RESUMO
Bhasmas are unique Ayurvedic-metallic preparations with herbal juices/fruits, widely recommended to treat variety of chronic ailments. Trivanga bhasma, a calcinated preparation, is used to treat Diabetes mellitus and as Diuretic. In the present research an attempt has been made to carry out a comparative standardization of formulated Trivanga bhasma [TB1] prepared as per Ayurvedic formulary and marketed Trivanga bhasma [TB2] integrating conventional and modern analytical tools. The formulations were evaluated for physical properties, chemical characterization using FTIR, AAS, SEM, TGA, XRD and AFM along with anti-diabetic, diuretic and toxicology studies. The X-ray Diffraction analysis of both formulations exhibited crystalline nature and nano-sized particles by Scherrer's equation. In SEM studies, Lead, zinc and tin oxides show well-defined plate like structures while TB1 showed spongy, relatively compact microcrystalline aggregates with loss of grain boundaries. AFM analysis confirmed the spherical morphology of TB1 and TB2 with an average particle size of 500 nm. The present study is the first report of fingerprinting of Trivanga bhasma using sophisticated analytical techniques. In vivo pharmacological screening revealed that both TB1 and TBK2 possess anti-diabetic and diuretic activity and less toxicity, thereby facilitating standardization of Trivanga bhasma
RESUMO
Ayurvedic preparations achieved paramount importance in contemporary life owing to the safety and efficacy when compared with those of synthetic drugs. But due to lack of proper standardization at each stage from starting to culmination results in inferior quality and less demand. Saraswataristam, a fermented ayurvedic preparation, has been employed for treating central nervous system disorders and dermatological problems. Saraswataristam, containing Centella asiatica [L] urban [Umbelliferae] as the major ingredient is prepared as per the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeial specifications, characterized and standardized for determining the quality, safety and efficacy of herbs used in it. Saraswataristam was prepared and subjected to phytochemical screening by FTIR analysis and HPTLC fingerprinting, heavy metal determination by AAS, determination of alcohol content, test for E. coli, S. aureus, aerobic bacteria, yeasts and mould, oral toxicity studies and anti-epileptic activity by MES method. The physico-chemical studies showed total ash content as 1.1%, extractive values and some trace elements such as Lead, Mercury, Cadmium and Arsenic with 3.1, 0.047, 0.17 and 0.46 ppm respectively and all values are found within the acceptable limits specified by WHO. FTIR and HPTLC studies showed the presence of asiaticoside in Saraswataristam, resulting in its chemical standardization. The formulation showed signs of dose dependent significant [P<0.001] reduction in various episodes of epileptic seizures in comparison with standard phenytoin, thereby making it biologically standardized. The physico-chemical and pharmacological analysis to standardize Saraswataristam confirmed its use as a safe anti-epileptic ayurvedic formulation.