PHYSICOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND HPTLC EVALUATION OF KARPASASTHYADI CHURNA

Background: Karpasasthyadi Churna is a compound Ayurvedic formulation mentioned in Sahasrayogam (Churna Prakarana), traditionally indicated for its anti-emetic (Chardi- nigrahana) properties. Despite its classical mention and therapeutic potential, the formulation lacks systematic pharmaceutical and analytical standardization. Aim: The present study aims to authenticate the raw materials, prepare Karpasasthyadi Churna in accordance with classical Ayurvedic guidelines and establish a comprehensive analytical profile through pharmaceutical, physicochemical, phytochemical, microbiological, heavy metal and High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) evaluations, thereby ensuring its quality, safety and standardization. Materials and Methods: Raw drugs were procured, authenticated and processed following classical methods described in Sharangadhara Samhita. Each ingredient was separately powdered, sieved through mesh No. 85 and mixed in equal proportions. The final formulation was subjected to organoleptic evaluation, physicochemical analysis (pH, loss on drying, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water and alcohol-soluble extractives), microbiological screening, heavy metal analysis by ICP-OES and HPTLC fingerprinting. Results: The formulation yielded a fine, pale brown powder with a characteristic cardamom odour and astringent-to-sweet taste. Physicochemical analysis revealed: pH 6.20, loss on drying 7.18% w/w, total ash 3.08% w/w, acid-insoluble ash 1.00% w/w, water-soluble extractives 45.85% w/w, and alcohol-soluble extractives 32.33% w/w. Microbial counts were within permissible limits (bacterial count: 30 cfu/g; yeast and mould: 20 cfu/g), with absence of specific pathogens. Heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury) were not detected. HPTLC fingerprinting at 254 nm revealed 7 peaks and at 366 nm revealed 8 peaks, indicating diverse phytoconstituents. Conclusion: The study successfully established pharmaceutical and analytical standards for Karpasasthyadi Churna, confirming its authenticity, purity, safety and the presence of therapeutically significant phytoconstituents. The generated data can serve as reference standards for quality control and batch-to-batch consistency.