STANDARDIZATION OF A UNANI PHARMACOPOEIAL TABLET ‘QURS-E-NUQRA’

There is a global demand for natural plant based products including Unani medicines for various health problems. As such the standardization is burning topic in Unani as well as Ayurvedic drugs manufacturer today. Standardization is an essential measurement for ensuring the quality control. The three steps of standardization during the manufacturing of the drug i.e. raw material, in process and final product standardization. Like any other system of medicine the efficacy of Unani formulations depends on potential and purity of the drugs used. To develop a mechanism for quality assurance of plants products and to ensure the purity of crude drugs and its standardization is essential. Standardization and quality control are the key factors in regulating the therapeutic efficacy because organoleptic parameters are insufficient for quality assessment. The present study deal with compound Unani formulation of ‘Qurs-e-Nuqra’ a tablet formulated on the formullae mentioned in National Formulary of Unani Medicine Part I. For standardization of drugs, investigation of the tablets were made on the basis of the parameters approved by the Unani Pharmacopoea Committe, along with the analysis of pesticidal residue, microbial load, heavy metals and aflotoxin analysis. The Thin layer chromatography (TLC) finger printing was made to check the standard of future batch

STANDARDIZATION OF A COMPOUND UNANI FORMULATION AL-AHMAR

In Unani System of Medicine the drugs derived from natural sources are used, the majority of them are plant origin 85 %, animal origin 10% and mineral origin 5% but like any other system of medicine the efficacy of Unani System of Medicine also depends on potential and purity of the drugs used. To develop a mechanism for quality assurance of mineral compound to ensure the purity of crude drugs material and its standardization is essential. Standardization and quality control are the key factors in regulating the therapeutic efficacy of Unani Herbal drugs. Organoleptic parameters are often insufficient in the quality assessment of Unani Herbal Drugs. The present study deal with compound Unani formulation of Al-Ahmar is compound formulation of National Formulary of Unani Medicine Part 5. Al-Ahmar is a red colour powder therpeutically used in Zoof-e Bah and Qillat Shahwat Ba-sabab Broodat-e- Mizaj. Al-Ahmar is a natural product and is absolutely safe as it does not produce any side effects. In standardization of drugs, the drugs investigation through different chemical method, their active principale are being worked out, their percentage composition are as follow Alcohol soluble matter 0.70 %, Water soluble matter 3.60%, Bulk Density 4.88-5.00, Water content negligible, Mercury not more than 50 ppm and pH 10%: 8.28 & 1%: 8.51 is being determined and purity is confirmed. In addition analysis of Microbial Load, Aflatoxin and Pesticidal residue were also done but not detected

PHYSICOCHEMICAL STUDY OF UNANI PHARMACOPEIAL OINTMENT MARHAM GULABI

In Unani medicine drugs derived from natural sources have been used since its origin in Greece about 2000 years ago. During the past decade there has been an ever increasing demand especially from developed countries for drugs from plant sources. This revival of interest is mainly due to the current widespread belief that Unani Medicine is safe and more dependable than synthetic drugs. The SOPs and standardization, which are essential for reproducing efficacy of any drug, have not yet been to be investigated in this formulation. Marahim (Ointments) are the important formulations of Unani System of Treatments, used as topical applicant for cuts, pains and abrasions etc. Most of the ointments contain mineral and/or plant products that vary from formulation to formulation. In the present paper the works on standardization and quality assurance of an ointment (Marhaam Gulabi) are reported. The parameters that are selected are those that are recommended by National Unani Pharmacopoea Committee. Marham Gulabi is a Brick red, semisolid compound with smell of camphor. Its action is mentioned as Daf-e-Taffun, Mudammil and Musakkin, in Unani literature and the mode of administration is topical (Anonymous, 1983). The parameters that are studied are Loss on drying (3.98%), pH 1% & 10% (6.6&6.4), Total Fatty Matter 68.40% and Passed the test of Rancidity, Thermal Stability and Spread ability Test.The heavy metals with in limit, Aflotoxins and Pesticidal residue are also estimated and reported which are abscent

PHYSICOCHEMICAL STUDY OF A UNANI PHARMACOPOEAL TABLET ‘QURS-E-GULNAR’

