Pharmaceutico-Analytical Evaluation of Ashwagandha Tablet – A Contemporary Ayurveda Dosage Form commonly used in Psychiatric Disorders

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), a revered Rasayana herb in Ayurveda, is renowned for its adaptogenic, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. With the growing global interest in traditional medicine and integrative healthcare, there is an increasing demand for standardized, safe, and efficacious herbal formulations. This study presents a comprehensive pharmaceutico-analytical evaluation of an Ashwagandha tablet formulation developed at KLE Ayurveda Pharmacy, Belagavi, with the aim of assessing its quality, consistency, and therapeutic viability. The evaluation encompassed organoleptic examination, physicochemical testing, preliminary phytochemical screening, and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) profiling, following Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia and general analytical protocols. The tablet displayed characteristic color, odor, and bitterness, correlating well with the properties of authentic Ashwagandha root. Physicochemical parameters, including loss on drying, ash values, extractive values, friability, disintegration time, and hardness, were within pharmaceutically acceptable limits. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of key secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and glycosides, while TLC fingerprinting confirmed a consistent chemical profile. The results support the formulation’s stability, purity, and potential therapeutic efficacy, especially in the management of stress-related, cognitive, and psychiatric conditions. By demonstrating compliance with both classical Ayurvedic and modern analytical standards, this study underscores the feasibility of integrating traditional herbal knowledge into contemporary dosage forms. The findings advocate for the continued scientific validation and standardization of Ayurvedic medicines to enhance their credibility and accessibility in global healthcare systems.