Abstract

STANDARDIZATION AND QUALITY CONTROL OF CENTELLA ASIATICA LINN. (GOTUKOLA) DRIED POWDER AND CAPSULES

Seneviratne Vajira PS*, Hapuarachchi SD and Perera PK

ABSTRACT

Centella asiatica L. (Gotukola) is one of the potential medhya rasayana medicine identified in ancient Ayurveda textual references. Standardised Gotukola powder capsules, the test medication were used as a part of a study in memory assessing. Although, Gotukola products are widely available in global market as cognitive boosters, evidence based supported document with scientific validity is very limited. Hence, the major objective of the current study is to standardize Gotukola powder and the finished product. The raw materials of Gotukola were thoroughly cleaned, grinded and passed through the mesh No 180 and 80 sieves respectively. Then fine powder obtained was filled into capsules without any exipients or preservatives under very stringent hygienical conditions at a GMP certified pharmaceutical premises. The raw materials and the finished product were screened for physical identity, phytochemical analysis and TLC as per the standard methods. In findings foreign matter was not more than 2.0 percent. Total moisture content, total ash and acid insoluble ash were respectively in the ranges of 8.9 %, 16.4 % and 3.6%. In TLC fingerprints, observed bands at Rf0.4 and 0.3 which are corresponding to that of reference marker compounds of authenticated standard sample of Centella asiatica. The values were within the range of standard reference. Hence the finished product was suitable for clinical use.

Keywords: Centella asciatica, memory, cognitive abilities standardization.