In the Unani System of Medicine the drugs derived from natural sources are used, the majority of them are from plant origin. These single drugs are formulated in different dosage forms i.e. Tablets, Pills and Semisolids (Lauq, Khamira, Majoon etc.). Like any other system of medicine the efficacy of Unani formulations depends on potential and purity of the drugs used. To develop a mechanism for quality assurance of plants products and to ensure the purity of crude drugs and its standardization is essential. Standardization and quality control are the key factors in regulating the therapeutic efficacy because organoleptic parameters are insufficient for quality assessment. The present study deal with compound Unani formulation of Qurs-e-Gulnar a tablet formulated on the formullae mentioned in National Formulary of Unani Medicine Part I. For standardization of drugs, investigation of the tablets were made on the basis of the parameters approved by the Unani Pharmacopoea Committe, along with the analysis of pesticidal residue, microbial load, heavy metals and aflotoxin analysis. their percentage composition are as follow Total ash 22,89 %, Acid insoluble ash 21.72 %, Water soluble ash 1.39, Alcohol soluble matter 17.68 %, Water soluble matter 31.11%, , Water content 4.53%, pH 10%: 3.91 & 1%: 4.05, Disintegration time in pure water 30 second, Disintegration time in acid media 25 second, weight of qurs 500 mg and Diameter of qurs 10 mm is being determined and purity is confirmed. In addition analysis of Microbial Load, Aflatoxin and Pesticidal residue were also done but not detected The Thin layer chromatography (TLC) finger printing was made to check the standard of future batch

A REVIEW ON PADMAKA (PRUNUS CERASOIDES D. DON): DIFFERENT SPECIES AND THEIR MEDICINAL USES

Padmak (Prunus cerasoides D. Don) usually called as the Himalayan cherry tree is a drug with a significant ethno-botanical and therapeutic importance. In India plant is restricted to submontane and montane Himalayan ranging from 500-2000 m. In Garhwal hill it is distributed abundantly in temperate zone of Pauri, Tehari, Chamoli and Uttarkashi district. The stem bark contains Flavonone, Sakuranetin, Prunatin, Isoflavonone and Padmkastin. It is used in the treatment of stone and gravels in the kidney, bleeding disorders, burning sensation and skin disease. It is a best anti-abortifacient. The stem in combination with other drugs is prescribed for snake bite and scorpion stings. The native of the Punjab believes the fruits to be useful as an ascaricide. In Indo-china the bark is used in dropsy. The flowers are considered diuretic and laxative. The seeds are used as antihelmintic. In China and Malaya peach kernel are given for cough, blood disease and rheumatism. Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides), is an Ayurvedic herb used for the treatment of skin diseases, increases the complexion. The leaf extract of Prunus cerasoides used in prostate and urinary disorder. This article is compilation of different aspects of Prunus ceresoides and other Prunus species such as their botanical classification, morphological features, chemical constituents, pharmacological properties and ethno-medicinal uses

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL EVALUATION OF NAGAKESARA USED IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF INDIA

Nagakesara though have no mentioning in Vedic literature is a widely mentioned drug in the Ayurvedic classics both in Brihattrayees and Laghutrayees. In Nighantukaala Nagakesara included in almost all Nighantus which mentions its prime importance and wide utility in therapeutics especially in disorders of GIT, skin and bleeding disorders. It has more than 20 synonyms. Modern literature mentions its considerable role in bleeding disorders and explanation regarding its morphological characters, habitat, chemical composition, characters and action. There is a need to study the position of Nagakesara in the crude drug market. It was found that there is a lot of confusion regarding the acceptance of genuine drug under the name Nagakesara. As there is scarcity and unavailability of Nagkeshara, also due to lack of awareness, instead of Nagkeshara, the Pratinidhidravya like Surpunnag, Punnag, Tamalpatra are used commonly. And gradually the use of real Nagkesara is diminished and the Ayurvedic Vaidya, teachers and students also understood the Pratinidhidravyas of it as real Nagkeshara

