Quantitative determination of three constituents of rasayana churna (a classical ayurvedic formulation) by a reversed phase HPLC

Abstract

India has long tradition of using Ayurvedic medicines as therapeutic agent. In comparison to rapid growth of herbal market, export rate of traditional Indian medicine is quite insignificant. It might be due to lack of proper quality control measures of raw materials and formulation. So, it is essential to ensure quality, safety and efficacy of raw materials and formulation. Rasayana Churna is a classical Ayurvedic formulation, which comprises dried powders of three well known 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.) in equal proportion. It is used in Ayurveda as Rasayana to enhance general body resistance, promote longevity, as anti-stress and adaptogen. Therapeutic activity of Rasayana Churna may be attributed to cordifolioside A, diosgenin and gallic acid. Cordifolioside A is an active constituent of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia Miers.). Diosgenin is steroidal saponin present in Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) and gallic acid is a phenolic compound present in Amalaki (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.). Several research work have reported the quantitative estimation of active constituent in individual drug but no established method was found for quantitative analysis of Rasayana Churna. This is the first attempt ever regarding quantitative estimation of Rasayana Churna by RP-HPLC. Various validated methods were used for estimation of cordifolioside A, diosgenin and gallic acid. These RP-HPLC methods can be used for routine quality control of raw materials and Rasayana Churna.