Khadirashtaka Kashaya: Preliminary pharmacognostical evaluation.

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Preliminary pharmacognostical and physicochemical evaluation of khadirashtaka kashaya (yavakuta)
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Author:

Chandani Goswami, Prof. Mahesh Vyas, Harisha C. R., V. J. Shukla and Bharat Bhadiyadra


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Preliminary pharmacognostical and physicochemical evaluation of khadirashtaka kashaya (yavakuta)

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201712-9757

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


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Summary of article contents:

1. Introduction

The article presents a preliminary pharmacognostical and physicochemical evaluation of Khadirashtaka Kashaya, a traditional Ayurvedic formulation. This compound is primarily used for treating skin diseases, including Kushtha Vyadhi, Visarp Roga, and measles, as elaborated in ancient texts like Yogaratnakara, Gadanighraha, and Bhaishajya Ratnavali. The formulation comprises eight key herbs known for their therapeutic benefits. Recent changes in dietary habits and lifestyle have led to increased skin disorders, necessitating a reassessment of traditional treatments. The study aims to authenticate the qualities of Khadirashtaka Kashaya through detailed pharmacognostical analysis and standard physico-chemical assessments.

2. Pharmacognostical Evaluation

The pharmacognostical evaluation of Khadirashtaka Kashaya involved the identification and authentication of its constituent herbal materials, which were sourced from both the university's pharmacy department and local forests. The study focused on the morphological features and organoleptic characteristics of the crude drugs. Microscopic analysis revealed a range of identifiable features in the powdered form, including rhomboidal crystals from Khadira, oil globules from Nimba, and distinct structures from other ingredients like Guduchi and Bibhitaki. These findings support the authenticity of the formulation and confirm that it aligns with the traditional descriptions of the individual herbs used.

3. Physico-Chemical Analysis

The physicochemical evaluation assessed various parameters such as loss on drying, ash value, pH, and extraction capacity in both water and methanol. The study found that the loss on drying was 5.35% w/w and the pH of a 5% solution was 6.5, indicating the formulation's stability and acceptability. The analysis also highlighted the mean particle consistency, demonstrating that 79.98% of the powder was moderately coarse, which is relevant for its efficacy and preparation. These results are key to establishing quality control measures for Ayurvedic formulations and provide a baseline for future studies.

4. HPTLC Profiling

High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) analysis was conducted to identify and quantify the chemical constituents of Khadirashtaka Kashaya. The HPTLC profiles indicated the presence of distinct compounds at specific Rf values under different wavelengths, with the chromatogram showing two observable peaks at 254 nm and 366 nm. This analytical technique is instrumental in the separation and identification of herbal components, thus facilitating further research into the active constituents responsible for the therapeutic effects of this formulation.

5. Conclusion

The pharmacognostical and physicochemical studies confirm the quality and authenticity of Khadirashtaka Kashaya and its individual components. The results validate traditional Ayurvedic practices while also providing a scientific basis for quality assurance in herbal formulations. Although the research lays a foundation for standardization, it emphasizes the need for additional investigations to completely characterize the active compounds within Khadirashtaka Kashaya. The findings serve as a reference for future studies aimed at enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of Ayurvedic medicines.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is Khadirashtaka Kashaya used for?

Khadirashtaka Kashaya is an Ayurvedic formulation primarily used to treat skin diseases such as Kushtha Vyadhi, Visarp Roga, and Masoorika, supporting skin health through its therapeutic properties.

What are the key ingredients in Khadirashtaka Kashaya?

Khadirashtaka Kashaya contains several ingredients, including Khadira, Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Aamalaki, Nimba, Patola, Guduchi, and Vasa, each contributing to its efficacy in treating skin disorders.

How was Khadirashtaka Kashaya prepared in the study?

The preparation involved using prescribed ratios of the ingredients, which were powdered and stored in hygienic conditions, adhering to classical Ayurvedic methods.

What were the findings from the pharmacognostical evaluation?

