review article

Geriforte, A Polyherbal Tonic in Combating

Geriatric Stress: A Clinical Review
Shantanu Ghosh*, Santashree Mazumdar**, Tapas Das†

Abstract
The elderly population with declining health pose significant challenges for attending physicians. Often, the cause/s of the
deterioration is not identifiable or is irreversible. Some elderly patients, including those who do not have acute illness or
severe chronic disease, eventually undergo a process of functional decline, progressive apathy and a loss of desire to eat
and drink. Declining health in the elderly may be multifactorial and may be caused by chronic concurrent diseases and
functional impairments. Manifestations include weight loss, decreased appetite, poor nutrition and inactivity. Four syndromes
are prevalent and predictive of adverse outcomes viz. impaired physical function, malnutrition, depression and cognitive
impairment. A comprehensive initial assessment should include information on physical and psychologic health, functional
ability, socioenvironmental factors and nutrition. Several medicines and food supplements are available for the elderly as per
their individual requirements. Geriforte tablets with their beneficial effects in elderly patients contain herbs, which have potent
antioxidant, neuroprotective, adaptogenic, nootropic, immunostimulatory and cardioprotective activities. In this review article,
we summarize seven clinical studies of Geriforte tablets with an emphasis on geriatric stress and as tonic in the elderly.
Keywords: Geriforte, elderly, stress

A
ging is a life-long process, which begins before
we are born and continues throughout life. The
functional capacity of our biological systems
increases during the first years of life, reaches its peak
in early adulthood and naturally declines thereafter.
The slope of decline is largely determined by external
factors throughout the life course. Health in older age
is therefore to the largest extent a reflection of the living
circumstances and actions of an individual during the
entire life span.1
Worldwide, the proportion of people aged 60 and over
is growing faster than any other age group. Between
1970 and 2025, a growth in older persons of some 694
million or 223% is expected. In 2025, there will be a
total of about 1.2 billion people over the age of 60. By
2050, there will be two billion with 80% of them living
in developing countries.2
*Special Medical Officer
Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Bhagalpur, Bihar
**Head, Dept. of Biochemistry
University of Calcutta, Kolkata
†Professor and Head
Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata
Address for correspondence
Dr Santashree Mazumdar
Head, Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta
35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata - 700 019
E-mail: smbioc@gmail.com
Aging is an inevitable biological process that affects
the factors attributable for development of life.3 The
definitive mechanisms of aging across species and
systems still remain unclear.4 Stress is an important
factor that accelerates aging process. It is manifested by
increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.5
The decline in the homoestatic reserves in the
aging process starts around the fifth decade of
life, and is influenced by factors such as genetics,
diet, environment and lifestyle. Today, much more
important than chronologically-determined aging is
successful aging, defined as the maintenance of physical
and mental functioning and involvement with social
and relationship activities. Recommendations to this
end include orientations about diet and exercise to
improve quality-of-life. A healthy lifestyle includes
regular exercise, considered one of the most important
components.6
With aging, multiple changes occur that affect the
nutritional status of an individual. Sarcopenia, or the
loss of lean muscle mass, can lead to a gain in body fat
that may not be apparent by measuring body weight.
It may be more noticeable by loss of strength, functional
decline and poor endurance. It also leads to reduced
total body water content.7
Other changes that occur with aging include changes in
bone density leading to osteoporosis, decreased gastric

Indian Journal of Clinical Practice, Vol. 22, No. 10, March 2012 497
review article
acid secretion, which impairs iron and B12 absorption,
xerostomia and slower peristalsis with resultant
constipation. Appetite and thirst dysregulation also
occur. Changes in dentition alter the ability to chew
and may lead to changes in food choices. Many other
factors such as sedentary lifestyle, social isolation,
loneliness or depression can lead to malnourishment.
Medications also alter absorption of nutrients or how
food tastes. Poverty and cognitive impairment are other
issues that may affect eating habits and food choices.
