Preliminary physicochemical evaluation of Kushta tutia: A Unani Formulation

Kushta is an important solid dosage form of Unani system of medicine used to treat various ailments. Very small particle size of kushta is responsible for its rapid absorption in body leading to instant therapeutic actions. Kushta tutia (KT) is one such renowned formulation used by hakims for successful management of various disorders. However, there is lack of scientific work on KT.

The present study was performed to evaluate KT physicochemically by testifying it on classical tests along with modern scientific techniques.

Tutia was first detoxified as per classical literature. It was triturated with water and dried, afterwards subjected to calcination in furnace rather than cow dung cakes due to isolation of material being heated and better temperature control. Finished product was evaluated for physicochemical characteristics including preliminary tests mentioned in classical literature.

Floating and finger test were positive. Curd test showed no discoloration after 48 h. These findings indicate correct preparation of KT according to classical literature. Bulk density (0.96 ± 0.00 g/ml); tapped density (1.53 ± 0.00 g/ml); Hausner ratio (0.62 ± 0.00), compressibility index (37.52 ± 0.19%); loss of weight on drying (0.08 ± 0.00%); pH of 1 and 10% (5.20 ± 0.00) and 5.62 ± 0.00, respectively); total ash, acid insoluble ash, and water soluble ash values 95.75 ± 0.09, 6.57 ± 0.02, and 45.02 ± 0.20%, respectively; and extractive values 0.85 ± 0.02% were reported in KT.

Since this work has not been reported earlier, the results obtained could be considered as the standard for KT for future studies.