The pharmacognostical evaluation confirmed the authenticity and quality of all ingredients used, with distinct morphological and microscopic features observed in the formulation.

What were the results of the physico-chemical analysis?

The physico-chemical analysis indicated parameters such as loss on drying (5.35%), ash value (8.07%), and pH (6.5), all within normal ranges, validating the formulation's quality.

What does the study conclude about Khadirashtaka Kashaya?

The study concludes that Khadirashtaka Kashaya meets minimum qualitative standards for its ingredients, although further research is needed to identify active chemical constituents for therapeutic validation.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Khadirashtaka Kashaya: Preliminary pharmacognostical evaluation.”. 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) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya refers to a decoction in Ayurveda, a form of extraction that involves boiling herbal substances in water to extract their medicinal properties. It is significant as it forms the basis for many Ayurvedic formulations aimed at treating various health conditions, particularly those involving skin diseases.

2) Drug:
A drug is a substance used for medical treatment, especially to cure or alleviate diseases. In the context of Ayurveda, drugs often comprise natural ingredients derived from plants, minerals, or other sources, emphasizing the holistic approach of Ayurveda in maintaining and restoring health.

3) Powder:
The term powder denotes a finely ground form of herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine, facilitating easier consumption and digestion. Powdered herbal preparations, known as 'Churna', are essential for creating various formulations, including Kashaya, allowing effective extraction of beneficial compounds.

4) Study (Studying):
A study in this context means a systematic investigation into the pharmacognostical and physicochemical properties of Khadirashtaka Kashaya. Such studies are fundamental for ensuring the quality, efficacy, and authenticity of Ayurvedic formulations, which are vital for safe and effective medical practices.

5) Pharmacognostical:
Pharmacognostical pertains to the study of medicinal drugs derived from plants, emphasizing their identification, characterization, and quality control. This field is critical in Ayurveda to ensure that herbal preparations meet standards for efficacy and safety, thus upholding the integrity of traditional medicinal practices.

6) Khadira:
Khadira, or Acacia catechu, is an important medicinal plant known for its therapeutic properties, particularly in treating skin-related diseases. Its inclusion in Khadirashtaka Kashaya illustrates its role in Ayurveda for purifying blood and alleviating conditions classified under Kushtha.

7) Nimba:
Nimba, or Azadirachta indica, is acclaimed for its health benefits, particularly in treating skin disorders. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties contribute to the effectiveness of Ayurvedic formulations, making it a crucial ingredient in Khadirashtaka Kashaya for managing diseases like Kushtha.

8) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kushtha refers to skin diseases in Ayurveda, a category encompassing various dermatological conditions. The understanding and treatment of Kushtha are pivotal within Ayurvedic medicine, showcasing the system's focus on restoring skin health through the use of traditional formulations like Khadirashtaka Kashaya.

9) Patola:
Patola, or Trichosanthes cucumerina, is incorporated in Ayurvedic preparations for its medicinal properties. Known for its therapeutic benefits in detoxifying the body, Patola's presence in Khadirashtaka Kashaya highlights the synergy of multiple herbs for treating skin ailments and promoting overall wellness.

10) Table:
In this document, the table presents organized data regarding the composition and analysis of Khadirashtaka Kashaya. Tables are a vital tool in scientific research, as they help convey complex information concisely, allowing for clear comparisons and a better understanding of study findings.

11) Gujarat:
Gujarat is a state in India known for its rich Ayurvedic heritage, housing renowned institutions of Ayurvedic learning. The reference to Gujarat emphasizes the cultural and historical significance of traditional medicine within the Indian context, including the study of formulations like Khadirashtaka Kashaya.

12) Haritaki:
Haritaki, or Terminalia chebula, is a well-regarded medicinal fruit in Ayurveda, utilized for its diverse health benefits, particularly in digestion and detoxification. Its inclusion in Khadirashtaka Kashaya showcases its role in enhancing the effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatments for various diseases.

