Formulation and in vitro Evaluation of Herbal Soft Gelatin Capsules Containing Peppermint Oil, Lemon Oil, and Holy Basil for the Management of Motion Sickness

Abstract

Motion sickness is a common condition characterized by nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and discomfort during travel. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate herbal soft gelatin capsules containing peppermint oil, lemon oil, and holy basil oil for the management of motion sickness. The herbal oils were incorporated into a soft gelatin capsule system using polyethylene glycol 400 as a carrier vehicle. The prepared capsules were evaluated for physical appearance, weight variation, thickness, size uniformity, drug content, disintegration time, in vitro dissolution, leakage, moisture content, and stability. The formulated capsules exhibited a smooth surface, uniform shape, and acceptable shell integrity. Weight variation and dimensional measurements demonstrated good batch uniformity. Drug content analysis confirmed the uniform distribution of the herbal ingredients within the capsules. The capsules disintegrated rapidly and released the majority of their active constituents within 60 min during dissolution testing. Leakage studies revealed complete retention of the fill material without shell rupture. Stability testing conducted under accelerated conditions for 3 months showed minimal changes in physical appearance, drug content, disintegration time, and dissolution behavior. The findings indicated that the developed herbal soft gelatin capsules possessed satisfactory pharmaceutical properties and may serve as a promising herbal formulation for the management of motion sickness.