Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AUTHENTICATION OF ABHAYADI KWATHA CHURNA THROUGH POWDER MICROSCOPY: A STANDARDIZATION STUDY

Dr. Kamala Chaudhary*, Dr. Dharmendra Jani, Dr. Suman Singh

ABSTRACT

Background: Abhayadi Kwatha is a classical Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation described in Sharangadhara Samhita. Standardization of classical formulations is essential to ensure their authenticity, quality, and consistency. Powder microscopy serves as a valuable pharmacognostical tool for the identification of diagnostic microscopic characteristics of herbal formulations. Material and Methods: Powder microscopy of Abhayadi Kwatha procured from the local market of Vadodara, Gujarat, India, was carried out. The study was conducted at the Pharmacognosy Laboratory, Upgraded Department of Dravyaguna Vijnana, Government Ayurved College, Vadodara. Microscopic slides of Abhayadi Kwatha were prepared using suitable reagents and examined under a microscope to observe and document the diagnostic microscopic characters of the formulation. Results: Powder microscopic characters corresponding to all fourteen ingredients were identified. These included stone cells and calcium oxalate crystals of Haritaki, spiral vessels and starch grains of Musta, endocarp and sclerenchymatous cells of Dhanyaka, bordered-pitted vessels of Rakta Chandana, stone cells of Padmaka, trichomes of Vasa, cork and prisms of Indrayava, starch granules and sclereids of Ushira, crystal fibres of Guduchi, stone cells of Aragvadha, unicellular trichomes of Patha, reticulated vessels of Shunthi, cortical parenchyma with starch grains of Katuki, and stone cells of Pippali. The observed features were consistent with standard reference characters, indicating the authenticity of the formulation. Conclusion: Powder microscopy successfully confirmed the identity and authenticity of Abhayadi Kwatha Churna. The documented diagnostic characters may serve as valuable reference standards for pharmacognostical authentication and detection of adulteration in commercially available samples.

Keywords: Abhayadi Kwatha, Powder Microscopy, Standardization, Polyherbal Formulation.