13) Disease:
Disease refers to any disruption in the normal functioning of the body that results in illness. In Ayurveda, understanding the root cause of diseases such as Kushtha allows practitioners to create balanced treatments, emphasizing holistic healing and the restoration of bodily harmony.

14) Tikta:
Tikta means bitter in Sanskrit and pertains to one of the six tastes in Ayurveda. It plays a crucial role in formulations, as bitter ingredients are believed to purify the blood and support digestive health, essential for addressing skin disorders like those treated with Khadirashtaka Kashaya.

15) Vasa (Vasha):
Vasa, or Adhatoda vasica, is recognized for its medicinal uses, particularly in respiratory and skin conditions. Its role in Khadirashtaka Kashaya underscores its significance in Ayurvedic practices, contributing to the formula's efficacy in treating diseases categorized under Kushtha.

16) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient holistic system of medicine that emphasizes balance among body, mind, and spirit. It seeks to maintain health through natural remedies, dietary practices, and lifestyle adjustments, making it crucial for forms of treatment like Khadirashtaka Kashaya.

17) Bitter:
Bitter, or Tikta, is one of the primary Ayurvedic tastes associated with detoxification and digestive improvement. Its significance lies in the therapeutic effects it brings to formulations, particularly those targeting skin diseases, enhancing the overall efficacy of treatments.

18) Water:
Water is a vital solvent in Ayurveda, used for extracting the medicinal properties of herbs in processes such as decoction. Its role in preparing Khadirashtaka Kashaya highlights the importance of hydration and solvent properties in traditional Ayurvedic formulations.

19) Visarpa:
Visarpa refers to a specific type of skin disease characterized by inflammation, often associated with infections in Ayurveda. Recognizing varied presentations of skin conditions like Visarpa is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective formulation of treatments targeting these ailments.

20) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard of the raw materials and formulations used in Ayurvedic medicine. Ensuring high-quality ingredients in Khadirashtaka Kashaya is crucial to maintain efficacy and safety, emphasizing the importance of pharmacognostical evaluation in traditional practices.

21) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa means taste or essence in Ayurveda, representing one of the foundational concepts for understanding herbal properties and their effects on the body. The concept of Rasa plays a critical role in formulating effective Ayurvedic treatments like Khadirashtaka Kashaya.

22) Bhaishajya (Bhaisajya):
Bhaishajya translates to medicine in Sanskrit and refers to the therapeutic substances used in Ayurvedic practices. The creation and utilization of Bhaishajya formulations, such as Khadirashtaka Kashaya, demonstrate the intricate knowledge of natural remedies in addressing health issues.

23) Discussion:
Discussion is a critical component of scientific research, analyzing and interpreting findings from studies. In the context of this research, the discussion emphasizes the implications of pharmacognostical and physicochemical evaluations for refining Ayurvedic practices and ensuring quality control of formulations.

24) Activity:
Activity refers to the biological effects or therapeutic benefits provided by herbal ingredients. Understanding the activity of constituents in Khadirashtaka Kashaya is vital for substantiating its efficacy against skin ailments, showcasing the dynamic interplay between herbs and health outcomes.

25) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiated refers to the impairment or imbalance within the body's systems, often resulting in diseases. In Ayurveda, recognizing vitiated conditions is crucial for prescribing treatments that aim to restore equilibrium, as seen in formulations like Khadirashtaka Kashaya targeting Kushtha.

26) Samhita:
Samhita refers to an ancient collection of Ayurvedic texts that compile knowledge about health, diseases, and treatments. The reference to Samhita underscores the traditional foundation upon which Ayurvedic practices, including those related to Khadirashtaka Kashaya, are built.

27) Rakta:
Rakta, translated as 'blood', plays a pivotal role in Ayurveda as it is associated with circulation and nourishment of body tissues. Understanding the functions and disorders of Rakta is crucial for formulating treatments like Khadirashtaka Kashaya aimed at skin diseases.

