Preparation and Evaluation of Nutritional and Analytical Parameters of Medhya Cookies: An Ayurvedic Nutraceutical Formulation

Abstract

Ayurveda has many drugs which can act significantly in stressful conditions. Medhya Cookies contains the drugs which are most commonly used by physicians in conditions related to both mental and physical health. The drugs used namely Brahmi, Shankhapushpi, Vacha, Jatamamsi, Yashtimadhu are not very palatable in Churna (powder) form but their effect on mind and body is significantly helpful to manage conditions like stress, anxiety, sleeplessness etc. In the form of cookies, these drugs can be converted into a more palatable form and can be advised to be consumed on regular basis instead of junk foods etc. Aims & Objectives: To prepare a unit operative procedure for the preparation of Medhya cookies and to evaluate nutritional and analytical parameters of Medhya cookies. Methodology: The study was carried out in two different phases namely preparation of Medhya cookies and evaluation of nutritional and analytical parameters of Medhya cookies. The cookies were prepared as per the expert guidelines and the proportion of drugs used were finalized according to the dosage of individual drugs as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. The evaluation of analytical parameters based on confectionaries etc mentioned in Ayurveda as per the General Guidelines for Drug Development of Ayurvedic Formulations by CCRAS which includes parameters for nutritional evaluation like moisture content, ash content, fat content, protein content and ­­­­­­­­carbohydrate content. Results: A unit operative procedure for the preparation of Medhya cookies was prepared based on seven trials. The nutritional and analytical parameters were evaluated and the results were observed within the permissible limits. Conclusion: It can be concluded that this formulation can be suggested as healthy alternative for junk food specifically for people who tend to binge-eat during stress.