Comprehensive Phytochemical Evaluation and Stability Analysis of Traditional Ayurvedic Preparations

Abstract

Traditional Ayurvedic formulations have been used for centuries as safe and effective remedies, yet their global acceptance is limited due to insufficient standardization and lack of rigorous quality evaluation. The present study emphasizes comprehensive phytochemical investigation and stability analysis of selected Ayurvedic preparations, namely Vaishwanar Churna, Ashwagandha Churna, Brahmi Ghrita, Lavangadi Vati, and Gandhakadi Malaham. An array of qualitative phytochemical tests were conducted to identify secondary metabolites including alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols, proteins, and steroids. These compounds are known to contribute to the therapeutic potential of formulations while serving as chemical markers for quality control.

The stability of these formulations was examined under accelerated storage conditions (40 °C ± 2 and 75% ± 5 RH) for a period of twenty-four months, simulating long-term storage. Comparative analysis demonstrated that most formulations retained their phytochemical integrity during the study period, though slight variations in intensity of responses were noted for certain constituents. Microbial safety was assessed at different intervals, and the total bacterial and fungal counts consistently remained below 10 CFU/g throughout the study, indicating excellent microbiological stability. Additionally, supporting tools such as microscopic characterization and thin-layer chromatography (TLC/HPTLC) were utilized to provide diagnostic features and chemical fingerprints of the selected drugs.

Overall, the study highlights the need for establishing standardized methodologies in evaluating Ayurvedic preparations. Reliable phytochemical markers, microbial limits, and chromatographic profiling together form the basis for developing robust quality control systems. Standardization would not only improve patient safety and therapeutic reliability but also enhance international acceptance of Ayurvedic medicines. This work reinforces the importance of aligning traditional wisdom with modern analytical approaches to ensure consistency, efficacy, and safety of herbal formulations