Significance of Kuttana in the preparation of Guggulu vati processed in Triphala kwatha

Abstract

Background: Since vedic period, much importance is given for guggulu (Commiphora wightii, (Arn) Bhandari). One can get reference of guggulu as early as 3000 to 10,000 years ago in the veda, for treating human illnesses. References are available regarding usage of guggulu externally as well as internally during the period of charaka, sushruta and vagbhata for the treatment of medoroga and vatavikara. Śhodhana is a preliminary procedure which assist in removing or modifying the possible physical or chemical impurities from raw material and making them suitable for therapeutic use. It has been found clinically that guggulu kalpa usually pass in the faeces un-disintegrated or partially absorbed. To overcome this the kuttana (pounding) method is mentioned to facilitate quick disintegration which in turn helps in quick absorption of guggulu in the body. So present study was taken to know the effect of kuttana on the physico chemical properties of guggulu. Methodology: Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) Shodhana (procedure) was done in Triphala Kwatha and Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) Vati (tablet) were prepared with and without Kuttana (pounding) method. The prepared samples were tested for analytical parameters like organoleptic character, pH, friability, hardness, disintegration time, uniformity of weight, total ash, loss on drying, acid insoluble ash, alcohol soluble extractive, water soluble extractive and HPTLC was done. Result: The organoleptic characters of all the both samples were same. Triphala Shodhita Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) Vati (tablet) prepared with Kuttana (pounding) showed less disintegration time. Pharmaceutical result revealed that the yield was increased in Triphala Shodhita Guggulu (Commiphora wightii). Conclusion: There was a decrease in pH, acid insoluble ash value, water soluble ash value, water soluble extractive value, weight variation value, hardness, disintegration time and increase in Moisture content, Total ash value, Alcohol soluble ash value of Triphala Shodhita Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) Vati (tablet) after Kuttana (pounding). From chromatographical analysis it is observed that a greater number of components were detected.