A REVIEW ON KWATHA EXTRACT SACHETS: A PRESERVATIVE FREE AND PATIENT FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE DOSAGE FORM OF THE TRADITIONAL KWATHA

Abstract

Ayurveda is a science with deep insight and keen observation. It is rich in an exquisite collection of medicinal preparations suitable in diverse conditions. Kwatha kalpana/kwatha (decoction) which is a highly significant and an inevitable form of medication in almost all prescriptions by an Ayurvedic physician is the primary subject of this study. It is a water-based preparation to extract active compounds from medicinal plant materials. The classical textbooks of Ayurveda, insists on the administration of Kwatha immediately after preparation, while it is warm. But it is quite difficult to dispense this dosage form fresh. Thus, a probable solution for this is to modify this dosage form in such a way that it can be stored for a considerable time without losing its efficacy. The pharmacies have thus devised a method such that the liquid Kwathas can be preserved as per modern techniques to preserve food, i.e., by using class II chemical preservatives. At present various other methods are also available to dispense Kwathas. They are: kashaya tablets, kashaya choorna (coarse powder), Kashaya Sukshma choorna (fine powder) etc. Each of these modifications have their own merits and demerits. Hence in this study details of the kwatha converted into extract form are being discussed. Kwatha prepared in the usual method can be spray powdered to prepare the extract which is to be dried at a particular temperature. Then it may be packed in airtight containers in a dehumidified atmosphere. Patients can prepare kwatha by dissolving the extract in warm water. The advantages of this dosage form are that it is preservative free, there is no gastric irritation, faster absorption, easy to prepare and easy to carry.