The overall nutritional requirements of the older adult
do not change. What does change is the caloric intake
due to the loss of lean muscle mass. The nutrient
requirements for older adults include increased intake
of vitamins D, B12, and B6 and calcium. Vitamin B12
deficiency causes depression, neurological disorders
and macrocytic anemia. Protein is a nutrient that is
often thought of as one to increase in aging. Unless the
older adult requires additional protein for healing and
strength, this is not necessarily the case.8
Tufts University developed a Modified MyPyramid for
Older Adults, which emphasizes eating nutrient-dense
foods, the importance of fluid intake and activities that
may be typical of the older age group. The modified
pyramid also suggests that supplements (for nutrients
such as calcium and vitamins D and B12) may help
people meeting their nutritional needs when food alone
does not yield adequate amounts.9
Stress is a physiological response to environmental
challenges and threats. The presence of too much or
too little stress over an extended period of time can be
physically or psychologically damaging.10 Oxidative
stress occurs due to increase in prooxidants and/or
decrease in antioxidants. Enhancing antioxidative
defense status may be an important factor that
counteracts aging and age-associated disorders.11
Recently, there has been greater emphasis on herbal
preparations that are beneficial in psychosomatic
disorders. Apart from psychotropic drugs, many
formulations have been mentioned which exhibit
a rejuvenative property. ‘Geriforte’, a polyherbal
formulation is one of the known indigenous
formulations to arrest the degenerative process. Several
recent clinical and experimental studies have evaluated
the therapeutic properties of Geriforte and majority of
them have shown encouraging results. Geriforte tablets
contains herbs with potent antioxidant, neuroprotective,
adaptogenic, nootropic, immunostimulatory and
cardioprotective activities.
498 Indian Journal of Clinical Practice, Vol. 22, No. 10, March 2012
Pharmacological actions of individual
herbs in Geriforte tablet
Chyavanaprasha: It has potent restorative and tonic
activity and used in weakness, and emaciation.12
Various trials have shown its rejuvenating, adaptogenic,
cardioprotective and neuroprotective activities. It also
delays the sickness and maintains well-being after
various radiation exposures.13,14
Capparis spinosa: It is a potent antioxidant.15
It provides better protection to liver, spleen and
kidney; thus helps to maintain the well-being.16
Cichorium intybus: The active principles are
escutetin and its glycosides, which have cholagogue,
hepatoprotective, stomachic and diuretic activities.17
C. intybus extract has high Fe2+-chelating, and
radical scavenging activity towards 1,1-diphenyl-2-
picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) showing effective antioxidant
activity.18
Solanum nigrum: It contain solasonine, sapogenins,
which improve the microcirculation due to their smooth
muscle relaxant activity; increase the cardiac activity.
It also has potent hepatoprotective activity. These actions
keep the person healthy.19 Phenolic compounds present
in S. nigrum extract also have antioxidant activity.20
Cassia occidentalis: Anthroquinone derived from
C. occidentalis has tremendous action on the colon of
the human being and transfer with purgative activity,
thereby maintaining regular bowel movements.21 It is
used as a general tonic in weakness, and illness. It has
hepatostimulant activity as well as hepatoprotective
activity.22
Terminalia arjuna: Experimental studies have shown
the bark of T. arjuna to have significant inotropic and
hypotensive effect, increasing coronary artery flow and
protecting myocardium against ischemic damage. It
also has mild diuretic, antithrombotic, prostaglandin
E2-enhancing and hypolipidemic activities.23 T. arjuna
mainly contain plant sterols (β-sitosterol) and arjunic
acid, respectively, whereas ethanotic fraction is enriched
with derivatives of arjunic acid like arjunoglycoside
(I, II, II and IV), arjungenin, arjunolone, arjunetin,
tanins and ellagic acid. Some pure compounds:
Arjunolic acid, terminoside, ellagic acid and tanins
have cardioprotective, antiplatelet aggregative, nitric
oxide suppressant, antioxidant, membrane stabilizing
and hepatoprotective activity. All these help to maintain
good health.24
Achillea millefolium: It has anti-inflammatory, anti-
spasmodic, antidysenteric, antihemorrhagic and

urinary antiseptic properties. It is beneficial in
dyspepsia. British herbal compendium cites its use
in cough, cold, slow-healing wounds and other
inflammatory skin conditions.25 Selenium present in
A. millefolium has tremendous antioxidant activity and
is useful as a general tonic and cardiotonic agent.26
Tamarix gallica: Galls of T. gallica contain the
polyphenols, gallic acids, ellagic acids, which have
health-promoting actions.27 The extract also has potent
hepatoprotective activity, which may be due to its
antioxidant activity.28
Crocus sativus: It has nootropic, antispasmodic,
expectorant, stomachic and diaphoretic activities.29
The rich phenolic content contributes to its usefulness
as antioxidant.30 Safranal, isolated from C. sativus has
some protective effects on different markers of oxidative
damage in hippocampal tissue.31 The mucoprotective
and antiulcerogenic activity of polyphenols protects
against gastric ulcerations.32
Makardhwaj: Beneficial in heart disease, as rejuvenative
and also as an aphrodisiac.33
Mandur bhasma: It has hepatoprotective and
renoprotective properties.34
Asparagus adscendens: It is used for the treatment of
spermatorrhea, chronic leukorrhea, diarrhea, dysentery,
general debility, senile pruritus, asthma and fatigue.
