STANDARDIZATION OF SHADDHARANA CHURNA USING HIGH PRESSURE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

A simple, accurate, precise, robust RP-HPLC method was developed to standardize Shaddharana Churna by simultaneous estimation of berberine and plumbagin as markers. The markers were resolved using Hemochrom Intsil C-18 column, with mobile phase acetonitrile: 50mm Phosphate buffer (65: 35), pH adjusted to 4 (using orthophosphoric acid) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Retention times of berberine and plumbagin were 2.67 ± 0.2 min and 7.59 ± 0.2 min respectively at 270 nm. Linear responses were obtained in concentration ranges of 0.6 - 10 ppm for berberine and 0.8 - 10 ppm for plumbagin, with correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.991 and 0.994 for berberine and plumbagin, respectively. The developed method was applied for quantitation of markers in two marketed formulations of Shaddharana Churna. This method can be used to evaluate formulations containing berberine and plumbagin as markers, thus conforming to the need of ensuring quality and safety of ayurvedic medicines.