Kushmanda ghrita - A Nano Formulation: Physico-chemical and Pharmaceutical Evaluation

Abstract

Ayurvedic ghee-based formulation Kushmanda ghrita (KG) is prescribed for various psychological disorders. Ayurvedic products’ quality has been the prime concern over years. There is a lack of literature regarding standardisation of KG and quantification of glabridin, a constituent of licorice, which is part of KG. Ghee is considered an excellent carrier. Hence, this study aimed to prepare, standardise KG, and quantify glabridin using HPLC and to evaluate the particle size of the KG. KG was prepared according to classical texts, subsequently, the KG and Desi cow ghee (DG), which are employed for preparing KG, were subjected to assessment of physicochemical parameters. The amount of glabridin in KG was quantified using HPLC method. The particle size was analysed for the prepared KG. Investigation revealed that there were insignificant differences in physicochemical parameters of KG and DG, and they are within the acceptable limits. Glabridin was extracted by petroleum ether and methanol (70%) solvent system, quantified by HPLC method, and found to be 0.1873±0.003 mg/g of KG. Further, the particle size analysis revealed that the KG sample was showing a varying globule size; the maximum volume occupancy of 43.6%v/v gives a globule size of 260.5nm, and hence it is said to be a Nano formulation. In summary, the quality of KG was assessed in terms of physicochemical parameters. The glabridin was quantified using HPLC by optimising extraction procedure. The particle size of KG was analysed and found to be in Nano region. The outcomes of this study may be helpful in further studies on the molecular mechanism, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic and drug interaction studies of KG.