The rhizome powder is given as a nutritive tonic.35
Caesalpinia digyna: The root extract increased levels
of catalase and superoxide dismutase with significant
decrease in lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels in serum, liver
and kidney; showing potent antioxidant activities.36
Asparagus racemosus: It has potent adaptogenic
activity. Adaptogens have antistress action and protect
against infection and infirmity.37 Administration
of A. racemosus root ameliorates hyperlipidemic/
hypercholesteremic and oxidative stress in
hypercholesteremia.38
Withania somnifera: The alkaloids withanine,
withasomine in the roots delay premature aging.
It also increases red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb),
hair melanin and has nootropic, hypotensive activities.
These make it useful as regular supplement to remain
healthy.39 The roots of the plant are categorized as
rasayanas, which are reputed to promote health and
longevity by augmenting defense against disease,
arresting the aging process, revitalizing the body in
debilitated conditions, increasing the capability of the
individual to resist adverse environmental factors and
by creating a sense of mental well-being.40
review article
Glycyrrhiza glabra: It significantly lowers total
cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides
levels and increase high-density lipoprotein; hence,
its extract can effectively prevent progress of
atherosclerosis. This is likely due to its effect on
plasma lipoproteins along with the antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory activities.41 The major constituents
are triterpene saponins and glycyrrhizin. It provides
thick protective mucous for the stomach lining and
has gastroprotective action. Gastric ailments adversely
affect daily performance; so, the same may provide
better healthy life.42
Centella asiatica: It has been used in Ayurveda to
improve mild cognitive functioning. It also acts has an
antioxidant, accelerates nerve regeneration and contains
multiple active fractions increasing neurite elongation
in vitro. It also has favorable effects on diastolic blood
pressure, peripheral neuritis, insomnia, loss of appetite
and age-related cognitive decline.43
Shilajeet (Purified): Used in diabetes mellitus as it
helps to regulate carbohydrate metabolism. It increases
appetite and is useful in dyspepsia.44 It prevents
increase in serum phospholipid level and controls
hyperlipidemic stage.45 It has beneficial effect on
endocrine, autonomic and brain functional changes.46
Terminalia chebula: It is a potent antioxidant.47
The extract is used for its laxative, diuretic,
hepatoprotective and cardiotonic activities.48
Mucuna pruriens: It has neuroprotective and
neurorestorative effects, which may be related to its
antioxidant activity independent of the symptomatic
effect.49 Mucuna beans contain high amounts of protein
and carbohydrate and are a rich source of macro- and
microelements. They are used in many free radical-
mediated diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis,
diabetes, atherosclerosis, male infertility and nervous
disorders. The seed extract can be used as readily natural
antioxidant, and helps to maintain well-being.50
Myristica fragrans: Used as a stomachic, stimulant,
carminative and to control flatulence. Recent research
indicates its other uses as an aphrodisiac, antioxidant,
hypolipidemic and antiulcer.51
Piper longum: It is a rejuvenating medication. It
enhances bioavailability that potentiates action of
other ingredients.52 Alcoholic extract of the fruits and
its component, piperine have immunomodulatory
activity.53
Syzygium aromaticum: It relieves pain, controls nausea,
vomiting, improves digestion and has antiflatulence
Indian Journal of Clinical Practice, Vol. 22, No. 10, March 2012 499
review article
activity including antimicrobial activity. All these
activities justify its use for well-being.54 It enhances
sexual health due to its aphrodisiac activity.55
