A COMPARATIVE PHARMACEUTICO- ANALYTICAL AND IN VITRO ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF KUSHTHADI LEPA AND IT'S OINTMENT

Kushthadi Lepa is a classical Ayurvedic topical formulation indicated in skin disorders. However, its paste form may have limitations related to application, handling, stability and patient acceptability. Therefore, present study was undertaken to develop an ointment form of Kushthadi Lepa and to compare the Pharmaceutical, Analytical and in-vitro Antifungal properties of both Lepa and Ointment. Kushthadi Lepa was prepared using six ingredients- Kushtha, Mulaka Beeja, Priyangu, Sarshapa, Haridra and Nagakeshara. Further Tila Taila was subjected to Murchana and subsequently used for preparation of Kushthadi Siddha Taila. The Siddha Taila was converted into ointment using Sikta (beewax). Both formulations were subjected to pharmaceutical and analytical evaluation. Also in-vitro Antifungal activity was assessed by the well diffusion method against selected fungal strains. The prepared formulations showed acceptable pharmaceutical characteristics and were evaluated for relevant physicochemical and Analytical parameters. The Ointment demonstrated improved ease of application and suitable consistency compared with the Lepa. Antifungal activity was observed against the selected fungal organisms, indicating the potential of Kushthadi formulation for topical antifungal application. The study indicates that conversion of Kushthadi Lepa into an Ointment dosage form can provide better convenience and patient acceptability while retaining the therapeutic potential of the formulation. The comparative pharmaceutical, Analytical and Antifungal findings support further evaluation of Kushthadi Ointment as a topical Ayurvedic Antifungal formulation.