PHARMACEUTICO-ANALYTICAL ASSESSMENT OF SNUHI KSHARA OF UPAVISHA SNUHI (EUPHORBIA NERIIFOLIA LINN.)

Abstract

In Ayurveda, substances of natural origin, including whole plant or their parts, animal parts and minerals, are used for drug formulations alone or in combination. Kshara, one such formulation, is an alkaline preparation used since ancient times to cure many external and internal diseases. Rasatarangini and Ayurveda Sara Sangraha have described Snuhi kshara, a single drug formulation of Upavisha Snuhi (Euphorbia neriifolia Linn.), which possesses udaravinashana, vanhidipana, shophanashana etc. properties. As market preparation of the formulation was unavailable, revalidation of standardization of herbal formulation is essential for its quality and purity. Thus, an attempt has been made to formulate Snuhi kshara. The present study evaluates the Standard Manufacturing Process and analytical profile of Snuhi kshara by comparing two batches of Snuhi kshara. Snuhi kshara was prepared according to Sharangdhara Samhita, and the analytical profile was evaluated as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India by organoleptic, physicochemical and thin layer chromatography parameters. The study's findings may enrich referential information on Snuhi kshara preparation and its analytical assessment.