Comparative Standardization Study of Ayurvedic Formulations of Gokshuradi Churna

Abstract

Background: The knowledge of plant based medicines was gradually developed by the primeval persons and was passed on to generations by trial and error basis without proper scientific evaluation, safety and toxicological studies. The discovery and acceptance of natural therapies in the past decades has been increasing in both developing and developed countries. Consumers buy herbal products without a prescription through online. Thus standardization is required with systematic approach and well-designed methodologies to maintain uniformity between batches during production of herbal products. The present work aims for the comparative standardization of the marketed formulation and two in-house prepared Gokshuradi Churna. It is an ayurvedic formulation prescribed for inflammation, arthritis, and other joint disorders. Gokshuradi Churna consists of powdered mixture of herbal drugs in equal proportions: the fruits of Tribulus terrestris, the fruits of Terminalia chebula, the root of Boerhaavia diffusa, the wood of Cedrus deodara, the rhizome of Zingiber officinale, and the bulb of Allium sativum. Materials and Methods: The churna was standardized on the basis of the parameters like organoleptic characters, physical characters, physicochemical properties, phytochemical screening. Results: The parameters studied were within standard limits and the quality of the products were established. The results obtained may be considered as reference standards for developing standard formulation. Conclusion: From preliminary studies, it confirms that In house and marketed formulations of Gokshuradi Churna is safe for therapeutic use. Further studies has to be done to confirm the pharmacological activities of the churna.