Formulation and evaluation of oxymel containing fenugreek extract

Introduction: Trigonella foenum-graecum is medicinal plant of family Fabaceae, consists of bitter principles and traditionally used in treatment of diabetes and hepatoprotective. To mask its bitter taste, it could be formulated in honey based oral formulations like oxymel. Honey, as a saturated solution of various sugars, as per Ayurvedic system of medicine, could be consumed along with drug. This research attempt was aimed towards aqueous extraction of fenugreek seeds; formulation of oxymel by addition to honey and evaluation for different parameters. Oxymel was formulated as per procedure mentioned in United State Pharmacopeia for squill oxymel; and evaluated for pharmaceutical parameters those applied for oral syrups. Results: The oxymel formulated was pale brownish with agreeable odour and sweet taste. It was pourable with viscosity of 80 CP measured at 100 rpm while density was found to be 1.47 g/cm³. There was also ease in cap opening of its container, also no crystallization of honey was observed. Its trigonelline content was found to be 3.6 µg/ml. Conclusion: Alkaloids of fenugreek have significant pharmacological activities in human being, if administered orally. To mask their bitter taste and facilitate their increase in absorption, Trigonella foenum-graecum can successfully be formulated in honey based oral formulation of oxymel.