Elettaria cardamomum: The seed extract, which mainly
contains essential oils, has antimicrobial and antioxidant
activities. It is also used as an aromatic stimulant, and
carminative agent. It has been patented as a general
health supplement in expectant mothers.56
Carum copticum: It has therapeutic effects on
dyspepsia, indigestion, flatulence and colic. It also has
antinociceptive activity.57 The seed extract also has
antihypertensive, antispasmodic, bronchodilator and
hepatoprotective activities.58
Curcuma longa: The extract is significantly effective in
disease related to liver, heart, cancer and immunological
disorders due to rich phytoconstituents.59 Curcumins
inhibit lipid peroxidation of linoleic acid. Compounds
that can scavenge ROS and inhibit LPO are useful as
preventive agents against atherosclerosis, a common
cause of coronary artery disease worldwide.60
Adhatoda vasica: Restoration of acid phosphatase level
points out the role of the extracts in promoting the
stability of cellular, nuclear and organelle membranes.
This is also used against asthma due to its gentle
bronchodilatory and antiallergic activity.61
Eclipta alba: It has hepatoprotective, nootropic and
antimicrobial activity. E. alba exhibited dose-dependent
inhibition of oxidation of dimethyl sulfoxide indicating
hydroxyl radical scavenging activity; reduction of
free radical DPPH, showing its potent antioxidant
activity.62
Celastrus paniculatus: Aqueous extract of the seed has
cognitive-enhancing and antioxidative properties63 as
well as anxiolytic activity.64
Argyreia speciosa: It is used as a stomachic and in
common sexual disorders in men.65 Oral administration
of the ethanolic extract of A. speciosa root (ASEE) has
immunomodulatory activity.66
Berberis aristata: It is a bitter, tonic, cholagogue,
stomachic, laxative, antipyretic and antiseptic.67
Abhrak bhasma: Hepatoprotective and renoprotective
due to the free radical scavenging properties.68
Loh bhasma: Hematinic; significantly increases Hb,
total RBC and hematocrit value.69
Yashad bhasma: Useful in diseases of the urinary
tract, eyes, anemia, cough, dyspnea, nocturnal
sweating and has wound healing action.70
500 Indian Journal of Clinical Practice, Vol. 22, No. 10, March 2012
CLINICAL STUDIES ON GERIFORTE TABLET
Study 1: Evaluation of Geriforte as a General
Metabolic Tonic in the Aged71
Aims: Evaluation of Geriforte as a general metabolic
tonic in the aged. Materials and Methods: One
hundred persons, 58-80 years age were recruited for
the study. A control group of 25 persons of the same
age, having similar clinical features were maintained
with placebo. Geriforte tablets were prescribed at
two tablets t.i.d. for the first and second months and
then two tablets b.i.d. for the third to sixth months.
All other drugs were discontinued. The patients were
evaluated for before and after treatment, at the end of
third month and sixth month. Results: At the end of six
months there was overall improvement in all clinical
parameters mentioned. Improvement in symptoms
related to nervous systems and psychiatric symptoms
were noticed after third month. But improvement in
appetite, general well-being, sleep, tiredness, bowel
movements occurred by the second month. No toxicity
was noticed in this study. Conclusion: There was
satisfactory improvement in general well-being and
alimentary symptoms but in psychiatric symptoms
like depression, anxiety, restlessness or irritability
and in symptoms like lack of concentration, attention
and sleep the improvement was not proportionate.
No improvement was noticed in the control group on
placebo. No toxic effects were encountered during this
study.
Study 2: Evaluation of Geriforte as a
General Tonic72
Aims: Evaluation of Geriforte as a general tonic.
Materials and Methods: A total of 50 patients were
included in the trial. Out of these, 10 patients were lost
for study. All the selected cases had no obvious
pathology, clinically or by laboratory investigations.
