PHARMACOPOEIAL AND HPTLC FINGERPRINT STUDIES OF DARCHINI – ANIMMUNITY BOOSTER UNANI SINGLE DRUG

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is threatening the worldwide population by causing symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breathand tirednessetc.A huge population of world is suffering from this disease and no specific vaccine for this pandemic disease has been developed. According to the guidelines of Ministry of AYUSH, this disease can be prevented by taking immunity boosters, as immune system plays a vital role in defence against any disease. In Unani system of medicines, many drugs of plant origin are mentioned in classical literature for strengthening and increasing the immunity of humans. Darchini is one of the potent immune boosters and it is believed that consumption of Darchini decoction with honey strengthens the immune system.The Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India in its Advisory has considered Darchini as one of the important ingredient of AYUSH Joshanda/ Kwath/ Kudineer.Since, the drug Darchini is being given to COVID-19 patients as prophylaxis regime, it has become necessary to authenticate and develop its pharmacopoeial standards so that quality raw material can be provided to needy mass. The present study is aimed to develop identity, purity and strength of drug using pharmacognostical, physico-chemical and quality control methods.