Physico-Chemical Evaluation of Guduchyadi Kwatha for Instant Use: An Ayurvedic Herbal Formulation.

Introduction: Kwatha (decoction) preparations are one among commonest practiced Ayurvedic dosage forms, which are highly effective, but they are to be used when freshly prepared due to short shelf life (i.e. 1/2- 1 day), and they are often overlooked due to the preparation method and palatability. In present study, Guduchyadi Kwatha, a known Ayurvedic formulation used in Jwara (~pyrexia), was converted into a different dosage form for instant use by Rasakriya method (to convert into semi solid state), to make it easy to dispense, increase the shelf life, make it palatable, for dose fixation, etc. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate physico-chemical profile of fresh Guduchyadi Kwatha (GKF) and Guduchyadi Kwatha for instant use (GKI). Materials and Methods: Five batches of GKI and GKF were prepared and findings were systematically recorded. Organoleptic evaluation (Hedonic scale method) Physicochemical parameters (Loss on drying, Ash value, Acid insoluble ash, pH, Total solid content, Specific gravity, Water and Methanol soluble extractive, solubility and dissolution rate tests), High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) profile, and microbial over load were carried out. Results and Conclusion: Comparative organoleptic screening of GKF and GKI showed no major differences in color and smell. In GKF, pH value, total solid content, specific gravity, and surface tension were found as 6.0, 95.14%, 1.009 w/w and 27.19 dynes/cm respectively. In finished product (GKI), pH value, loss on drying, Ash value, water soluble and alcohol soluble extractives were obtained as 6.16, 1.93% w/w, 7.90% w/w, 63.69% w/w and 37.29% w/w respectively. No microbial overload was detected in the sample.

Seasonal variations in physicochemical profi les of Guduchi Satva (starchy substance from Tinospora cordifolia [Willd.] Miers).

Guduchi Satva (GS), the starchy material extracted from the Guduchi stem is well-known Ayurvedic single drug formulation having a wide range of therapeutic utility. Species of the plant, stem size, collection time, season and maturity of the plant may affect the yield and physico-chemical profi le of GS. However, published data on such variations is lacking. Considering this, present study is planned to screen seasonal variations in physico-chemical profi le of GS. 18 batches of GS were prepared in six different seasons (3 batches in each season) and fi ndings were systematically recorded. The obtained Satva was further subjected to relevant physico-chemical parameters. Principal component analysis method was adopted to analyze variations. Maximum yield of Satva was obtained in Shishira Ritu (January-February) while the minimum in Grishma (May-June). Variation in taste and color was found in Satva prepared in Varsha Ritu. All functional groups were found to be same in each season. Total alkaloidal contents found bit higher in Varsha and Vasanta. More residual x-variance in alcohol soluble extract and more leverage were observed in water soluble extract due to impact of seasonal spells.

Immunomodulatory activity of guduchi ghana (aqueous extract of tinospora cordifolia miers).

In the present work, Guduchi Ghana (concentrated form of aqueous extract of Guduchi) was prepared according to the method described in classical text – Sidhdha Yoga Samgraha and the other sample of aqueous extract was purchased from the market for the assessment of the immunomodulatory activity. It was done by haemagglutination antibody titre method for humoral immunity and footpad swelling method for cell mediated immunity on wistar albino rats. Results of present studies suggest that Guduchi Ghana prepared by classically was found to possess significant immunostimulatory action on immune system but market sample of it exhibited significant immunosuppression effect in dose dependent manner when compare with control group at a dose of 50 mg/kg orally.

Comparitive Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Evaluation of Brihat and Laghu Gokshur.