Most of them complained of vague aches and pains,
weight loss, loss of appetite and general weakness.
All the patients were put on initial dose of Geriforte
two tablets t.i.d. for 15 days and thereafter on a
maintenance dose of one tablet t.i.d. for 15 days and
thereafter on a maintenance dose of one tablet t.i.d.
Patients were evaluated at intervals of one month.
Results: Geriforte has properties that considerably
improve the ability and willingness for both mental
and physical work. Seventy-five percent of patients
reported that they regained very good ability to work,
both physically and mentally. These patients felt
significant improvement in general feeling. Nearly all

patients reported increase in appetite and reasonable
improvement in their digestion, bowel activity and
flatulence. Sleep and fatigue improved in 63% patients;
40% of the patients gained weight ≥2 kg within four
months probably due to improved appetite, digestion
and bodily functions. Conclusion: There was striking
subjective and objective improvement in physical and
mental activity and acuity, a feeling of well-being, ability
to perform physical and mental work and improvement
in appetite, digestive function, sleep and gain in weight
in 80-85% of the cases. There were no untoward actions
or toxicity on prolonged use. Geriforte served well as a
general tonic for the patients of all age groups.
Study 3: Antistress Properties of an Indigenous
Compound and its Significance in the
Management of Psychosomatic Disorders73
Aim: To evaluate the antistress and anabolic properties
of ‘Geriforte’ in normal subjects as well as in a group
of psychosomatic cases. Materials and Methods:
One hundred fifteen selected cases of psychosomatic
disorders such as anxiety neurosis, early thyrotoxicosis,
hypertension and ulcerative colitis were studied.
In addition, 40 normal individuals were included as
controls. The following criteria were used to diagnose
the psychosomatic cases. Of the 115 psychosomatic
patients, 31 cases were given a placebo. Similarly, for
comparison, 10 of the 40 apparently normal individuals
were given a placebo.
Results: Specific clinical features such as palpitation,
nervousness, precordial discomfort and insomnia
underwent considerable improvement after therapy.
In the Geriforte group, 89.5% of cases showed a
significant improvement in their physical and mental
health. In the placebo group, no change was observed.
No tranquilizers or psychotropic drugs were given
apart from specific conventional therapy for each
clinical condition. The initial values of acetylcholine
revealed a significant improvement after three months
of ‘Geriforte’ therapy, except in early thyrotoxicosis
cases. In the placebo group, no change was observed
in the acetylcholine level. Platelet monoamine oxidase
showed considerably lower values in thyrotoxicosis,
hypertension and ulcerative colitis cases. In anxiety
neurosis cases, the average value was similar to that in
the normal series. After three months of therapy, there
was a significant increase in platelet monoamine oxidase
in early thyrotoxicosis and essential hypertension
cases. In contrast, the placebo group did not reveal any
change. Conclusion: After comprehensive follow-up,
a significant improvement in clinical symptomatology
review article
was observed in all the stress disorders. Geriforte has
been shown to provide an effective control of successive
muscle spasm. This herbomineral compound prevents
or ameliorates neurohumoral and enzymatic changes
induced by anxiety and stress. No side effects have
been noted even following over-dose or prolonged use
of the drug.
Study 4: A Clinical Evaluation of Geriforte in
Common Stressful Illness74
Aim: Clinical evaluation of Geriforte in common
stressful illness. Materials and Methods: Ninety-seven
patients, 30-60 years age were included. Out of these,
61 were in the Geriforte group and the remaining 36
belonged to the control group. The duration of our
study was one year. The patients received conventional
forms of therapy and at the same time Geriforte was
given in a dose of two tablets b.i.d. Those in the
control group received only the conventional therapy
without Geriforte. Results: Peptic ulcer group: Among
15 patients in the Geriforte group, 10 (66.6%) showed
marked improvement, three (20%) had moderate
improvement and two (13.3%) showed a borderline or
fair response. Fourteen patients on Geriforte therapy
reported a general sense of well-being while only two
in the control group reported a sense of well-being and
lack of lethargy than before. No adverse side effect was
observed. Bronchial asthma group: At the end of six
months, seven patients (58.3%) in the Geriforte group
showed marked improvement versus control group.
