COMPARATIVE PHARMACEUTICO-ANALYTICAL AND IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF GUDUCHI (TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA) SWARASA AND GUDUCHI GHRITA

Background: Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), known as Amrita in Ayurveda, is a renowned Rasayana drug with diverse therapeutic applications. It is administered in various dosage forms, among which Guduchi Swarasa (fresh juice) is used as Medhya Rasayana as per Charakacharya. However, it has some limitations such as less shelf life, need for fresh preparation. Guduchi Ghrita (medicated ghee) is considered highly effective. However, scientific evidence comparing their pharmaceutical characteristics and antioxidant potential remains limited. Aim: To prepare and standardize Guduchi Swarasa and Guduchi Ghrita, evaluate their organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics, determine their total phenolic content, and assess their antioxidant activity using DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Materials and Methods: Guduchi Swarasa was prepared by extracting fresh juice from Guduchi stems following classical methods. Guduchi Ghrita was prepared through Sneha Kalpana using Murcchita Go-Ghrita, Guduchi Kalka, and water. Both formulations were subjected to organoleptic evaluation and physicochemical analysis. Total phenolic content was estimated by the Folin-Ciocalteu Reagent (FCR) method, and antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH assay with Ascorbic Acid as standard. Results: Guduchi Swarasa appeared as greenish-brown liquid (pH 6.69, specific gravity 0.99, refractive index 1.344), while Guduchi Ghrita was an off-white thick solid mass (pH 6.80, specific gravity 0.89, refractive index 1.47, acid value 3.5, iodine value 42, saponification value 182). Total phenolic content at 100 μg/mL was 74.13 μg GAE/g for Guduchi Swarasa and 51.00 μg GAE/g for Guduchi Ghrita. DPPH assay showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 72.49 μg/mL for Guduchi Swarasa and 77.67 μg/mL for Guduchi Ghrita. Conclusion: Both formulations demonstrated significant antioxidant potential. Guduchi Swarasa exhibited superior activity, likely due to higher phenolic content. However, Guduchi Ghrita offers advantages of enhanced stability and palatability through Sneha Kalpana.