PHARMACOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE POLYHERBAL FORMULATION “KUSHTAKHNANI KWATHAMâ€
Anju V. Jalaj, B. Christudhas Williams and R. Mary Suja*
ABSTRACT
Charaka Samhita, the principal classic reference for Ayurvedic system of medicine gives an account of a large number of mono and polyherbal formulations for treating various ailments. Although the Ayurveda physicians have the treasure of knowledge regarding medicines, they are scared to use many of the ancient prescriptions due to lack of evidence of their effects. To overcome this challenge traditional medical system is now giving more emphasis on evidence based research to explore the real potential of ancient herbal formulations. The present study is a preliminary step to find out the pharmacological activities of the polyherbal formulation – ‘Kushtakhnani kwatham’ (decoction) prescribed for treating skin diseases. This formulation was mentioned by Charaka in Charaka Samhita. As decoctions in water have very short life, they cannot be prepared for commercial purpose. Therefore standardization of a protocol for the preparation of water decoctions and evaluation of its pharmacological activities are inevitable for the effective use of this formulation in future. The present study focus the antibacterial and antioxidant potential of the formulation extracted with three solvent systems.
Keywords: Charaka Samhita, decoction, antibacterial, antioxidant potential.
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