MCQ on Herbal Drug Formulations

🟢 EASY (1–20)

1. Which of the following is considered a herbal drug?
   a) Aspirin
   b) Paracetamol
   c) Tulsi leaf extract ✅
   d) Ibuprofen
   Explanation: Tulsi is a plant used in traditional medicine.
2. Herbal drugs are mainly derived from:
   a) Chemicals
   b) Microorganisms
   c) Plants ✅
   d) Metals
   Explanation: Herbal drugs are plant-based.
3. Which of these is a traditional system of herbal medicine in India?
   a) Allopathy
   b) Ayurveda ✅
   c) Homeopathy
   d) Unani
   Explanation: Ayurveda is India’s ancient herbal medicine system.
4. Which part of the plant is commonly used in herbal formulations?
   a) Leaves
   b) Roots
   c) Bark
   d) All of the above ✅
   Explanation: Different parts are used depending on the active compounds.
5. Aloe vera is commonly used for:
   a) Fever
   b) Liver disease
   c) Skin care ✅
   d) Diabetes
   Explanation: Aloe vera soothes and heals the skin.
6. Which dosage form is common for herbal drugs?
   a) Tablets
   b) Capsules
   c) Syrups
   d) All of the above ✅
   Explanation: Herbal drugs can be formulated in various forms.
7. The process of converting plant material into medicine is called:
   a) Cultivation
   b) Formulation ✅
   c) Preservation
   d) Irrigation
   Explanation: Formulation is creating the final product.
8. Ashwagandha is used primarily for:
   a) Indigestion
   b) Mental stress ✅
   c) Cough
   d) Skin infections
   Explanation: Ashwagandha is an adaptogen.
9. Which of these is a herbal antiseptic?
   a) Neem ✅
   b) Camphor
   c) Ajwain
   d) Ginger
   Explanation: Neem has strong antimicrobial properties.
10. Herbal formulations must be standardized for:
    a) Taste
    b) Smell
    c) Active content ✅
    d) Color
    Explanation: To ensure efficacy and safety.
11. Which method is used for preparing herbal decoctions?
    a) Soaking in cold water
    b) Boiling in water ✅
    c) Freezing
    d) Fermentation
    Explanation: Decoctions involve boiling plant material.
12. Triphala is a formulation made of:
    a) One herb
    b) Three herbs ✅
    c) Five herbs
    d) Seven herbs
    Explanation: “Tri” means three.
13. Which of these is a herbal cough remedy?
    a) Tulsi ✅
    b) Neem
    c) Ashoka
    d) Aloe
    Explanation: Tulsi is commonly used for respiratory issues.
14. Which form of herbal formulation is semi-solid?
    a) Tablets
    b) Syrups
    c) Ointments ✅
    d) Powders
    Explanation: Ointments are semi-solid for topical use.
15. Arjuna bark is used mainly for:
    a) Liver disorders
    b) Heart health ✅
    c) Kidney stones
    d) Skin rash
    Explanation: Arjuna supports cardiovascular function.
16. The shelf life of herbal formulations is generally:
    a) Longer than synthetic drugs
    b) Shorter than synthetic drugs ✅
    c) Same as synthetic drugs
    d) Indefinite
    Explanation: Herbal drugs degrade faster without preservatives.
17. Which of these is used to improve digestion in Ayurveda?
    a) Haritaki ✅
    b) Bhringraj
    c) Brahmi
    d) Neem
    Explanation: Haritaki is a key component in digestive tonics.
18. Which is NOT a dosage form of herbal drug?
    a) Powder
    b) Tablet
    c) Injection ✅
    d) Syrup
    Explanation: Injections are rarely used for herbal medicines.
19. Which government body regulates herbal drugs in India?
    a) FSSAI
    b) AYUSH ✅
    c) WHO
    d) CDSCO
    Explanation: AYUSH oversees traditional systems.
20. The term “polyherbal formulation” refers to:
    a) One herb
    b) Two herbs
    c) Multiple herbs ✅
    d) A mineral
    Explanation: “Poly” means many.

🟡 MODERATE (21–40)

