Modification of Drug dosage form of Arjuna Ksheerapaka by using Spray Drying Technology

BACKGROUND: Arjuna Ksheerapaka (medicated milk preparation with T. arjuna) is a classical preparation stated in Ayurvedic texts, which possesses both curative as well as nutritive action on cardiac system. Due to the inconvenience of preparing the drug freshly every time, short shelf life and palatability concerns; Arjuna Ksheerapaka is now being underused. Hence, there is a need to develop Ksheerapaka preparation in a new modified form. AIM: To prepare Arjuna Ksheerapaka as per classical reference, to prepare spray dried powder of Arjuna Ksheerapaka and to analyze the physicochemical properties. METHODOLOGY: Arjuna Ksheerapaka was prepared as per the contemporary reference textbook of Acharya Yadavaji Trikamji, Spray dried powder was prepared by using labultima spray dryer unit, at standard thermoregulatory setting were done. RESULTS: Organoleptic characters, physicochemical analysis, microbial contamination of Arjuna Ksheerapaka and spray dried powder of Arjun Ksheerapaka had almost similar characters. Average 731.66 ml of Ksheerapaka was obtained in three batches. CONCLUSION: Spray dried powder of Arjuna Ksheerapaka is observed to be much more stable compound as compared to classical Ksheerapaka, having more shelf life and more convenient for packaging and consuming. Spray dried and conventional Ksheerapaka possesses same chemical properties.