PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND STANDARDIZATION OF ST TABLET: AN AYURVEDIC POLYHERBAL LAXATIVE FORMULATION

ST Tablet is a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation composed of Senna (Cassia angustifolia), Triphala (a combination of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica and Emblica officinalis), Trivrit (Operculina turpethum) and Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), widely indicated in the management of constipation and irregular bowel habits. Constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements, difficulty in defecation, or passage of hard stools, often associated with dietary, lifestyle, and pharmacological factors. In Ayurveda, it is described as Vibandha, primarily caused by the vitiation of Vata dosha, particularly dysfunction of Apana Vayu at the level of Pakwashaya (colon). The present study aims to standardize ST Tablet through organoleptic evaluation, physicochemical analysis, preliminary phytochemical screening, and chromatographic fingerprinting. Organoleptic parameters confirmed characteristic brown-coloured tablets with a bitter taste. Physicochemical parameters such as hardness, friability, loss on drying, and ash values were assessed to ensure quality and stability. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, and saponins, which are responsible for the formulation’s laxative, digestive, and detoxifying properties. The synergistic action of its ingredients enhances bowel motility, softens fecal matter, improves digestion, and balances Tridoshas. The study establishes baseline quality control parameters for ST Tablet, which can be used for ensuring batch-to-batch consistency and scientific validation of the formulation.