Effect of container on ayurvedic drugs – a select study

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Effect of container on ayurvedic drugs – a select study
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:

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Author:

A. Saraswathy, Rukmani Sundaresan, S. Joy, R. Hamsaveni Gopal


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: Effect of container on ayurvedic drugs – a select study

Year: 2004

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The study investigates the effect of different containers on the stability of four Ayurvedic preparations: Hingvatsaka Curna, Brahmi Ghrta, Dasamula Kvatha Curna, and Ajamodarka. Utilizing various packaging materials, the research assesses both physical and microbiological changes over a six-month storage period. The choice of container is crucial as it directly impacts the preservation and shelf-life of these Ayurvedic drugs, as supported by historical texts that outline suitable storage methods for different formulations.

Stability Assessment of Brahmi Ghrta

One significant finding of the study is the instability of Brahmi Ghrta when stored in various glass containers. The experimental results indicated that the preparation exhibited rancidity as early as the second month in both glass bottles exposed to light and amber colored bottles. Furthermore, the sample stored in a dark glass container displayed rancidity by the fourth month as well. This rapid onset of rancidity highlights the vulnerability of Brahmi Ghrta to spoilage and underscores the necessity for developing improved storage techniques to maintain the quality of this Ayurvedic preparation.

Conclusion

The research concluded that Hingvatsaka Curna demonstrated consistent stability for a minimum of six months, attributed to the inclusion of saindava lavana in its formulation. Conversely, Dasamula Kvatha Curna showed rapid insect infestation when stored in polythene and glass bottles within a few months, likely due to the lack of sterilization in its preparation. Overall, the study emphasizes the critical role of appropriate packing materials in preserving the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic drugs, particularly with regard to preventing rancidity and microbial contamination. Further exploration into preserving the quality of Brahmi Ghrta and potential alternatives for packaging are suggested to enhance its stability.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the main focus of the study on Ayurvedic drugs?

The study focused on the effect of different packing materials on the stability and quality of four Ayurvedic drugs: Hingvatsaka Curna, Brahmi ghrta, Dasamula Kvatha Curna, and Ajamodarka.

How long did Hingvatsaka Curna remain stable in the study?

Hingvatsaka Curna was found to keep well for at least six months, with no microbial growth detected throughout the entire study period.

What were the findings regarding Brahmi ghrta's stability?

Brahmi ghrta showed rancidity by the second month when stored in glass or amber bottles. It became rancid even when kept in the dark by the fourth month.

What issues were observed with Dasamula Kvatha Curna during storage?

Dasamula Kvatha Curna showed insect presence starting from the third month, significantly affecting the stability and indicating spoilage in the packaging materials used.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Effect of container on ayurvedic drugs – a select study”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Curna (Cūrṇa, Curnā):
Curna refers to a powdered form of Ayurvedic preparation made from herbal ingredients. It plays a vital role in Ayurvedic medicine, where the powdered herbs are believed to retain and enhance the therapeutic properties, making them easier to digest and absorb, thus providing the intended health benefits.

2) Glass:
Glass is a common material used for storing Ayurvedic drugs. In the study, it was highlighted that drugs stored in glass containers were analyzed for stability and shelf-life, as glass does not react with the compounds inside, helping preserve the integrity and quality of the formulations.

3) Brahmi (Brāhmī):
Brahmi, scientifically known as Bacopa monnieri, is a revered herb in Ayurveda known for its cognitive-enhancing properties. In the study, Brahmi Ghrta, which contains Brahmi, was evaluated for its stability; the study assists in understanding how this herb maintains its efficacy in various storage conditions.

4) Ghrita (Ghṛta):
Ghrta is a ghee-based medicinal preparation in Ayurveda, often infused with herbs like Brahmi. It is known for its nourishing and therapeutic properties. The study of Brahmi Ghrta's stability provides insights into how ghee can preserve the active compounds in Ayurvedic formulations over time.

5) Dashamula (Dasha-mula, Daśamūla, Dashan-mula):
Dasamula refers to a classical Ayurvedic formulation made from ten roots, often used for its rejuvenating and strength-enhancing properties. In the study, Dasamula Kvatha Curna was examined for stability, highlighting its importance in traditional medicine for treating various ailments and maintaining health.

