Pharmaceutico-Analytical and Pharmacognostic study of Ksharagada-Bridging Tradition and Modern Pharmaceutics

Abstract

Ksharagada (KA) is a potent formulation mentioned by Acharya Charaka, Acharya Sushruta and Acharya Vagbhata as a part of Visha Chikitsa (toxicology). It treats poison-induced illnesses including human poisoning from plants and animals. KA is a Herbo-mineral formulation which comprises of eighteen ingredients, among them seventeen herbal and one mineral ingredient having Anti-poisonous, Anti-bacterial, Anti-oxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-helminthic, Anti-mutagenic, Diuretic and Hepatoprotective activities. Because of its wide therapeutic potential, KA serves as a unique bridge between traditional wisdom and modern pharmaceutics. The present study aimed to standardized preparation of KA and authenticate by Pharmacognostic, physico-chemical and chromatographic analyses. Pharmacognostic evaluation was carried out at pharmacognosy department, ITRA, Jamnagar; physico-chemical and TLC studied were conducted at the department of pharmaceutical chemistry, ITRA, Jamnagar. HPTLC analysis was performed at Vasu research centre, Vadodara. Pharmacognostic findings for KA to confirm the authenticity and genuine ingredients of formulation. The average values of physicochemical parameters of KA were found as follows: pH value: 6, loss on drying: 4.75%, Total Ash value: 15.96%, Water soluble extractive value: 29.9%, Alcohol soluble extractive value: 25.5%, Acid insoluble extractive value: 6.030%, Qualitatively TLC study showed eleven spots at 254 nm and eighteen spots at 366 nm. HPTLC study showed six peaks at 254 nm, eight at 366 nm and nine at 540 nm. These results confirm that KA is authentic and free from any adulteration, and the data generated may serve as a preliminary standardization profile for ensuring its quality control and supporting future research.