PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF LYOPHILIZED JUICE OF DURVA (CYNODON DACTYLON (L.) PERS.) AS A STABLE SUBSTITUTE FOR SWARASA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY WITH CHURNA

Abstract

Aim: Durva (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) is a creeping grass considered auspicious in rituals, is listed among the Varnyadashemani in the Charaka Samhita and also included in Dasapushpam. The study aims to evaluate the impact of lyophilization on the phytochemical composition and chemical complexity of Durva (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) by comparing lyophilized form with churna (whole-plant powder). Materials & Methods: Fresh Durva (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) plants were collected, thoroughly washed, and used to prepare swarasa, which was then subjected to lyophilization. Whole-plant powder was prepared by shade-drying and pulverization. Physicochemical parameters, extractive values, and qualitative phytochemical screening of lyophilized form of Durva (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) and churna (whole-plant powder) were conducted. Chromatographic fingerprinting was performed using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC).Results: Lyophilized form demonstrated higher total ash and loss on drying, higher alcohol- and water-soluble extractive values, and enhanced detectability of phytochemicals compared to whole-plant powder. TLC and HPTLC profiling revealed sharper, more intense bands and a broader metabolite range in the lyophilized form, indicating superior retention of bioactive compounds.Conclusion: Lyophilization effectively preserves the phytochemical integrity and enhances the chemical complexity of Durva (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., producing a stable, potent, and standardized extract suitable for pharmacological studies and therapeutic applications.