6) Drug:
In this context, drug refers to the Ayurvedic formulations being studied, including Hingvatsaka Curna and others. The research investigates how different storage containers affect the stability and efficacy of these drugs, providing crucial insights into their preservation and optimal usage in treatments.

7) Dashamulakvatha (Daśamūlakvātha, Dashamula-kvatha):
Dasamula-kvatha is a preparation derived from Dasamula, a combination of ten roots. This kvatha (decoction) is significant in Ayurveda, offering various health benefits. The study's findings on its storage conditions shed light on maintaining its quality and effectiveness as a medicinal form.

8) Kvatha (Kvātha):
Kvatha is a traditional Ayurvedic preparation method involving boiling herbs in water to extract their medicinal properties. The study focuses on Dasamula Kvatha, examining how this method influences stability and quality, emphasizing the need for proper preparation and storage techniques in herbal medicine.

9) Insect:
Insects are a potential contaminant in stored Ayurvedic drugs, as noted in the study. The presence of insects during stability testing signifies the importance of proper storage conditions to prevent spoilage and maintain the efficacy of herbal formulations, which can be adversely affected by pests.

10) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine originating from India, emphasizing a holistic approach to health and wellness. The study conducted on various Ayurvedic formulations highlights the relevance of traditional knowledge in drug preparation and the significance of container materials on drug stability.

11) Quality:
Quality in the context of this study refers to the efficacy, safety, and stability of Ayurvedic drugs over time. Evaluating how different containers impact the quality of formulations such as Hingvatsaka Curna provides essential information for practitioners aiming to provide safe and effective treatments.

12) Lavana (Lavaṇa, Lavaṇā):
Lavana, meaning salt in Sanskrit, is one of the ingredients in Hingvatsaka Curna. Its presence plays a crucial role in enhancing flavor and possibly preserving the formulation. The study's findings on the Curna's stability underscore the importance of traditional ingredients and their preservative properties.

13) Solanum indicum:
Solanum indicum, also known as the black nightshade, is one of the ten roots used in the Dasamula formulation. Its inclusion enhances the therapeutic benefits of the preparation. Understanding its stability within the formulation can guide practitioners in optimizing herbal medicines derived from complex mixtures.

14) Desmodium gangeticum:
Desmodium gangeticum, or 'Salap' in Ayurvedic terms, is utilized in the Dasamula preparation. Its medicinal qualities contribute to the overall efficacy of the formulation, and studying its behavior during stability tests can provide insights into the preservation of Ayurvedic preparations containing this herb.

15) Tribulus terrestris:
Tribulus terrestris, commonly known as 'Goksura', is a prominent herb in Ayurveda known for its rejuvenating properties. The stability analysis in the study of Dasamula Kvatha highlights the importance of this herb's preservation within Ayurvedic formulations for effective therapeutic use.

16) Oroxylum indicum:
Oroxylum indicum is a tree whose roots are included in the Dasamula formulation. Recognized for its health benefits, studying its role in stability tests aids in understanding how various parts of the plant contribute to the overall quality and preservation of Ayurvedic preparations.

17) Agnimantha (Agni-mantha, Agnimamtha):
Agnimantha is one of the plants in the Dasamula group, known in Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties, particularly in treating conditions related to 'Vata'. The study's exploration of its stability contributes to the knowledge of how such herbs maintain their efficacy in blended formulations.

18) Prishniparni (Pṛśniparṇī, Prishni-parni, Pṛṣṇiparṇī):
Prsniparni, a medicinal herb in Ayurveda, is part of the Dasamula formulation. The research into its stability within the formulation aids in confirming the effectiveness of the herb, emphasizing the importance of careful preparation and storage to maintain its health benefits.

19) Discussion:
Discussion in the context of the study involves the interpretation of results regarding the stability of Ayurvedic drugs in different containers. It highlights the implications of findings for practitioners and the relevance of traditional practices in preserving the quality of herbal medicines.

