Abstract

Background: WHO defines drug as, "Any substance or product that is used or intended to be used to modify or explore physiological systems or pathological states for the benet of the recipient". This denition appears more in compliance with the terms of Ayurveda, which aims at the preservation of health apart from mitigation of disease. Aim: The present study was aimed at setting up a standard prole of Drakshadi Gutika (Tablet) on the terms of its pharmacognostical and physico-chemical aspects. Materials & Methods: The trial drug Drakshadi Gutika was subjected to authentication by subjecting it to above analysis as per standard procedures and the observations were systematically recorded. Results: Pharmacognostical ndings like scleroids of Haritaki, parenchyma of Draksha, stone cells of Draksha, silica crystals of Sita conrms the presence of authentic ingredients of Draksha, Haritaki and Sita in Drakshadi Gutika. HPTLC was carried out after organizing appropriate solvent system in which maximum 3 spots were distinguished at 254 nm and 4 spots at 366 nm. Conclusion: After the analysis of the various pharmacognostical and physic-chemical parameters of Drakshaadi Gutika it was concluded that the formulation meets the minimum qualitative standards as reported in the API at a preliminary level.

Key words: Drakshadi Gutika, Pharmacognosy, Physico-chemical analysis