PHARMACEUTICAL AND HPTLC ANALYSIS OF VACHA-SHAMPAKADIGHRITA (MEDICATED GHEE) BASED ON AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL PREPARATION

Abstract

Sneha Kalpana (fat-based preparations) is one of the most commonly prescribed Ayurvedic dosage forms in routine clinical practice. These lipid-based formulations are used to manage a wide spectrum of diseases across all age groups. Vacha-Shampakadi Ghrita is an Ayurvedic herbal formulation specifically indicated for epilepsy (Apasmara) as described by Acharya Charaka. Standardization of such formulations is essential to ensure quality, safety, efficacy, and batch-to-batch uniformity. Objectives: To standardize Vacha-Shampakadi Ghrita using various physicochemical, phytochemical, microbial, and chromatographic parameters to assure its safety and efficacy. Materials and Methods: Raw drugs required for the preparation of Vacha-Shampakadi Ghrita were procured from a certified Ayurvedic pharmacy and authenticated by experts from the Dravyaguna Department. The ghrita was prepared according to classical Ayurvedic methods. The final product was evaluated for organoleptic characters, physicochemical parameters, microbial load, phytochemical screening, and High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). Analytical testing was conducted at Qualichen Laboratories, recognized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), approved by the Food and Drug Administration (Maharashtra State), and accredited with ISO 9001:2015. Results: The analyzed ghrita showed the following values: pH (5.00), total ash (0.02%), acid-insoluble ash (0.01%), water-soluble extractive (0.35%), alcohol-soluble extractive (14.45%), and loss on drying at 105°C (0.25%). HPTLC analysis was performed using the mobile phase toluene: ethyl acetate (9:1). Conclusion: The formulation met acceptable qualitative standards based on evaluated parameters. Vacha-Shampakadi Ghrita has been successfully standardized using scientific quality control measures, and the obtained results may serve as a reference standard for quality assurance.