Abstract
Objective: In the present study, an attempt was made to assess the shelf life of the Snuhi latex which is frequently used in fresh condition for the preparation of Ksharasutra, a medicated thread, used in Ayurveda.
 Methods: The latex of E. antiquorum, E. caducifolia, E. nivulia and E. tirucalli were collected individually and stored in air tight glass vials during the month of May, 2018. Physical attributes like Colour, odour, appearances, pH and microbial load of all four samples were assessed as per standard protocol. Assessment was made every day, 9 AM, for 7 d in room temperature and for 10 d in refrigerated samples.
 Results: Result shows that, pH range (start-end day) was 4.25-5.18, 4.79-5.12, 4.48-4.76 and 4.40-5.42 in case of E. antiquorum, E. caducifolia, E. nivulia and E. tirucalli at room temperature. It was found that, Aspergillus niger was found in Euphorbia antiquorum, Euphorbia caducifolia whereas Candida albicans was found in Euphorbia tirucalli latex in fungal culture on the 7th day after collection, when the samples were stored at room temperature. All the samples were free from microbial growth up to 10thday when stored at 4-5 °C in a refrigerator.
 Conclusion: Temperature, and moisture affects the quality of fresh snuhi latex. The latex remains free from microbial growth up to six days in room temperature and up to 10 d under at refrigerated temperature (4-5 °C).
Highlights
Ayurveda emphasizes on standardization of the drugs starting from its cultivation and collection
Four species of Snuhi growing naturally in abundance in the peripheral areas of Jamnagar, Gujarat, were identified by local taxonomist and their respective botanical name, i.e. Euphorbia antiquorum Linn, Euphorbia caducifolia Haines, Euphorbia nivulia Buch.-Ham and Euphorbia tirucalli Linn were confirmed by studying the morphological characters, of various parts and comparing them with various characters described in different floras and books [8]
Fungal growth was observed on the 6th day of collection in the case of E. antiquorum, E. caducifolia and E. tirucalli which leads to colour changes from milky white to greyish but in case of E. nivulia, fungal growth was not found upto the 7th day of collection, no colour changes were found in E. nivulia sample
Summary
Ayurveda emphasizes on standardization of the drugs starting from its cultivation and collection. Various standards, in this regard, have been laid down in the classical texts of Ayurveda. Latex (Kṣhira) is one of such unorganized part of plant which has been delineated for its therapeutic value. Snuhi is one of the latex bearing plants which has been quoted in management of different diseases like Gulma (tumor), Kuṣṭha (leucoderma), udara (ascities) etc. This latex finds an extensive use in preparation of Ksharasutra which is used clinically in treating anal fistulas [1]
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