Proximate composition and functional analysis of some polyherbal formulations as potential botanical candidates for antidiabetic screening: A Preliminary study

Polyherbal formulations improve therapeutic action while lowering single herb concentration, thereby reducing possible side reactions. Proximate composition and functional properties of tomato, garlic, and carrot formulations were studied. Fresh samples of the botanicals were collected, identified and authenticated. Equal amount of each sample (500 g) was weighed, shed-dried and crushed into fine powdered particles. The proximate composition and functional properties of each formulation were determined according to a standard assay guideline. The result on proximate composition analysis revealed a significant (p ˂ 0.05) higher moisture content of tomato and carrot formulations when compared to other formulations. The content of ash and crude protein were significantly (p ˂ 0.05) higher in all garlic containing formulations. The garlic formulation was observed to have lower fat content and greater carbohydrate content than all other formulations (p˂ 0.05). However, when compared to single formulations, all mixed formulations had significantly higher crude fiber content. Furthermore, there was a significant (p ˂ 0.05) variation in glucose adsorption capacity, oil adsorption capacity and water adsorption capacity among all the formulations. The outcome of this study have led us to conclude that employing safe combinations of these herbal formulations for the production of nutraceuticals is recommended.