Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine, representing a comprehensive approach to personalised care. Bhaishajya Kalpana is a crucial branch of Ayurveda, focusing on the preparation of various formulations by converting raw materials into a suitable form.  Churna Kalpana is one such formulation that is well known from the Vedic period for its extensive use. Samasharkara Churna is one among the formulations mentioned in the classics containing Ela (Cardamom), Twak (cinnamon), Tejapatra (Indian bay leaf), Nagakeshara (Mesua ferrea), Maricha (Black pepper), Pippali(Long pepper), Shunthi (Dry ginger), and Sita (Sugar candy), and is indicated in treating various conditions like Arsha (Hemorrhoids), Kasa (Cough), Agnimadhya (Indigestion), Aruch i(Anorexia), Kantha roga (Throat diseases), and Hridroga (Cardiac disorder).  In recent years, due to changes in lifestyle and environmental factors, there has been a rise in various diseases, resulting in a growing interest in traditional medicine, which offers a holistic approach. This study will help in understanding the preparation, various pharmacological actions of the ingredients and its physico-chemical parameters that will ensure the quality and efficacy of the Samasharkara Churna.

Introduction:

Ayurveda is an ancient medical system that offers a holistic and personalised approach to health and well-being. Hence, it is referred to as the “science of life.” It comprises a wide range of formulations that have been traditionally used to manage various ailments. Bhaishajya Kalpana is one among the important branches of Ayurveda that focuses on the preparation of different formulations or converting raw material into a suitable and convenient form. It includes Fundamental or primary preparations, called as Panchavidha Kashaya Kalpana, that is Swaras, Kalka, Kwath, Hima, Phanta and secondary preparations like vati, avaleha, Sneha, etc. The Acharya’s have also mentioned the concept of Upkalpana, which means the basic principle of the preparation remains the same, but the method of preparation slightly varies.

Churna Kalpana is a pharmaceutical preparation well known since the Vedic period. It is widely used both internally and externally to treat different disease conditions. Churna is the fine powder of completely dried drugs that is filtered through a clean cloth.[1 ]It holds a significant place due to its simplicity, ease of preparation and wide applicability. Churna can be prepared from a single drug or it can be a compound formulation. Churna is considered as the upakalpana of kalka, as the basic principle, pounding remains the same. However, in Kalka, wet drugs are used, whereas in churna the properly dried drugs are used.

Samasharkara churna is the classical formulation traditionally employed to treat a wide spectrum of diseases. It is mentioned in the Bhaishajya Ratnavali [2] and even in the Yogaratnakara. [.3] It is indicated in conditions like Arsha (Hemorrhoids), Kasa (Cough), Agnimadhya (Indigestion), Aruchi (Anorexia), Kantha roga (Throat diseases), and Hridroga (Cardiac disorder) etc. As per the classics, the formulation consists of Ela (Cardamom), Twak(cinnamon), Tejapatra (Indian bay leaf), Nagakeshara (Mesua ferrea), Maricha (Black pepper), Pippali (Long pepper), Shunthi (Dry ginger), and Sita (Sugar candy).[2,3] The formulation is valued for its various therapeutic properties that play a significant role in managing the ailments.

The physico-chemical profiling serves as the foundation stone to ensure the quality and efficacy of the formulation, which is an essential requirement for the global acceptance of the formulation.

Aim: To prepare and study the pharmacological and physicochemical aspects of the Samasharkara churna.

Objectives:

1. To analyze the pharmacological properties of each ingredient of Samasharkara Churna.
2. To prepare Samasharkara churna according to classical guidelines.
3. To study the organoleptic and physicochemical parameters of Samasharkara churna.

Materials and methods:

The information was gathered from various sources including classical books, compiled books, research articles and other sources.

Table 1. Composition of Samasharkara churna: [2,3]

Table 2. Pharmacological properties of the ingredients: [5]

Pharmaceutical study:

It includes:

1. Collection of raw material
2. Preparation of Samasharkara churna

1. Collection of raw material:

All the raw materials were collected from Authentic source and local market.