Of the remaining five patients, three (25%) showed
moderate improvement. Though, these patients had less
severe attacks and longer symptom-free intervals, and an
elevated sense of well-being, the dose of corticosteroid
could not be reduced much. No adverse side effects were
noticed during the therapy. One patient had border-
line improvement and another remained unchanged.
Gross pulmonary emphysema was noticed in that case
(aged 59 years) which did not improve. In 40% of all
cases asthma was associated with chronic bronchitis.
Chronic hypotension group: In the Geriforte group,
19 patients (70.3%) improved markedly in their physical
and mental strength, developed an unmistakable sense
of well-being and gained extra energy to do household
work. Their appetite increased as also the body
weight. Hb levels too increased. The remaining eight
patients (29.6%) improved moderately. Their appetite
and Hb values did not increase much. However, the
improvement was particularly noticeable among female
subjects. No adverse effect was observed following the
therapy. Conclusion: Among the four different disease
conditions the maximum effectiveness of Geriforte
Indian Journal of Clinical Practice, Vol. 22, No. 10, March 2012 501
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was noted in chronic hypotension. Hence, Geriforte
may be useful to a vast section of womenfolk in our
country. It has been proved to be useful in the other
three conditions viz., peptic ulcer, bronchial asthma and
migraine. The use of Geriforte helps minimize the dose
of corticosteroid in bronchial asthma and sedatives and
tranquilizers in migrainous headache. Geriforte can
be safely used in all the four conditions as no adverse
side effect was noted during the therapy.
Study 5: Geriforte in Stress Management: 25 cases was put on placebo therapy. Evaluation was
A Placebo-controlled Study75
Aim: To evaluate Geriforte in stress management.
Materials and Methods: Forty male patients, diagnosed
individually as suffering from adjustment disorders
according to the DSM-III criteria were randomly
selected for the study. All these patients showed
evidence of stress and anxiety clinically. Patients with
any other psychiatric disorder or a physical disorder
were excluded from this study. The 40 patients were
divided into two groups: Group I (experimental
group; n = 20) and Group II (control group; n = 20).
They were administered the following tests initially
and after six weeks of therapy: The Revised Willoughby
Questionnaire and the Bernreuter S-S Self-Sufficiency
Inventory. Results: It is indeed not possible to arrive
at clear conclusions from this small study of only 20
patients in the experimental group. It is essential to
replicate this study with large numbers of patients.
At the same time it would be necessary to study the
biochemical aspects of stress, preferably the levels
of corticosteroids and catecholamines and note the
changes in these levels as a result of the administration
of Geriforte. If such a study is carried out and the
results obtained are found to be significant, the true
value of Geriforte in Stress would be doubly clear. We
hope to proceed in this direction. Till then we can only
say we have found Geriforte useful in the management
of stress.
Study 6: A Clinical Trial of Geriforte as an
Antistress Agent in Cancer Patient76
Aim: To study Geriforte, being a comprehensive
metabolic tonic and antistress therapy, as an antistress
agent in cancer patient. Materials and Methods: The
trial was conducted in two phases I and II. Phase I: A
total of 100 patients attending the Regional Centre for
Cancer Research and Treatment, Gwalior with proven
head and neck cancer and undergoing radiotherapy
were included. They were divided into two groups.
Trial A group of 50 patients was put on Geriforte tablets,
two tablets b.i.d. along with specific cancer therapy
502 Indian Journal of Clinical Practice, Vol. 22, No. 10, March 2012
(mostly radiotherapy). The other group of 50 cases
(Control A) was put on placebo therapy along with
specific cancer therapy. Phase II: Here 50 cases were
included in which either there was no lesion clinically
(CR), or good control (PR) was achieved after specific
cancer therapy (mostly radiotherapy). So Phase II was
a postradiotherapy phase. These 50 cases were again
divided into two groups. Trial B group of 25 cases were
put on Geriforte, two tablets b.i.d. without any other
therapy. The other group (Control B) also consisting of
done in both the phases after 4-5 weeks of therapy
(the usual radiation period), and after radiotherapy
also patients come for follow-up initially, after
4-5 weeks. Results: The results during radiotherapy
were encouraging and 60-66% showed improvement in
their general complaints. Due to the encouraging results
during radiotherapy we thought of trying it in the
postradiotherapy period also. We observed that these
patients responded as high as 88% to Geriforte therapy.