21. What is the role of excipients in herbal drug formulations?
    a) Active agents
    b) Flavor enhancers
    c) Support and stability ✅
    d) Preservatives
    Explanation: Excipients help in formulation without being active.
22. Siddha system of medicine originated in:
    a) North India
    b) Sri Lanka
    c) South India ✅
    d) Nepal
    Explanation: Siddha is a South Indian traditional medicine system.
23. Which of the following is an Ayurvedic polyherbal tonic?
    a) Triphala
    b) Chyawanprash ✅
    c) Arjuna
    d) Brahmi
    Explanation: Chyawanprash is a rejuvenative formulation.
24. Standardization of herbal drugs includes:
    a) Organoleptic evaluation
    b) Physicochemical tests
    c) Chemical marker analysis
    d) All of the above ✅
    Explanation: Ensures quality and consistency.
25. Which technique is used for drying herbs?
    a) Vacuum drying
    b) Shade drying
    c) Sun drying
    d) All of the above ✅
    Explanation: Depends on the sensitivity of constituents.
26. Which form of herbal drug can be easily absorbed?
    a) Decoction
    b) Syrup ✅
    c) Powder
    d) Ointment
    Explanation: Syrups are in liquid form and absorbed faster.
27. Bioavailability refers to:
    a) Storage time
    b) Drug delivery method
    c) Amount of drug reaching systemic circulation ✅
    d) Color of the drug
    Explanation: Key parameter for efficacy.
28. Why are preservatives added to herbal formulations?
    a) Improve flavor
    b) Prevent microbial growth ✅
    c) Increase solubility
    d) Decrease viscosity
    Explanation: Herbal extracts can be prone to microbial spoilage.
29. Which of the following is a common solvent in herbal extraction?
    a) Acetone
    b) Ethanol ✅
    c) Kerosene
    d) Toluene
    Explanation: Ethanol is safe and effective for many herbs.
30. Which type of herbal preparation is ‘Asava’?
    a) Powder
    b) Oil
    c) Fermented liquid ✅
    d) Capsule
    Explanation: Asava is a traditional fermented preparation.
31. Herbal capsules are filled with:
    a) Liquid
    b) Powdered extracts ✅
    c) Crystals
    d) Tablets
    Explanation: Most herbal capsules use powdered forms.
32. Why are herbal formulations tested for microbial load?
    a) Ensure taste
    b) Prevent side effects
    c) Ensure safety and shelf life ✅
    d) Improve color
    Explanation: High microbial load can cause contamination.
33. Which of the following is considered a single herb formulation?
    a) Triphala
    b) Ashwagandha ✅
    c) Chyawanprash
    d) Dashmool
    Explanation: Ashwagandha is used alone or in combos.
34. Swarna Bhasma is an example of:
    a) Herbal powder
    b) Mineral formulation ✅
    c) Polyherbal oil
    d) Decoction
    Explanation: Contains processed gold in Ayurvedic medicine.
35. Which analytical technique is used for fingerprinting herbal drugs?
    a) UV spectroscopy
    b) IR spectroscopy
    c) HPTLC ✅
    d) Fluorimetry
    Explanation: High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography is common.
36. Which herbal formulation is used to enhance memory?
    a) Brahmi ✅
    b) Neem
    c) Haritaki
    d) Arjuna
    Explanation: Brahmi is a well-known brain tonic.
37. Tincture is prepared using:
    a) Oil
    b) Water
    c) Alcohol ✅
    d) Honey
    Explanation: Tinctures are alcoholic solutions.
38. Which plant is commonly used in herbal formulations for diabetes?
    a) Tulsi
    b) Neem
    c) Jamun ✅
    d) Aloe
    Explanation: Jamun seed powder helps regulate blood sugar.
39. Herbal ointments are usually prepared with:
    a) Water
    b) Alcohol
    c) Petroleum jelly or beeswax ✅
    d) Vinegar
    Explanation: Provides the base for topical application.
40. Why are polyherbal formulations preferred?
    a) Reduce side effects
    b) Enhance activity
    c) Broad spectrum of action
    d) All of the above ✅
    Explanation: Multiple herbs provide synergistic effects.

🔴 HARD (41–50)

41. Which of the following is a challenge in herbal drug development?
    a) High cost
    b) Lack of standardization ✅
    c) Easy availability
    d) Toxicity
    Explanation: Variability in herbal sources causes inconsistency.
42. Which is NOT a marker compound for standardization?
    a) Withanolides (Ashwagandha)
    b) Curcumin (Turmeric)
    c) Glucose ✅
    d) Glycyrrhizin (Licorice)
    Explanation: Glucose is not plant-specific.
43. What is “Synergism” in polyherbal formulations?
    a) Increase side effects
    b) Reduced potency
    c) Combined enhanced therapeutic effect ✅
    d) Neutralization of actives
    Explanation: Herbs work better together.
44. Which of the following is not a traditional herbal formulation?
    a) Churna
    b) Vati
    c) Emulsion ✅
    d) Taila
    Explanation: Emulsion is a modern pharmaceutic form.
45. Herbal formulations should be stored in:
    a) Moist areas
    b) Transparent plastic jars
    c) Cool, dry, and dark places ✅
    d) Open containers
    Explanation: Protects from degradation.
46. The primary concern for herbal cosmetics is:
    a) Color
    b) Safety and efficacy ✅
    c) Aroma
    d) Cost
    Explanation: Consumers look for safe, effective natural products.
47. In Ayurveda, “Vati” refers to:
    a) Oil
    b) Powder
    c) Tablet ✅
    d) Decoction
    Explanation: Vati = Tablet.
48. Which regulatory document is essential for herbal drug registration?
    a) MSDS
    b) CoA
    c) Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ✅
    d) ICH guidelines
    Explanation: Lists official standards.
49. Which is a commonly used antioxidant in herbal formulations?
    a) Citric acid
    b) Ascorbic acid ✅
    c) Sulfur dioxide
    d) Glycerin
    Explanation: Natural antioxidant to preserve the formulation.
50. Which is the biggest challenge in global acceptance of herbal drugs?
    a) Public awareness
    b) Lack of raw materials
    c) Scientific validation ✅
    d) Marketing
    Explanation: Lack of clinical studies limits worldwide approval.