Pharmacognostical and Physico-chemical Evaluation of Drakshadi Gutika - An Ayurvedic Formulation

Background: WHO de?nes drug as, "Any substance or product that is used or intended to be used to modify or explore physiological systems or pathological states for the bene?t of the recipient". This de?nition appears more in compliance with the terms of Ayurveda, which aims at the preservation of health apart from mitigation of disease. Aim: The present study was aimed at setting up a standard pro?le of Drakshadi Gutika (Tablet) on the terms of its pharmacognostical and physico-chemical aspects. Materials & Methods: The trial drug Drakshadi Gutika was subjected to authenti?cation by subjecting it to above analysis as per standard procedures and the observations were systematically recorded. Results: Pharmacognostical ?ndings like scleroids of Haritaki, parenchyma of Draksha, stone cells of Draksha, silica crystals of Sita con?rms the presence of authentic ingredients of Draksha, Haritaki and Sita in Drakshadi Gutika. HPTLC was carried out after organizing appropriate solvent system in which maximum 3 spots were distinguished at 254 nm and 4 spots at 366 nm. Conclusion: After the analysis of the various pharmacognostical and physic-chemical parameters of Drakshaadi Gutika it was concluded that the formulation meets the minimum qualitative standards as reported in the API at a preliminary