Pharmacognostical and Preliminary Physico-chemical Profiles of Ashtangavaleha in Powder and Linctus forms

Introduction: Avaleha (linctus) is the secondary dosage form which is widely acceptable and palatable in Ayurvedic system of medicine. In classics, most of the Avaleha are either prepared with sweetening agent like jaggery, sugar or mentioned in the powder form; and are advised to be licked with honey etc. Ashtangavaleha is a herbal formulation mentioned in classics to treat Shwasa Roga (asthma disease). This formulation consists of eight powders in equal proportion to be taken with Ardraka Swarasa (expressed juice of fresh rhizome of Zingiber officinalis Roscoe.) or licked with honey as Anupana (vehicle). In current attempt, for benefits like palatability, ease to administer; Ashtangavaleha powder was converted to linctus. Aim of the study is to screen the differences in pharmocognostical and physico-chemical profile of Ashtangavaleha powder (AP) and Ashtangavaleha linctus (AL). Methods: Raw materials were procured, authenticated and both samples i.e. AP and AL were prepared in Rashashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana Laboratory following classical guidelines. According to Chakradutta, Anupana of Asthangavaleha is Ardraka Swarasa, so one Bhavana (immersion) of Ardraka Swarasa was subjected to Ashtangavaleha for powder batch (AP). While AL was prepared in presence of sweetening agent i.e. jaggery. Results: In powder batch, after Bhavana significant changes were found in stone cells of Pippali, Katphala and starch grains of Shunthi, fibres of Katphala and cellular contents; while in linctus form, oleo-resin content of Shunthi and Pippali, pollen grains of honey, brown content and black debris of Shringi were found. There are significant differences in the physico-chemical profile of AP and AL. Conclusion: Thus it is evident from the evaluation that due to adoption of different procedures for preparation, changes are found in pharmacognostical and physico-chemical parameters of both samples.