28) Dhatu:
Dhatu refers to the primary tissues within the body, which are fundamental for maintaining health. In Ayurveda, the balance and functioning of Dhatu are essential for overall wellness, hence understanding them is crucial when analyzing formulations like Khadirashtaka Kashaya.

29) India:
India is significant as the birthplace of Ayurveda, a system with extensive historical and cultural roots in traditional medicine. The study of Khadirashtaka Kashaya within the Indian context highlights the country's rich heritage in herbal medicinal practices aiming at holistic health.

30) Blood:
Blood is a critical bodily fluid involved in transportation of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products. In Ayurveda, its quality and balance are important for overall health, directly impacting treatments for conditions such as Kushtha addressed through formulations like Khadirashtaka Kashaya.

31) Roga:
Roga translates to disease in Sanskrit and refers to any pathological condition impacting the body. In Ayurveda, understanding Roga classifications is fundamental for accurate diagnosis and treatment, as seen in approaches to cure conditions like Kushtha with formulations.

32) Food:
Food is a central theme in Ayurveda, impacting health through dietary habits and nutritional balance. Improper food combinations can lead to vitiated doshas, contributing to health issues; hence, the significance of diet is inherent in the treatment of diseases like those managed with Khadirashtaka Kashaya.

33) Human body:
The human body, in Ayurvedic philosophy, is viewed as a complex interplay of physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. Understanding this holistic view is crucial for practitioners when designing treatment strategies, such as with Khadirashtaka Kashaya, to promote overall wellness.

34) Kushthaghna (Kusthaghna):
Kusthaghna indicates herbal medications that specifically target skin diseases or Kushta. Understanding the Kusthaghna properties of specific ingredients in Khadirashtaka Kashaya is vital in Ayurvedic practices as they offer focused therapeutic benefits against skin-related health issues.

35) Performance:
Performance in a scientific context often refers to the efficacy and impact of various interventions or substances. Evaluating the performance of Khadirashtaka Kashaya in treating specific diseases assures that the formulation effectively meets health improvement objectives.

36) Observation:
Observation in research is crucial for gathering data and insights. Detailed observation in the pharmacognostical study of Khadirashtaka Kashaya ensures accurate identification and assessment of the quality, purity, and effectiveness of the herbal ingredients used in formulations.

37) Triphala (Tri-phala):
Triphala, a well-known Ayurvedic formulation made from three fruits, is praised for its comprehensive health benefits. It aids detoxification and digestion, illustrating the integral role of such herbal combinations in traditional medicine for holistic restoration of the body's functions.

38) Medicine:
Medicine in the context of Ayurveda refers to both the practice of healing and the substances used for treatment. Traditional Ayurvedic medicines, including formulations like Khadirashtaka Kashaya, aim to restore balance and health through natural, holistic approaches.

39) Samgraha (Sangraha):
Sangraha refers to the collection or compilation of Ayurvedic knowledge and treatments. Important Ayurvedic texts demonstrate the wisdom of mixing various herbs and formulations, such as Khadirashtaka Kashaya, showcasing the significance of comprehension in effective medicinal practices.

40) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygienic practices in Ayurveda stress the importance of cleanliness and safe preparation methods to enhance the effectiveness and safety of medicinal formulations. Adhering to hygienic protocols in the preparation of Khadirashtaka Kashaya guarantees a high standard of quality and efficacy.

41) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the ancient language of India and is significant in Ayurveda as most classical texts, formulations, and terminologies are documented in this language. Mastery of Sanskrit allows practitioners to access and understand the profound body of Ayurvedic knowledge imparted through centuries.

42) Madhura:
Madhura translates to sweet and is one of the six tastes in Ayurveda, crucial for balancing doshas. Incorporating Madhura taste in formulations like Khadirashtaka Kashaya not only enhances palatability but also provides therapeutic effects complementary to treatment of diseases.

