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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies Pharmacopeial Standardization of

Mahasudarshan Churna: A Polyherbal Formulation

Article  in  Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies · August 2013

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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies
Year: 2013, Volume: 1, Issue: 2
First page: (13) Last page: (18)
ISSN: 2320-3862
Online Available at www.plantsjournal.com

Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

Pharmacopeial Standardization of Mahasudarshan

Churna: A Polyherbal Formulation
Shivani Chauhan*1, Vikrant Pundir2, Ashish Kr Sharma2

1. Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, M.I.E.T., Meerut, U.P, India

[E-mail: [email protected], Ttel: 09758833730]
2. Adarsh Vijendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gangoh, Saharanpur, U.P, India

Standardization of herbal formulation is essential in order to assess the quality of drugs for therapeutic
value. Mahasudarshan churna, an ayurvedic formulation currently used as diaphoretic and anti-malarial. It
is also useful in dyspepsia and loss of appetite. It was standardized in order to assess the quality of drugs,
based on the concentration of their active principles according to world health organization guidelines.
The various parameters performed included organoleptic characteristics and physicochemical. The set
parameters were found to be sufficient to standardize the Mahasudarshan churna and can be used as
reference standards for the quality control/ quality assurance study mostly on plant drugs for their primary
health care needs. The results obtained may be considered as tools for assistance to the regulatory
authorities, scientific organization and manufacturers for developing standard formulation of great
efficacy.
Keyword : Standardization, Mahasudarshan Churna, Traditional medicine, Physico-chemical parameters, Marketed
formulation (MF), WHO.

1. Introduction:
In the last few decades, there has been an and home remedies. [3] Maha Sudarshan
exponential growth in the field of ayurvedic churna is used traditionally as antipyretic,
medicine. There are great need of anti-malarial, antiviral and antidiabetic
standardization and quality control of formulation. It is made of a mixture of herbs
ayurvedic formulations. [1] Standardization and edible salts. It is recommended for all
is a system to ensure that every packet of type of fever and common cold. [4]
medicine that is being sold has the correct Mahasudarshan churna (MSC) contains
amount and will induce its therapeutic Swertia chirata (50%) along with other 49
effect. [2] WHO has also issued Guidelines Ingredients (50%) Triphala, Haridra,
for quality control methods for medicinal Daruharidra, Kantakari,Brhati, Karcura,
plant material in 1992 with a clear objective Sunthi, Marica, Pippali,Murva, Guduchi,
to provide general test methods for correct Dhanvayasa, Katuka, Parpata, Musta,
botanical evaluation and identification of Trayamanag, Hrivera, Nimba (chhal),
medicinal plants widely used in traditional Puskara, Yasti, Kutaja, Yavani, Indrayava,

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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies www.plantsjournal.com

Bharang, Sigru, Saurastri, Vaca, Tvak, were dried in shade and cleaned by hand
Padmaka, Svetacandana, Ativisa, Bala, sorting. The individual drugs were then
Salaparn, Prsniparni, Vidanga, Tagara, crushed using a willing grinder and pass
Citraka, Devadaru, Cavya, Patola, Lavanga, through mess no. 80. Weigh separately each
Vamsa, Kamala, Ashwagantha, Tejapatra, powdered ingredient and mix together. Pass
Jatiphala Sthauneya, Vidarikand, the Churna through sieve number 44 to
[5]
kiratatikta . All other ingredients have prepare a homogeneous blend. Pack it in
different therapeutic uses which support to tightly closed containers to protect from
treat the malaria and other fevers and are light and moisture. [7]
also useful in rejuvenating the body. The
preparation of mahasudarshana churna is 2.2 Organoleptic Evaluation
based on traditional methods in accordance Organoleptic evaluation refers to evaluation
with the procedures given in classical texts. of formulation by colour, odour, taste etc.
This may not have the desired quality and The organoleptic characters of the samples
batch to batch consistency. Hence this were carried out based on the method
formulation required standardization described by Siddique et.al[8].
according to guidelines given by WHO. [6]
Table 1: Organoleptic Properties of two
Formulations
2. Materials and Methods Marketed In house
Parameters
Ingredients of mahasudarshana churna formulation preparation
consists of Triphala, Trikatu, Chiraita, Appearance Powder Powder
Bidang, Lavang, Kateri Kachur, Daruhaldi, Yellowish Yellowish
Colour
Giloy and other 40 items. They were brown brown
procured from local market of gangoh distt. Odour Fragnant Fragnant
Saharanpur (UP) and was authenticated by Taste Bitter Bitter
Department of botany F.R.I. Dehradun.
2.3 Physicochemical Investigation
2.1 Preparation of Mahasudarshana Determination of Total Ash
Churna Total ash determination constitutes detecting
In house formulation of mahasudarshana the physiological ash (ash derived from
churna was prepared as per Ayurvedic plant (tissue) and nonphysiological ash (ash
Formulary of India. Each gm is prepared from extraneous matter, especially sand and
from: Triphala, Haridra, Daruharidra, soil adhering to the surface of the drug). For
Kantakari,Brhati, Karcura, Sunthi, Marica, its detection 2g of powdered material of
Pippali,Murva, Guduchi, Dhanvayasa, each formulation and the individual
Katuka, Parpata, Musta, Trayamanag, ingredients of the powers were placed
Hrivera, Nimba (chhal), Puskara, Yasti, separately in a suitable tared crucible of
Kutaja, Yavani, Indrayava, Bharang, Sigru, silica previously ignited and weighed. The
Saurastri, Vaca, Tvak, Padmaka, powdered drugs were spread into an even
Svetacandana, Ativisa, Bala, Salaparn, layer and weighed accurately. The materials
Prsniparni, Vidanga, Tagara, Citraka, were incinerated by gradually increasing the
Devadaru, Cavya, Patola, Lavanga, Vamsa, heat, not exceeding 450°C until free from
Kamala, Ashwagantha, Tejapatra, Jatiphala, carbon, cooled in a desiccator, weighed and
Sthauneya 0.013g each, Vidarikand 0.026g, percentage ash was calculated by taking in
kiratatikta 0.335g. These all ingredients