1. Method of preparation of Samasharkara Churna:

• Each raw material was identified, collected and authenticated individually.
• The Samasharkara churna was prepared following standard operative procedure of Churna.
•  All the raw materials, i.e., Ela, Twak, Tejapatra, Nagakeshara, Maricha, Pippali, Shunthi and Sita were taken in the prescribed ratio mentioned in the table no.1
• Each drug was taken separately in the khalva yantra and pounded to convert it into fine powder form and sieved through the sieve no.80
• Later all the fine powders were taken in the khalva yantra one by one and triturated to form homogenous mixture.
• The prepared churna was weighed and packed in the clean, air-tight container and stored to prevent it from moisture.

Precautions:

1. The hygienic conditions were maintained throughout the procedure.
2. The trituration was done carefully to avoid the spillage.
3.  The sieving was done carefully.
4. The weighing of each drug was done carefully.

Observation:

Table 3. Organoleptic characters of Samasharkara churna

Analytical test result:

Table 4: Physico- chemical analysis of Samasharkara churna

Discussion:

In this article the information was collected from different classical and compiled books and research articles.

Pharmacological review:

The formulation comprises of ingredients which mainly have Madhura, Katu and Tikta Rasa, Ushna Virya, Laghu, Tikshana Guna and Exhibit Katu Vipaka. Due to these properties, it collectively contributes to enhancing Agni, digesting ama dosha, balancing the doshas, mainly Vata and Kapha dosha and also helps in nourishing and promoting tissue strength and immune response. It also has properties like Hridya (Cardio-protective), Vatanulomaka (Regulate bowel Movement), Pramathi (Scraping), Kanthasudhakara (Throat-soothing agent), Arshoghna (anti-hemorrhoidal) etc. Hence, establishes its relevance in managing a wide range of diseases. Research has shown that these ingredients also possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, gastroprotective, immunomodulatory, etc., properties. These activities align with the traditional use of the drug and significantly contribute to the formulation’s efficacy in treating various ailments and maintaining good health.

Pharmaceutical review:

The formulation was prepared following proper procedure mentioned in the classical reference. The churna formed was creamish in colour, with drug specific odour, smooth consistency and pungent and slightly sweet taste.

Analytical review:

Analytical evaluation plays a critical role in ensuring the quality of the formulation. The pH of the formulation is 5.5 which is mild acidic in nature. The total Ash value of the formulation is 7.10%. The ash value suggests the purity and authenticity of the drug and the amount of inorganic matter present in the formulation. Acid-insoluble ash is 1.2 % v/v, determines the acid-insoluble inorganic content present in the given sample. The water-soluble extractive value of the formulation is 51.56% suggesting the active principles soluble in the water. The alcohol soluble extractive value of the churna is 14.56%, that is the amount of compound soluble in alcohol. The Loss on Drying is 3.87%, it is a critical parameter that indicates the amount of moisture content present in a given formulation, which is important for ensuring the stability and shelf life of the formulation. Reducing and non-reducing sugar suggest the presence of a free aldehyde or ketone group in the sugar molecule and is crucial for ensuring the quality of the formulation. The formulation contains 2.64% reducing sugar and 1.41% non - reducing sugar.

Conclusion:

Samasharkara churna is the combination of ingredients that possesses Dipana, Pachana, Anulomana, Ruchya, Arshoghana, Kanthasudhakara, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory etc properties that are beneficial in treating disease condition. The physico-chemical parameters help in ensuring the quality of the drug. The combination of pharmacological properties with modern analytical evaluation provides a comprehensive understanding of the formulation. Further well-designed clinical trials, in vitro, in vivo studies can be carried out to evaluate the efficacy, safety and therapeutic potential of Samasharkara churna. The in vitro studies help in elucidating the mechanism of action and pharmacological activities while in vivo study help in assessing its dose-response relationship, pharmacological efficacy and toxicity profile. The well-designed clinical trials can further establish its clinical effectiveness, safety and tolerability in specific disease condition, thereby providing evidence-based use.

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