Pharmaceutical analysis of shivagutika: An ayurved formulation

Abstract

Introduction: Ayurveda is considered as the science of life. The ultimate aim of Ayurveda is to guide every human being to maintain and promote health, and prevent ailments, which is the main hindrance to achieve dharma. The Ayurveda have the special branch which deals with the preparation of formulations. One among them is Shivagutika popularly used in the management of various diseases like Shopha, Pandu, Atisthaulya, Unmada and other conditions and it has been quoted as auspicious drug in classics. The person who consumes shivagutika daily also becomes favourite to lord Shiva. This formulation in present era needs the standardization. In this study Shivagutika is prepared as per the quotations explained in the classics. The shivagutika is herbo mineral preparation. Gutika, Vataka, Modaka, Pindi and Vati are synonymous terms used in classics for Vati. The analytical study of gutika is performed with following parameters: physico- chemical parameters i.e. colour, taste, pH, Loss on Drying, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble extractive, alcohol soluble extractive, uniformity of weight, friability test, hardness and disintegration time are performed. HPTLC and heavy metal analysis are performed for identification of chemical constituents and heavy metals respectively.