Physico-Chemical Evaluation of Guduchyadi Kwatha for Instant Use: An Ayurvedic Herbal Formulation

Abstract

Introduction: Kwatha (decoction) preparations are one among commonest practiced Ayurvedic dosage forms, which are highly effective, but they are to be used when freshly prepared due to short shelf life (i.e. 1/2- 1 day), and they are often overlooked due to the preparation method and palatability. In present study, Guduchyadi Kwatha, a known Ayurvedic formulation used in Jwara (~pyrexia), was converted into a different dosage form for instant use by Rasakriya method (to convert into semi solid state), to make it easy to dispense, increase the shelf life, make it palatable, for dose fixation, etc. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate physico-chemical profile of fresh Guduchyadi Kwatha (GKF) and Guduchyadi Kwatha for instant use (GKI). Materials and Methods: Five batches of GKI and GKF were prepared and findings were systematically recorded. Organoleptic evaluation (Hedonic scale method) Physicochemical parameters (Loss on drying, Ash value, Acid insoluble ash, pH, Total solid content, Specific gravity, Water and Methanol soluble extractive, solubility and dissolution rate tests), High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) profile, and microbial over load were carried out. Results and Conclusion: Comparative organoleptic screening of GKF and GKI showed no major differences in color and smell. In GKF, pH value, total solid content, specific gravity, and surface tension were found as 6.0, 95.14%, 1.009 w/w and 27.19 dynes/cm respectively. In finished product (GKI), pH value, loss on drying, Ash value, water soluble and alcohol soluble extractives were obtained as 6.16, 1.93% w/w, 7.90% w/w, 63.69% w/w and 37.29% w/w respectively. No microbial overload was detected in the sample.