CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF DUSHIVISHARI AGADA: AN AYURVEDIC HERBO-MINERAL FORMULATION TO COMBAT RESIDUAL TOXICITY

Abstract

Quality assessment of herbo-mineral formulations is having huge importance in order to justify their acceptability in modern system of medicine. In the present context, herbo-mineral preparations are having a vital role in health care systems, because these drugs are easily available at low cost, safe and people have faith in them. Dushivishari Agada is an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation comprising of Pippali (Piper longum Linn.), Dhyamaka (Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Wats.), Jatamamsi (Nardostachys jatamamsi (D.Don) DC.), Lodhra (Symplococus racemosa Roxb.), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum Maton.), Suvarchika (Salt petre), Kutannatum (Oroxylum indicum (L.) Benth. ex Kurz), Natam (Valeriana wallichii), Kushta (Saussurea lappa DC.), Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.), Chandana (Santalum album L.) and Gairika (Red Ochre Fe2O3) and is used to combat residual toxicity. Keeping above facts in mind it is aimed to standardize Dushivishari Agada employing standard testing protocol for AYUSH drugs. Physico-chemical studies like loss on drying at 105°C, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, alcohol soluble extractive, water soluble extractive; total fat, crude fibre, total carbohydrate, total protein and HPTLC were carried out as per the WHO guidelines, Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia and Indian Pharmacopoeia. Quality indicating physical and chemical tests was done and standard values for Dushivishari Agada were recorded. Standardization tests done on Dushivishari Agada helped in authenticating the polyherbal preparation and also in ensuring the quality of the same.