Development of Amla Nutri-bar: Proximate analysis, gallic acid quantification and its validation through HPTLC, and spectroscopy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: “Ayush Ahara” confluences advanced food technology with Ayurveda to develop dietary products rooted in traditional medicine. Here, Amla (Indian gooseberry), a medicinal fruit well-known for its health benefits, was used to develop a novel dietary product—Amla Nutri-bar (ANB). Furthermore, this research aims to substantiate its therapeutic potential through quality control analysis. METHODS: Three batches of ANB were prepared at the pharmaceutical laboratory, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India. These were evaluated for sensory attributes using a 9-point hedonic scale and underwent physicochemical, phytochemical, total phenolic content, chromatographic, and spectroscopy assays. RESULTS: The sensory evaluation indicated positive feedback, with an overall acceptability score of 8, followed by taste and flavor rated at 7 Physiochemical constants included pH: 2.2, moisture: 11.48%w/w, total ash: 0.17%w/w, water-soluble extractive value: 88.4%w/w, and alcohol-soluble extractive value: 56.65%w/w. Phytochemical screening revealed that the product is rich in flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids. Nutritional composition per 100 g had energy: 373.76 kcal, proteins: 1.61%, carbohydrates: 88.59% by wt, dietary fiber: 2.72 g, total fat: 1.44%, vitamin C: 300.11 mg, vitamin A: 71.23 pg, iron: 5.63 mg, calcium: 126.69 mg, and potassium: 103.57 mg. Total phenolic content was 4.95 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, with gallic acid quantified at 270.4 μg/100 mg employing a validated high-performance thin layer chromatography method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the presence of alcohol, phenol, and alkanes. All the tested pesticide residues were found below detection limits. CONCLUSION: ANB can be a food product that is, not delicious only but can also contribute significantly to overall health and well-being.