Abstract

STANDARDIZATION OF THE FORMULA OF PANCHAMULI LAGHU DRAKSHA KASHAYA: A TRADITIONAL HERBAL MEDICINE

W. M. D. Wickramaarachchi*, H. P. Wakkumbura, L. D. A. M. Arawwawala, R. P. V. J. Rajapakse

ABSTRACT

Background: Standardization of herbal formulations is an essential factor in order to assess the quality, purity, safety and efficacy of drugs based on the concentration of their active principles. Panchamuli Laghu Drakhsa (PLD) Kashaya is a herbal decoction used in Sri Lankan traditional medicine consisting of nine medicinal plants. In the present study, an attempt was made to standardize the formula of PLD Kashaya by detection of physico-chemical parameters, screening of phytochemicals and development of TLC fingerprint profile. Method: Standardization of PLD Kashaya was done according to WHO guide lines. Results: 10.5±0.2% of total ash, 6.4±0.8% of water soluble ash 0.7 ± 0.1% of acid insoluble ash, 18.5±4.3% of hot water extractable matter and 12.3±0.2% of cold water extractable matter were contained in the formula of PLD Kashaya. Phytochemical screening reveals the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, steroid glycosides, coumarins, alkaloids and saponins in both hot water and hot methanolic extracts of the drug. TLC fingerprint profile of the dichloromethane extract of formula of PLD Kashaya was developed using methanol: dichloromethane: cyclohexane in a ratio of 0.1: 7.9: 2 (v/v/v) and eight prominent spots were present at 254 nm. Conclusion: Formula of PLD Kashaya was standardized for the first time and output of the present study can be used as a reference standard for quality of this drug.

Keywords: Panchamuli Laghu Drakhsa Kashaya, physico-chemical parameters, Thin Layer Chromotography.