Volume 18

April-June 2026

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Development and Characterisation of Murraya Koenigii Extract – Loaded Sugar Free Lozenges Using Galen IQ 900

M Surenthiran, S Vanitha, I Naveen, K A Chittesh, R Sambath Kumar

Abstract:
Sore throat and upper respiratory discomfort are among common reasons patients seek over-the-counter relief and the growing diabetic population has created demand for symptomatic remedies that do not compromise glycemic control. This study aimed to design and characterize a herbal hard candy lozenge incorporating an ethanolic leaf extract of Murraya koenigii within sugar-free excipient systems, producing a throat-soothing dosage form suitable for diabetic patients with bronchitis or upper respiratory tract infection. Curry leaf holds a longstanding place in Ayurvedic practice, its flavonoid and carbazole alkaloid constituents credited with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. Three candy-base variants, F1 (sucrose), F2 (mannitol) and F3 (Galen IQ 900/isomalt), were prepared by the heating and congealing method and evaluated for appearance, weight uniformity, hardness, moisture uptake, oral mouth dissolving time, content uniformity, in-vitro release, antibacterial activity, release-kinetic modelling and accelerated stability. Among the three, F3 was the strongest performer, with a crushing strength of 15.30 ± 0.74 kg/cm², drug content of 99.68 ± 1.50%, a 7.5 mm inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus and near-complete drug release (99.6%) by 30 min. Its release profile best fit the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, indicating an anomalous, non-Fickian mechanism combining diffusion and matrix erosion. One month of accelerated storage at 40°C/75% RH under ICH Q1A (R2) conditions left F3‘s physicochemical profile unchanged. F3 is a palatable, safe and mechanistically sound sugar-free herbal lozenge suited to relieving sore throat and respiratory discomfort in diabetic patients, owing to isomalt’s negligible glycemic impact and non-cariogenic nature.

Keywords: Murraya Koenigii, Ethanolic Extraction, Hard Candy Lozenges, Galen IQ 900, In-Vitro Drug Release, Antibacterial Activity.

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