Development and Physicochemical Evaluation of a Herb-Based Calcium Supplement Tablet: Asthiposhak Vati

Calcium is an essential element in various bodily mechanisms. Calcium supplementation becomes necessary when dietary intake falls short, particularly to combat or delay osteoporosis, or in cases of osteomalacia, hypocalcemic rickets, hypoparathyroidism, and hypocalcemia stemming from chronic kidney disease. The primary supplements employed are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate, with carbonate being more cost-effective but reliant on stomach acidity for absorption, while citrate boasts superior bioavailability. Though less common, calcium phosphate, lactate, and gluconate exist as oral alternatives, and intravenous calcium gluconate serves in acute hypocalcemia. Potential downsides of supplementation, especially in excess, encompass gastrointestinal disturbances, heightened risk of kidney stones, and controversially, the possible exacerbation of cardiovascular issues. This research focuses on the development and physicochemical evaluation of a novel Ayurvedic proprietary calcium supplement tablet formulated with Kukkutand Twak Bhasma, Shigru, Arjun, Ashwagandha, Laksha, Haritaki, Dinka, Yawa, Guduchi, and Babbul Twak in equal proportions. Three batches were prepared and Physicochemical properties were analyzed according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) to ensure quality and compliance with pharmacopeial standards. Results demonstrate that the developed tablets exhibit acceptable physical characteristics and comply with established limits for hardness, disintegration, friability, loss on drying, and ash values, suggesting potential as viable natural calcium supplement. The observations were consistent with minimal batch-to-batch variation, concluding that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the tablets has been successfully developed through the study.