43) Harisha (Harisa):
Harisha typically refers to individuals knowledgeable and skilled in Ayurvedic practices. Such practitioners are vital in translating ancient wisdom into contemporary health solutions, particularly in the formulation and application of treatments like Khadirashtaka Kashaya.

44) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha means dry in Ayurvedic terminology, representing one of the qualities (Gunas). This characteristic is relevant in determining the properties of herbs in formulations, helping to address specific conditions and balances within the body, especially in the treatment of diseases.

45) Shukla (Sukla):
Shukla denotes brightness or whiteness and is often used in Ayurveda to describe certain qualities of herbs or substances. The characterization of herbs in this manner assists in categorizing and understanding their therapeutic properties and applications in formulations.

46) Vipaka:
Vipaka refers to the post-digestive effect or taste of foods in Ayurveda, defining how substances affect the body after digestion. Understanding Vipaka is essential when crafting formulations like Khadirashtaka Kashaya, as it influences their long-term effects on health.

47) Forest:
Forest areas are significant in Ayurvedic practices as they are often natural habitats for medicinal plants. The collection of herbs from forests, as done for Patola, emphasizes the importance of sourcing quality ingredients for traditional formulations and ensuring sustainability.

48) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
Vyadhi means disease or illness in Sanskrit, crucial for identifying and classifying health issues in Ayurveda. Understanding Vyadhi informs effective treatment strategies, allowing practitioners to develop formulations like Khadirashtaka Kashaya tailored to specific health conditions.

49) Family:
In this context, 'Family' refers to the botanical family of plants used in Ayurvedic formulations. The classification aids in identifying the characteristics and properties of herbs, contributing to the formulation's efficacy and therapeutic applications in treating various ailments.

50) Purity:
Purity is an essential aspect in evaluating Ayurvedic herbs and formulations to ensure that they are free from adulteration and contaminants. High purity standards are critical for safe and effective treatments, making it key in the pharmacognostical analysis of Khadirashtaka Kashaya.

51) Laghu:
Laghu translates to light in Ayurvedic terms, referring to the digestibility and effect of herbs on the body. Acknowledging the Laghu quality of ingredients in formulations like Khadirashtaka Kashaya highlights their suitability for enhancing digestion and improving health outcomes.

52) Patra:
Patra typically refers to leaves or parts of plants used in Ayurvedic formulations. The specific use of Patra, such as that of Vasa, illustrates the significance of various parts in achieving desired therapeutic effects in treatments.

53) Virya:
Virya means potency or the inherent energy of a substance, especially in relation to its therapeutic potential. Evaluating the Virya of ingredients in formulations like Khadirashtaka Kashaya helps determine their effectiveness in achieving desired health outcomes.

54) Glass:
Glass refers to the material used for storing and preserving Ayurvedic formulations to maintain their integrity. The use of glass containers emphasizes the importance of proper storage techniques to prevent contamination and degradation of therapeutic properties.

55) Haya:
Haya in this context may refer to the traditional practices or methods related to the use or preparation of ingredients in Ayurvedic medicine. Understanding Haya contributes to the effectiveness and authenticity of the formulations in Ayurveda, ensuring alignment with classical methods.

56) Amla:
Amla, or Phyllanthus emblica, is a revered fruit in Ayurveda known for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Including Amla in Khadirashtaka Kashaya contributes to its efficacy in enhancing immune function and overall health, particularly in skin-related conditions.

57) Guna:
Guna refers to the intrinsic properties or qualities of substances in Ayurveda that characterize their effects on the body. Understanding Guna is crucial in formulating treatments, allowing practitioners to select appropriate herbs that align with the therapeutic needs of patients.

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Khadirashtaka Kashaya: Preliminary pharmacognostical evaluation.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Khadira, Triphala, Amla, Chikitsa, Ritucharya, Dincharya, Physico-chemical parameters, Pharmacognostical evaluation, Pharmaceutical evaluation, High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), Organoleptic features, Nimba and Vasa, Authenticity and purity, Microphotographs, Adulterant.

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