Evaluation of herbal formulation (capsule) containing Ashwagandha as a single herb with their nutritional value determination.

ABSTRACT

The most important challenges faced by herbal formulations arise because of their lack of complete evaluation. Evaluation is necessary to ensure quality and purity of the herbal product. For evaluation of capsule containing single herb various parameters were tested. These parameters for raw material include powder characteristic study, organoleptic, physicochemical, phytochemical parameters etc., and assay of active constituent. Parameters for finished product (capsule) include uniformity of weight, pH, moisture content, disintegration time and dissolution study. HPTLC study, heavy metal analysis, microbial analysis and Nutritional value were carried out as a part of evaluation. Results indicate that Ashwagandha capsule has passed through all organoleptic and physicochemical parameters. Active constituent was present in adequate amount in the Ashwagandha capsule. Data of HPTLC finger printing indicates that extract was derived from genuine plant or parts of the plant and also capsule contain the same extract. Concentration of lead, arsenic and cadmium in capsules passed the limit of heavy metal. Mercury was absent in capsule and in their extract. Capsules have <10 cfu/gm total bacterial count. Total yeast and mould was absent in capsules. The pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, P.aeruginosa and S.aureus were also absent in capsule.Carbohydrate, protein and cholesterol content for Ashwagadha capsule is 84.56%, 8.29% and 2.32% respectively. Data suggested that capsule and its extract were consistent with various identity, quality and purity parameters such as organoleptic characters, physico-chemical parameter, HPTLC fingerprinting, heavy metal and microbial analysis. Nutritional assessment of the each capsule indicates their dietary supplement value.