PRELIMINARY PHARMACEUTICO ANALYTICAL STUDY OF TRISUGANDHA ARKA

Abstract

Introduction: Trisugandhi (Trijataka) contains three aromatic herbal drugs namely, Twak (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) and Patra (Cinnamomum tamala Nees) which are rich source of volatile oil content. ‘Trisugandhi’ is the name mentioned by Acharya Vagbhata for Trijataka and the reference of Trijataka was first enlisted by him. ‘Trisugandha Arka’ is the Trijataka Arka mentioned in fourth shataka of Arka Prakasha, useful in mukhadourgandha (halitosis) and malabhedana. As no studies have been done on this Arka, an attempt was made in this study to prepare Trisugandha Arka and to assess its organoleptic and physico-chemical parameters. Materials and Methods: Trisugandha Arka prepared by taking 1:4 ratio of drug and water by considering the mrudu nature of the drugs as mentioned in the Arka Prakasha. Process was continued till 40% of the distillate was collected to avoid charring of drugs. Organoleptic and physico-chemical parameters were assessed according to the protocol. Procedure was repeated thrice and average value was tabulated. Observations and Results: Trisugandha Arka is a colourless liquid with characteristic odour and taste. pH, specific gravity, refractive index, total suspended solids, viscosity, volatile oil percentage; these parameters falls within standard limit. Discussion: Its physico-chemical analysis shows that Trisugandha Arka was highly acidic in nature and other parameters were analyzed further. Organoleptic characters are similar to that of Arka standard protocol. Conclusion: Trisugandha Arka is a colourless liquid with characteristic odour and taste. Physico-chemical parameters tested falls under standard limits.