Analysis of Evaluation Parameters of the In-house and Marketed Samples of Rasayana Churna

Abstract

Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems constitute Indian traditional medicine. For these drugs, analysis of evaluation parameters is very important to ensure safety, quality, purity, stability and efficacy. The herbal drugs should also follow the protocol for standardisation as done for non-herbal formulations. The present paper involves an Ayurvedic formulation rasayana churna. Churna is a fine powder of the drug or drugs in Ayurveda system of medicine. It comprises of the dried powders of three rejuvenating drugs viz dried stem of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia Miers.), dried fruit of Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) and dried pericarp of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.). All these plants are used in rasayana therapy. Rasayana therapy is an important concept under Ayurveda. Rasayana Churna plays a very important role as an immunomodulator, rejuvenator, adaptogen, antioxidant and diuretic. Other important roles of rasayana churna involve elimination of toxins through urinary system and lowering the risk in kidney and cardiac disorders. The present study aims at analysis of the evaluation parameters of the in-house and marketed samples of rasayana churna such as morphological, microscopical, phytochemical, physicochemical, spectroscopical and biological evaluation parameters. The need of standardisation is evident because variations are obtained in the results. The highest berberine content is found in MRC (1.19 μg/ml). The highest phenolic content is found in MRC (64.29±2.91 mg GAE/g) and highest flavonoid content is found in MRC (18.99±0.40 mg QUE/g). Samples also showed good antioxidant activity and antiurolithiatic activity.