A Preliminary Pharmacognostical and Physicochemical Evaluation of Darvyadi Lauha Tablet – a Herbomineral Formulation for Pandu (Anemia)

Abstract

Background: Ayurveda has a holistic aim to keep mankind healthy. Due to the growing acceptance of herbal drugs worldwide, it is important to provide data on quality, safety, and efficacy. Ayurveda prescribes metals, minerals, and herbomineral formulations under the heading of Rasa Shastra in addition to herbal medicines only. Manufacturing procedures for these formulations are rigorous and adverse reactions are possible if not performed properly. Here, an attempt has been made to set preliminary pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical parameters along with high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) of one of the herbomineral formulations named Darvyadi Lauha, mentioned in Charak Samhita for the treatment of Pandu (anemia) and Kamala (jaundice). Aim and Objective: This study aimed to evaluate and establish the pharmacognostical and physicochemical parameters of Darvyadi Lauha tablet. Materials and Methods: Preauthenticated raw drugs were procured and Darvyadi Lauha was prepared at pharmacy, ITRA, Jamnagar. Organoleptic parameters and microscopic analysis of the tablet were done at Pharmacognosy Department, ITRA, Jamnagar. Physicochemical analysis of tablet and HPTLC were done at Pharmaceutical Laboratory, ITRA, Jamnagar. Results: Microscopic features of Darvyadi Lauha were cross-checked with ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India (API) standards of individual ingredients and it was found all characteristics remain intact. In physicochemical parameters, the pH value was 6, water-soluble extract was 22.27% w/w, alcohol-soluble extract was 22.46% w/w, ash value was 11.057% w/w, and loss on drying (LOD) was 2.028%w/w, HPTLC at 254 nm and at 366 nm showed six spots in each. Conclusion: This study generated preliminary data on organoleptic parameters, microscopic evaluation, and physicochemical parameters such as pH, water-soluble extract, alcohol-soluble extract, ash value, LOD, and HPTLC of Darvyadi Lauha tablet. These fingerprinting can be useful for future researchers to reproduce this formulation, as till date, quality control parameters of Darvyadi Lauha are not available in API or not available in the public domain.