemical Constituents:

Thyme contains important compounds such as thymol, p-cymene, alpha-carvacrol, terpinene, and beta-caryophyllene.

Uses:

• Helps in treating dry and wet cough.
• Acts as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent.
• Works as an expectorant (helps remove mucus).
• Shows antiviral properties.

7. Fennel –

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Fennel is a plant that belongs to the carrot family. All parts of the plant—bulb, stalks, leaves, and seeds—are edible and have a sweet, licorice-like taste. It originally comes from the Mediterranean region but is now grown all over the world. Fennel is used in many dishes, both raw and cooked, and its dried seeds are used as a spice. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber and is traditionally used to help with indigestion and stomach pain (colic).         

Fig. Fennel

Botanical Overview of Fennel

Scientific Name: Foeniculum vulgare

Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)

Common Names: Fennel, Sweet Fennel, Saunf (Hindi), Florence Fennel

Uses of Fennel:

• Expectorant: Helps loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up—useful for colds and bronchitis.
• Anti-inflammatory: Contains natural compounds that reduce inflammation in the airways and soothe a sore throat.

8. Cinnamon –

Cinnamon is a spice rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from diseases, inflammation, and early ageing. It may also support good digestion, improve dental health, and help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Fig: Cinammon