PHARMACEUTICO-ANALYTICAL STUDY OF BALAGODHUMADI KASHAYA

Aim: To authenticate the raw materials, prepare Balagodhumadi Kashaya as per classical guidelines and establish its analytical profile through pharmacognostical, pharmaceutical, physicochemical, phytochemical, microbiological, heavy metal and HPTLC evaluations. Methods: All crude drugs were pharmacognostically identified according to API standards. The Kashaya was prepared following Sharangadhara Saṃhita Kwatha Vidhi using 90 g of raw drugs and 1,440 mL of water, reduced to one-eighth. Analytical parameters assessed included organoleptic features, pH, specific gravity, Brix value, total solids, microbial load, phytochemical constituents, heavy metals (ICP–OES) and HPTLC finger printing at 254 nm and 366 nm. Results: The prepared Kashaya exhibited pale brown colour, astringent–bitter taste and slightly viscous consistency. Physicochemical results were: pH 4.55, specific gravity 1.00, Brix value 1.88, and total solids 1.96 % w/v. Microbial analysis showed low bacterial (160 cfu/g) and fungal (40 cfu/g) counts, with complete absence of E. coli, S. typhi, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, steroids and terpenoids. Heavy metals—arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury were within permissible limits. HPTLC analysis displayed 10 peaks at 254 nm and 3 peaks at 366 nm, establishing the fingerprint profile. Conclusion: Balagodhumadi Kashaya prepared according to classical standards is authenticated, safe and analytically validated. Its rich phytochemical profile, acceptable physicochemical characteristics, low microbial load and compliant heavy metal levels confirm its quality and suitability for therapeutic use in cardiac disorders. The established HPTLC fingerprint further strengthens its standardization and supports future quality control studies.