PHYSICOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SHANKHDRAV RASA AND ITS IN-VITRO CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY ON HT – 29 HUMAN COLORECTAL ADENOCARCINOMA CELL LINE

Ayurveda emphasizes the maintenance of health through the balance of Dosha, Agni, and Dhatu, while Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana describe pharmaceutical techniques for preparing safe and effective medicines. Shankhadrav Rasa is a classical distillation-based formulation possessing a unique Ksharana (dissolving) property, capable of dissolving hard substances such as Shankha, Varatika, and Dhatu, which justifies its nomenclature. Classical texts also recommend Ghrita-lipta Mukha (application of ghee to the oral cavity) during its administration to minimize irritation and ensure safe consumption. Traditionally indicated in conditions such as Gulma, Granthi, and Vidradhi, the formulation offers scope for scientific exploration in colorectal cancer. The present study aims to prepare and analytically evaluate Shankhadrav Rasa according to classical principles and assess its in-vitro anticancer activity against HT-29 human colorectal cancer cellsusing the MTT assay. This study integrates Ayurvedic pharmaceutics with modern analytical and cell-based techniques to generate preliminary scientific evidence regarding its potential anticancer activity.