Laghu Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) and Brihat Gokshur (Pedalium murex) are well known drugs used in Ayurveda as diuretics. These are classified under mishrak varga as ‘Dashmoola’ in Ayurveda and in chemotaxonomy as Saponin glycosides. The objective of the work is to find out the diagnostic tool to identify the two varieties of Gokshur. The powder was studied for macroscopic, microscopic and physicochemical parameters. For HPTLC Stationary phase was Pre-coated silica gel GF 254 and mobile phase was Toluene: Ethyl acetate: Formic acid (7:2:1 v/v/v). The plate was scanned and quantified at 254 nm for Diosgenin.Results shows that microscopic characters like trichomes, stomata and crystals show some difference in the two varieties while physicochemical parameters show difference in extractive values. Phytochemical screening also shows similar findings. HPTLC analysis carried out using Diosgenin as reference standard revealed the presence of steroidal Saponin “Diosgenin”. Quantitative estimation for Saponins found marked variation in the two varieties, where Laghu gokshur had 16% of Saponins while Brihat gokshur had 13% Saponins. The study can be used as a diagnostic tool for identification of these two varieties of Gokshur.

Critical review on the pharmaceutical vistas of Lauha Kalpas (Iron formulations).

Iron is one among the major metals present in the earth’s crust and is essential for sound sustenance of human body. Its defi ciency leads to various health ailments. Contemporary medicine advises iron supplements in iron defi ciency anemia. Ayurvedic classics also quote signifi cant information about administration of iron. Lauha Kalpas are the unique compound herbo-mineral formulations where iron (Lauha) is used as a major ingredient. Relevant literature (Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Charaka Samhita, Rasendra Sara Samgraha etc.) reviewed to gather information about Lauha Kalpas. Critical analysis of these Lauha Kalpas reveals that ancient seers administered iron in a better acceptable form. Unlike popular understanding these are not only Khalviya preparations; but Churna (powders), Avaleha (confectionaries), Rasakriya (solidifi ed decoctions), and Putapaka (incinerated) form of preparations are also found. Apart from solid dosage forms, semisolid dosage forms mentioned in classics are very much useful. Unfortunately most of the formulations are not found in the market. Hence Pharmaceutical fi rms may bring these unique dosage forms in to the market to supply the healthcare needs of the community. It is interesting that iron preparations are used in Ayurveda in different medical conditions apart from anemia (Pandu). This leaves a scope for further researches on different dosage forms of iron and their indications.

Evaluation of immunomodulatory activity of “Shirishavaleha”–An Ayurvedic compound formulation in albino rats.

The immunomodulatory activity of Shirishavaleha prepared from two different parts of Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck Benth), i.e., Twak (Bark) and Sara (Heartwood) as main ingredients was evaluated for humoral antibody formation and cell-mediated immunity in established experimental models. The study used Wistar rats of either sex weighing 200 ± 40 g, while the test drug was administered orally at a dose of 1.8 g/kg. Hemagglutination titer and body weight were recorded to assess effects on humoral immunity; immunological paw edema was assessed for cell-mediated immunity. Shirishavaleha prepared from heartwood shows significant enhancement in antibody formation, attenuation of body weight changes, and suppression of immunological paw edema, while Shirishavaleha prepared from bark shows weak immunomodulatory activity. The study therefore concludes that Shirishavaleha prepared from heartwood has significant immunomodulatory activity.

Therapeutic potentials of metals in ancient India: A review through Charaka Samhita.

The Ayurvedic system of medicine has stood the test of time for four millennia or more. The ancient seers found that drugs of different origin (herbal, metal or animal) in addition to codes of conduct and dietary regulations are suitable tools to maintain health in healthy and eradicating diseases in diseased. Use of metallic preparations in healthcare is a unique feature in this system. Processed metals including Mercury, Gold, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Copper etc. were used very frequently by seers of the Indian tradition in different disease conditions with great authority. It is generally claimed, that these metals are detoxified during the highly complex manufacturing processes described in Ayurvedic, especially Rasashastra texts. Charaka Samhita, one of the scheduled books of Ayurveda also holds ample of references regarding the use of metals for different purposes, which are summarized in the current paper.