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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies www.plantsjournal.com

account the difference of empty weight of solvent. 25ml of the filtrate was evaporated
crucible & that of crucible with total ash[9]. to dryness in a tared flat-bottomed shallow
dish at 105°C to constant weight and
2.4 Acid insoluble ash weighed. The percentage of alcohol-soluble
The ash obtained as above was boiled for 5 extractive was calculated with reference to
min with 25ml of dilute hydrochloric acid, the air dried drug and is represented as%
the insoluble matter was collected on an ash value[9].
less filter paper, washed with hot water and
ignited to constant weight. The percentage 2.7 Water Soluble Extractive Value
of acid-insoluble ash with reference to the 5g of coarsely powdered air-dried drug was
air-dried drug was calculated[8]. macerated with 100 ml of chloroform water
in a closed flask for twenty-four hours,
2.5 Water Soluble Ash shaking frequently during six hours and
The ash was boiled for 5 minutes with 25 ml allowed to stand for eighteen hours. It was
of water; collected insoluble matter in an ash then filtered rapidly, taking precautions
less filter paper, washed with hot water, and against loss of solvent. 25ml of the filtrate
ignited for 15 minutes at a temperature not was evaporated to dryness in a tared flat
exceeding 450C. Subtract the weight of the bottomed shallow dish at 105°C to constant
insoluble matter from the weight of the ash; weight and weighed. The percentage of
the difference in weight represents the water-soluble extractive was calculated with
water-soluble ash. The percentage of water- reference to the air-dried drug and is
soluble ash with reference to the air-dried represented as % value[9].
drug was calculated[9].
2.8 Loss on Drying
2.6 Alcohol Soluble Extractive Value Loss on dying is the loss of mass expressed
5g of coarsely powdered air-dried drug was as percent w/w. About 10g of dug samples
macerated with 100ml of alcohol in a closed of each formulation was accurately weighed
flask for twenty-four hours, shaking in a dried and tared flat weighing bottle and
frequently during six hours and allowed to dried at 105C for 5hrs. The percentage was
stand for eighteen hours. It was then filtered calculated with reference to initial weight.
rapidly; taking precautions against loss of

Table 2: Physicochemical Parameters: Maha Sudarshan Churna

Result in % w/w Result in % w/w

Quantitative standards
(Marketed formulation) (In house preparation)
Total Ash Value 62.90% 61.20%
Acid insoluble ash 18.20% 17.20%

Aqueous soluble ash 8.40% 7.20%

Moisture content 20.10% 23.30%

Alcohol soluble extractives 22.00% 21.70%

Aqueous soluble extractives 31.20% 35.70%

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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies www.plantsjournal.com