20) Kantakari (Kaṇṭakārī, Kamtakari, Kantakāri):
Kantakari is another key component of Dasamula, recognized for its medicinal properties in treating respiratory issues. Evaluating its role in maintaining the formulation's stability provides essential insights into how individual herbs contribute to the integrity of complex Ayurvedic medicines.

21) Medicine:
Medicine in this context refers to the classical Ayurvedic formulations under study, aimed at promoting health and treating ailments. The findings regarding stability and quality are significant for ensuring these medicines meet safety and efficacy standards in Ayurvedic practice.

22) Ajamoda (Ajamodā, Aja-moda):
Ajamoda, or ajamodA, is another important herb utilized in the study, known for its digestive benefits. The stability of Ajamodarka, a liquid preparation made from this herb, was evaluated, providing crucial insights for its preservation and effective medicinal use in Ayurveda.

23) Kashmari (Kāśmarī):
Kasmari is a plant included in the Dasamula preparation, valued for its medicinal properties. The study's investigation of its stability helps in understanding how it behaves in combination with other herbs, ensuring that the therapeutic effects are preserved during storage.

24) Shyonaka (Śyonāka, Śyoṇāka, Syonāka):
Syonaka is one of the herbs in the Dasamula mixture, appreciated for its health benefits. The analysis of its stability contributes to the understanding of how effective the combined formulation remains, thus guiding practitioners in the use of blended Ayurvedic preparations.

25) Gokshura (Gokṣura, Go-kshura):
Goksura, or Tribulus terrestris, is known for its health-enhancing properties in Ayurveda. Its stability in formulations like Dasamula is significant, as this ensures that the beneficial qualities of this herb are maintained in therapeutic applications over time.

26) Science (Scientific):
Science, in this context, refers to the systematic study and experimentation conducted on Ayurvedic formulations. The rigorous approach taken in analyzing the stability of these drugs reflects the application of scientific methodology in understanding traditional medicine's efficacy and safety.

27) Siddha (Siddhā):
Siddha is a traditional system of medicine in Tamil Nadu, closely related to Ayurveda. The research draws parallels between both systems, emphasizing the significance of understanding medicinal formulations and their qualities under different storage conditions to enhance healing practices.

28) Patala (Pāṭalā, Paṭala, Pātāla, Pāṭala, Pātala):
Patala, a traditional medicinal plant, is part of the Dasamula formulation. Its role in the stability study helps in validating the inclusion of various components in Ayurvedic preparations, ensuring that the desired health benefits are preserved throughout the storage period.

29) Brihati (Bṛhatī):
Brhati, another herb in the Dasamula mix, is known in Ayurveda for its therapeutic applications. The research emphasizes the importance of studying individual components in a preparation to guarantee that their medicinal qualities are retained over time.

30) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants and their properties. In the context of this study, it underscores the importance of proper identification and understanding of the herbal ingredients used in Ayurvedic formulations, which is essential for quality control and therapeutic effectiveness.

31) Bilva (Bilvā, Vilva, Vilvā):
Bilva, also known as Aegle marmelos, is included in the Dasamula formulation for its health benefits. The analysis of its stability aids in confirming the herbal properties that contribute to the overall effectiveness of a compound Ayurvedic preparation, highlighting the need for careful storage.

32) Aroma (A-roma):
Aroma refers to the smell associated with herbal formulations, significantly affecting their appeal and therapeutic properties. In the study, the aroma of Brahmi Ghrta is noted, signifying the importance of sensory qualities in evaluating the overall quality of Ayurvedic medicines.

33) Water:
Water is a fundamental component in preparing Ayurvedic decoctions like kvathas. The research illustrates its critical role in the extraction of bioactive compounds and highlights the significance of using pure water to ensure the quality and efficacy of herbal preparations.

34) Anna (Aṇṇa, Aññā, Añña, Ānna, Aṉṉa, Aṉṉā):
Anna, meaning food in Sanskrit, reflects the holistic approach of Ayurveda towards health. The study underscores the relationship between Ayurvedic drugs and diet, emphasizing that the quality and preservation of medicinal formulations are integral to overall wellness in Ayurvedic practice.

Other Science Concepts:

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