Therapeutic Categorization and Physicochemical Profiling of Proprietary Ayurvedic Herbal Syrups Marketed in India

Abstract

Proprietary Ayurvedic syrups are widely used because of palatability and ease of administration, but systematic classification based on therapeutic indication and formulation composition is limited. Objective was to (i) profile key physicochemical parameters of marketed Ayurvedic syrups and (ii) categorize representative products according to therapeutic focus and dominant botanical ingredients. One hundred and seventeen syrup formulations were analyzed for pH, specific gravity, total solids, total sugars, and alcohol content using standard quality control approaches. In parallel, 30 representative syrups were reviewed using label declarations, company monographs, and classical Ayurvedic references (e.g., Charaka Saṃhitā, Bhāvaprakāśa) to map frequently used botanicals by therapeutic indication. Across the 117 samples, mean values were - pH 4.73, specific gravity 1.235, total solids 45.44%, total sugars 23.48%, and alcohol 2.67%. Products are clustered into gynaecological, hepatic, respiratory, digestive/metabolic, and general health categories. Recurrent botanicals included Ashoka, Shatavari, Guduchi, Amla, and Yashtimadhu, with notable overlap across categories. Alcohol content ranged from below detection limits to 16%, highlighting potential labelling and patient-suitability considerations. Integrating physicochemical profiling with botanical and therapeutic categorization provides a practical framework for formulation design, product benchmarking, and future standardization of Ayurvedic syrups.