2.9 Determination of Systemic Solvent extraction with various solvents of different

Extractive Values polarity, concentrated by evaporation, dried
The air dried powder of Mahasudarshan and percentage yield was determined[9].
churna were extracted by successive
than 50 degrees have unsatisfactory flow
Table 3: Mahasudarshan Churna Extractive values properties, whereas minimal angle close to
(Showing percentage yield of various extracts)
25 degrees correspond to very good flow
% Yield % Yield properties. The fixed funnel and the free
S. standing cone method employs a funnel that
Extracts (Marketed (In house
N.
formulation) preparation) is secured with its tip at a given height,
Petroleum which was taken 2.5 cm (H), above the
1. Ether 2% 1.6%
graph paper that is placed on a flat
Extract
Chloroform horizontal surface. Powder or granulation
2. 4.5% 3.17% was carefully poured through the funnel
Extract
Ethanol until the apex of the conical pile just touched
3. 21% 21.7%
Extract the tip of the funnel[7,8]. Tan = H/ R or = arc
Aqueous tan H/R Where is the angle of repose, R
4. 34.8% 35.7%
Extract
being the radius of the conical pile[10, 11].
2.10 Bulk Density and Tap Density
2.12 Hausner Ratio
The term bulk density refers to a measure It is related to interparticle friction and as
used to describe a packing of particles or
such can be used to predict the powder flow
granules. The equation for determining bulk properties. Powders with low interparticle
density (D), Db=M/Vb Where, M is the
friction such as coarse spheres have a ratio
mass of the particles and V is the total of approximately 1.2, whereas more
volume of the packing. The volume of the
cohesive, less flow able powders such as
packing can be determined in an apparatus flakes have a Hausner ratio greater than 1.6.
consisting of a graduated cylinder mounted
The equation for measuring the Hausner
on a mechanical tapping device (Jolting ratio is: Df / Do, where, Df = Tapped
Volumeter) that has a specially cut rotating
density and Do = Bulk density[11, 12].
can. 100gm of weighing formulation powder
was taken and carefully added to the Table 4: Physical characteristics of marketed
cylinder with the aid of a funnel. Typically formulation and in house formulation of
the initial volume was noted and the sample Mahasudarshan churna
was then tapped until no further reduction in Marketed In house
Parameters
volume was noted. The initial volume gave formulation formulation
the Bulk density value and after tapping the Tap density 0.5 ± 0.04 0.62 ± 0.005
volume reduced, giving the value of tapping Bulk density 0.38 ± 0.2 0.41 ± 0.03
density[10, 11].
Angle of
22 ± 0.23 23.8 ± 0.2
repose
2.11 Angle of Repose
Angle of Repose has been used as an Hausner
1.88 ± 0.02 1.79 ± 0.4
ratio
indirect method of quantifying powder flow
ability because of its relationship with
interparticle cohesion. As a general guide,
powders with the angle of repose greater

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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies www.plantsjournal.com

3. Result and Discussion by high values of Hausner ratio, presented in

In house formulation was prepared in Table 3.
accordance with the Ayurvedic Formulary
of India. As part of standardization 4. Conclusion
procedure, the finished product The result of the present study clearly
Mahasudarshan Churna was tested for indicates that there is no uniformity in
relevant physical and chemical parameters preparations of formulation. It may due to
along with marketed formulation for a varied geographical location where there
comparative study. All the samples were plant grow, coupled with the problem of
yellowish brown in color. The powders were different vernacular name, these plant
smooth, having fragnant odour, possessing known by, a great deal of adulteration or
bitter taste. The organoleptic properties of substitution is encountered in commercial
the marketed formulation and the in-house market. It might be a useful contribution to
formulations were reported in table 1. the selection of an appropriate formulation
Quality tests for Mahasudarshan Churna and in a clinical practice and effective rational
its individual ingredients were performed for therapy, the overall theme of the heath
moisture content, ash content, water soluble science. So further it can be studied for
extractive, methanol soluble extractive, acid comparative pharmacological evaluation.
insoluble ash and water insoluble ash, and
were found to be within standard ranges. 5. References
The extractive values and ash values of the 1. P. K.Mukherjee, Clinical research and
in-house formulation and marketed regulatory affairs, 2003, 20,249–264.
2. N.R. Ekka, K.P. Nmedo, standardization
formulation are given in table 2. The results strategies for herbal drugs, Research J.
are expressed as mean (n=6) ± Standard Pharm. Tech 1, 2008, 301-312.
deviation (SD). Variations were observed in 3. S Panchawat and K Rathore,
most of the physicochemical parameters standardization and evaluation of herbal
studied. The total ash value of marketing drug formulation, Indian journal of
formulation was found to be higher than that natural products 2003, 19, 11-15.
4. DH Tambekar, SB Dahikar. Antibacterial
for in house preparation. Acid insoluble ash activity of some Indian ayurvedic
value for in house formulation was found to preparations against enteric bacterial
be 17.20% and in case of marketed pathogens. JAPTR, 2011 2, 24-29.
formulation this was found to be 18.20%. 5. http://mall.coimbatore.com/bnh/zandu/
On the contrary, the water soluble ash sudarshan.htm
percentage of marketing formulation is high 6. Quality control methods for medicinal
plants materials, World health
8.40% in comparable with in house organization, Geneva 1998, 25-28.
preparation. The extractive values of 7. The Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Govt.
formulations in water were found to be of India, Ministry of Health and Family
much higher than alcohol extractive values. Welfare, New Delhi, 1976.
Loss on drying at (105ºC) is also presented 8. A. Siddiqui, M. A. Hakim, Format for the
pharmacopoeial analytical standards of
in Table 2. The results of the market compound formulation, wokshop on
formulation and in house formulation were standardization of unani drugs,
found to be comparable. The flow ability of (appendix), Central council for research
the formulation was found to be poor in both in unani medicine, New Delhi, 1995.
market formulation and in house 9. P. K. Mukerjee, Quality control of herbal
formulation, which was further confirmed drugs, Business horizons pharmaceutical
publisher,New Delhi, 2002.

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 Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies www.plantsjournal.com

10. L. Lachman, H. A. Liberman, J. L. Kanig,

The theory and practice of industrial
Pharmacy, 3rd edn, Varghese publishing
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