Among the padachatushtaya, medicine is given the next importance after doctor and while highlighting its significance Acharya Charaka has said that doctor equipped with medicine is capable of restoring the health of the individual by removing the fear of disease. In saying this they meant that, the medicine should be of good quality and having maximum potency. ISO 9000 defines quality assurance as "A part of quality management focused on providing confidence that quality requirements will be fulfilled" and is different from quality control.The same has been highlighted in our ancient classics thousands years back. Acharyas mentions about the different parameters to be followed right from collection of raw drug, to processing and storage of final product. WHO have given certain guidelines to ensure the safety and efficacy of the medicine along with its quality control parameters. Following the ancient classics with a touch of scientific reasoning may help in solving the mystery and bringing back the glory of Ayurveda. The drugs used in Ayurveda fall under three categories viz herbal, mineral and animal origin. The collection of drugs include different steps like place, time, method of collection etc. processing techniques include various procedures carried out on the drug, where as storage techniques include different methods of preservation. All these steps involved not only ensure the high potency of medicine but also has a great impact on the preservation and conservation of the environment, thus providing an unending supply for our future demands.

The present study is an effort to develop a polyherbal formulation (Sumukti Syrup) to treat alcohol dependency and its standardization. The compound is prepared with herbs that are nootropic (Medhya), immunomodulators (Rasayana), carminating (Deepana) and with hepatic stimulants (Yakrituttejaka) properties. The ingredients are Kiratatikta (Swertia chirata), Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba), Mandookaparni (Centella asiatica), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Hareetaki (Terminalia chebula), Vibhitaki (Terminalia belerica), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) which is prepared in Syrup form following standard protocols. The raw materials were collected, authenticated and standardized as per Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & Family welfare, Government of India guidelines. In the present study, the physico-chemical parameters in terms of total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble extractive value and alcohol soluble extractive value of the raw materials are comparable with pharmacopeia standards. HPTLC photo documentation of raw materials as well as finished product provided a hint towards isolation of few constituents to the finished product. The results of total solids, total sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, specific gravity and refractive index of study formulation can be considered as preliminary standards.