Evaluation of <i>Shaddharana churna</i>: An <i>Ayurvedic</i> formulation

Abstract

<i>Shaddharana churna</i> is a well-known <i>Ayurvedic</i> formulation that finds its reference in renowned <i>Ayurvedic </i>treaties such as <i>Ashtangasangraham</i> and <i>Ashtanghridaya</i>. As the name suggests <i>Shaddharana churna</i> is composed of equal parts of six drugs namely <i>Katuka</i>, <i>Daruharidra</i>, <i>Ativisha</i>, <i>Chitraka</i>, <i>Patha</i>, and <i>Indravaya</i>. Evaluation of <i>Ayurvedic</i> formulations is necessary to ensure their quality, strength, purity, and authenticity. Present work deals with microscopic, physico-chemical, qualitative, and quantitative evaluation of <i>Shaddharana churna</i>. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation was done by development and validation of high performance thin layer chromatography using berberine from <i>Daruharidra</i>, apocynin from <i>Katuka</i> and plumbagin from <i>Chitraka</i> as marker compounds. The outcomes of the research conform to the need of ensuring quality and safety of <i>Ayurvedic</i> medicines.