Shelf-life evaluation of Rasayana Churna: A preliminary study.

Area of Science:

• Ayurvedic Pharmaceuticals
• Traditional Indian Medicine
• Herbal Drug Stability

Background:

• The concept of shelf-life (Saviryta Avadhi) for Ayurvedic formulations is established in classical texts.
• While ancient texts discuss shelf-life, modern pharmaceutical evaluation is needed.
• Key Ayurvedic texts detailing shelf-life include Vangasena Samhita and Sharangadhara Samhita.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine and compare the shelf-life of two Ayurvedic dosage forms: Rasayana Churna (RC) and Bhavita Rasayana Churna (BRC).
• To assess the impact of Bhavana processing on the stability of Rasayana Churna.

Main Methods:

• Procurement and authentication of raw materials from Gujarat Ayurved University.
• Preparation of Rasayana Churna (RC) by blending powdered drugs.
• Levigation of RC with herbal decoctions to produce Bhavita Rasayana Churna (BRC).
• Accelerated stability studies conducted on both RC and BRC samples according to standard guidelines.

Main Results:

• Both RC and BRC exhibited bitter and astringent taste with a characteristic odor.
• Organoleptic properties of both samples remained consistent for six months.
• Bhavita Rasayana Churna (BRC) demonstrated superior stability compared to Rasayana Churna (RC).

Conclusions:

• Bhavana processing not only adds therapeutic benefits but also enhances the shelf-life of Ayurvedic formulations.
• The study validates the importance of specific processing techniques like Bhavana for improving drug stability.
• Enhanced stability of BRC suggests potential for longer preservation and efficacy.