Pharmaceutical and quality control profiling of Bhunimba kshara (~alkaline compound of Andrographis paniculata [Burm. f.] Wall. ex Nees.)

Introduction: Bhunimba ( Andrographis paniculata [Burm. f.] Wall. ex Nees.) has potent therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, and immunomodulatory effects. Bhunimba kshara, the alkaline substance prepared from Bhunimba, is anticipated to have these properties along with other general properties of Kshara (~substance with alkaline property) , such as Kapha-Medohara, (~alleviation of Kapha and lipids) and Lekhana (~scraping). Being an important formulation, detailed information on its preparation method and physicochemical properties is lacking. This study aims to bridge this gap by outlining a method of preparation for Bhunimba kshara and providing data on its preliminary physicochemical properties. Aim: To prepare Bhunimba kshara using the cotton wick method and to analyze its preliminary physicochemical profile. Materials and Methods: Dried Panchanga (~whole plant) of Bhunimba was procured and authenticated. Three batches of Bhunimba kshara were prepared from its ashes followed by the guidelines of Kshara preparation as mentioned at Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India with some modification. Results: About 13.083% of Kshara was obtained during the first wash, while it was 6.2% in the second wash. The final product was a brown-colored, strong alkaline powder, with a pH of 11.25. The Loss on Drying was 5.96% w/w and Acid Insoluble Ash was 0.97% w/w. Conclusion: The method of repeated washing of ash and decantation using a cotton wick employed in this study may lead to a higher yield of Kshara . Preliminary physicochemical analysis of Kshara revealed its highly alkaline nature, containing iron, sodium, chloride, and potassium salts.