Conclusion: Cancer patients receiving Geriforte for a
long time felt much better. The feeling of fatigability
is reduced and capacity to work restored. Depression
gives way to cheerful optimism. Though these are
subjective feelings, a certain score was applied for
evaluation and the data could be analyzed numerically.
They prove that Geriforte is a significantly good tonic
without any side effects. Overall the cost is within the
reach of average patients coming from a poor socio-
economic group.
Study 7: Efficacy and Safety of a Polyherbal
Formulation in Geriatric Age Group: A Phase IV
Clinical Report77
Aim: To determine the efficacy as antioxidant and
safety profile of the polyherbal formulation in geriatric
patients of eastern India. Materials and Methods:
The study was double-blind, randomized including
placebo-controlled and was approved by the Ethical
Committee of SSKM Hospital. Geriatric patients
attending the OPD of SSKM Hospital formed the study
group. The patients were randomized to receive either
the polyherbal formulation or the identical-looking
placebo at a dose of two tablets b.i.d. for a period of
six months. Follow-up of patient status was done
monthly. Results: Significant rejuvenation of the
antioxidant property, which is determined by the
enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, superoxide
dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione
reductase, reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde,
in the geriatric patients were seen in patients treated
with Geriforte tablets as compared to patients in the

placebo and control group. There were no significant
adverse effects experienced by cases in any group.
Conclusion: The polyherbal formulation is effective
in rejuvenating geriatric age group compared to the
placebo. It is safe and compliance to the treatment was
good.
Conclusion
With advancing age, the elderly experience a gradual
deterioration in their physical, physiological and mental
health. In Ayurveda, a number of herbal formulations
and dietary schedules have been especially advocated
for the elderly in the hope of rejuvenating them
and preventing the many problems that come with
advancing age. The last few years have witnessed a
general revival of interest in such herbal drugs.
Geriforte, a polyherbal formulation is an ideal geriatric
tonic to solve the problems associated with aging.
Being a nonhormonal preparation, Geriforte can be
used safely. Its efficacy can be attributed to the
synergistic actions of the individual herbs.
The herbs in Geriforte also possess hepatoprotective,
renoprotective, rejuvenative properties. The antistress,
adaptogenic properties of Geriforte tablets retard
degenerative changes, and accelerate cellular
regeneration and repair. It helps delay the physiological
changes associated with aging, revives physical capacity,
raises the threshold of fatigue and promotes well-
being. It facilitates respiratory functions, and assists
cardiovascular functioning by improving circulation
and reducing raised lipid levels. It regulates fat and
carbohydrate metabolism, and improves appetite,
digestion and assimilation.
Geriforte contains various herbs with potent antioxidant
actions like , T. arjuna, W. somnifera,
A. racemosus, G. glabra, T. chebula, M. pruriens,
S. aromaticum, C. longa, C. intybus, S. nigrum, B. diffusa,
T. cordifolia, Tribulus terrestris which synergistically
correct and prevent the free radical-induced oxidative
damage to various organs and systems. Antioxidants
are intimately involved in the prevention of cellular
damage (the common pathway for cancer, aging and
a variety of diseases). They are molecules which safely
interact with free radicals and terminate the chain
reaction before vital molecules are damaged. The
antioxidant action of Geriforte tablets scavenges free
radicals and its immunomodulatory activity enhances
body immunity.
Based on the seven clinical studies reviewed, Geriforte
is found to be safe and effective in various geriatric
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conditions like stress and in improving the general
health. There were no adverse effects either clinically
or with hematological or biochemical evaluation in
the clinical studies. The compliance to the study was
good. Therefore, it may be concluded that Geriforte is
effective in stress and economical and is safe without
any adverse effects for short-term and long-term use
in the adequate sample size of the cases reviewed.
In addition, it provides a feeling of well-being, which
is always welcomed in aging population. As a whole,
Geriforte rejuvenate the entire body system and retards
various systemic changes associated with aging.
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