EMERGING QUALITY CONTROL PERSPECTIVES FOR AYURVEDIC DRUG

Ayush system of medicines based Herbal Pharmaceutical industry (ASU & H drug mfg) is having great potential and opportunities in India for development in future because of global acceptability of the medicinal plants & their value added products in Domestic & International Market as Ayurvedic, Unani and Siddha medicines, Herbal Nutraceuticals, Herbal Cosmoceutical, Herbal Health drinks, Dietary Health Supplements, Medicinal Plants / Crude Drugs, Herbal Extracts / Concentrates, Veterinary Medicines, Health Foods. India is rich with 771468 registered Ayush practitioners, 8667 licensed Ayurvedic drug manufacturing units. Quality Control/Assurance is the department, which controls all activities at various level of manufacturing as National & International standard. Ministry of Ayush continues to lay emphasis on up gradation of AYUSH educational standards, Quality control and standardisation of drugs, improving the availability of medicinal plant material, research and development and awareness generation about the efficacy of the system domestically and internationally. There are various issues & challenges related to drug quality for ASU&H Pharmaceutical Industries in India. It needs proper attention of policy makers and regulator & academia. Complete Implementation of GMP (schedule T) norm/guidelines and quality control/assurance procedure and activities is a big challenge for ensuring quality of drug

DEVELOPMENT OF HERB BASED PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY IN UTTARAKHAND STATE

Uttarakhand has been known as a place for best medicinal plants since ancient times as referred in original Ayurvedic classics i.e. Charaka Samhita (1000 BC). In recent years the pharmaceutical industries have realized its potential medicinal flora because of diversified agro climatic zone as well as less environmental pollution as 63% of the land belongs to forest. Thus the state has immense potential area to cater the demand to produce best Ayurvedic products nutraceuticals, cosmoceuticals and Agro-chemical based industrial products. Herb based Pharmaceutical industry is having great potential and opportunities for development in future because of acetate demand of the medicinal plants & their value added products are well accepted in Domestic & International Market as Ayurvedic, Unani and Siddha, Homoeopathic medicines, Herbal Nutraceuticals, Herbal Cosmoceutical, Herbal Health drinks, Dietary Health Supplements, Medicinal Plants / Crude Drugs, Herbal Extracts / Concentrates, Veterinary Medicines, Health Foods. Various issues & challenges of Herbal Pharmaceutical Industries in Uttarakhand need proper attention of policy makers in favour of small industries. If, the challenges & issues related to development of Herbal sector in Uttarakhand is addressed the State could be the capital of Herbs in India

COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF KRIMIGHNA DRUGS MENTIONED IN THE AYURVEDIC PHARMACOPOEIA OF INDIA

Ayurveda is the science of life having wide description of Krimighna dravya in its literature. Ayurvedic pharmacopeia of India published by the Ministry of AYUSH is a monograph of single drugs; which is very popular for all stack holder of Ayush system of medicines. This article details the review of single drugs mentioned in API part I (Vol I to VI) and their screening for Krimighna (antimicrobial) properties. Present article also aims for validating classical fact with published scientific research work. Authors searched 54 drugs out of 519 single drugs described in the API & it was found most of Ayurvedic Krimighnadravya were recognized for having antimicrobial property which was established through various Preclinical & clinical work carried out by the scientific community. Authors collected data with references to validate API drugs having antimicrobial property. All screened content can be taken for various high-tech research work by various students in MD, PhD or in the various other project of CSIR, DST, EMR project of CCRAS for further development of new drugs and conversion of available drugs to latest dosage form

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON ADULTERATION OF RAW MATERIALS USED IN ASU DRUG MANUFACTURING

Ayurveda is a system of Indian traditional form of alternative medicine. In 20th and 21th century due to side effects of synthetic drugs, there is an increasing interesting ASU medicine. At present the adulteration of the herbal drugs is the burning problem in ASU herbal industry and it has caused a major problem in the research on commercial natural products. The deforestation and extinction of many species and incorrect identification of many plants has resulted in adulteration and substitution of raw drugs. The future development of analysis of herbs is largely depended upon reliable methodologies for correct identification, standardization and quality assurance of Ayurvedic drugs. In India normally the contamination/adulteration in food/crude drugs is done either for financial gain or due to carelessness and lack in proper hygienic condition of processing, storing, transportation and marketing. Medicinal plants constitute an effective source of traditional and modern medicine. Adulteration is considered as an intentional addition of foreign substances to increase the weight of the product or to decrease its cost. It may be due to- Confusion in vernacular names, Lack of knowledge about authentic plants, Non availability, Similarity in morphology, activity, aroma, Careless collection and other unknown reasons. This article throws a light on adulteration, types, common market adulterants in ASU medicines and prescribed Prevention methods