Qualitative and Quantitative Standardization of Liv.52: A Polyherbal Formulation

Standardization of a polyherbal formulation is essential for establishing the authenticity, quality and efficacy of finished herbal product. World Health Organization (WHO) has given the preliminary guidelines for standardizing herbal formulations. The present work is an attempt to standardize Liv.52, using simple, non-expensive spectrophotometric method, including phytochemical screening and determination of various physicochemical parameters. Liv.52 is a polyherbal ayurvedic formulation, is the world's best-selling liver support formula, used for liver strengthening and repairing the damaged liver cells. Phytochemical screening of Liv.52 showed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, steroids and alkaloids. The formulation found to contain total ash (7.8 % ± 0.2), water-soluble ash (3.0 % ±0.3) and acid-insoluble ash (1.4% ±0.1) within the prescribed standard limits. The alcohol extractive value of the formulation was found to be more, 38.62% compared to the water-soluble extractive value, 28.44%. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of the formulation was found to be 9.8% and 5.6%, equivalent to gallic acid and rutin respectively.