Formulation And Evaluation Of Stress Relieving Chocolate Using Ashwagandha And Tulsi

Development and Evaluation of a Stress-Relieving Herbal Chocolate Containing Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Stress is a major health concern that adversely affects both physical and psychological wellbeing. Herbal medicines such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) have been extensively recognized for their adaptogenic, anxiolytic, and stressrelieving properties. However, the unpleasant taste of conventional herbal formulations often reduces patient acceptance and compliance. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a palatable herbal chocolate incorporating Ashwagandha and Tulsi extracts as a novel stressrelieving dosage form.

 Hydroalcoholic extracts of Ashwagandha roots and Tulsi leaves were prepared using the Soxhlet extraction method. The extracts were incorporated into a chocolate base containing cocoa butter, cocoa powder, sugar, coconut oil, lecithin, vanilla, and corn starch. The prepared herbal chocolate was molded, cooled, and subjecation demonstrated good handling characteristics, patient acceptability.