Pharmacognostical and physicochemical evaluation of Chitraka haritaki avaleha: A compound Ayurvedic formulation

Abstract

Chitraka Haritaki Avaleha is a Leha Kalpana (semisolid preparation of drugs, prepared with addition of jaggery and boiled with prescribed decoction) specifically indicated for oral use in treatment of nasal disorders in Ayurveda. It is also indicated in various disorders like Kshaya (Pthisis), Kasa (Cough), Peenasa (Chronic rhinitis/sinusitis), Krimi (Helminthiasis / Worm infestation), Arsha (Haemorrhoids), Swasa (Asthma/dyspnoea) and Agnimandhya (Digestive impairment). In this study, effort has been made to overcome from the controversy regarding ingredients in the finished product of Chitraka Haritaki Avaleha and attempted to standardize the final product as per guidelines of API. In present study it has been used in Nasa Arsha (Nasal Polyposis). The presence of tannins, parenchyma cells, fibers, starch grains, pollen grains, acicular and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, rosette crystals, stone cells etc. were the characteristic features observed in the microscopy of prepared formulation. Physicochemical analysis showed that Ash value was 2.5 % w/w, pH was 5.80, Loss on drying was 23.5 % w/w, Alcohol soluble extractive value was 69 %, Water soluble extractive value was 61 % and 97.49 % level of Total sugar in Chitraka Haritaki Avaleha.