A study on shelf life (Saviryatha Avadhi) of herbal drugs W.S.R. to Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus willd) Churna

Abstract

Background: Ayurveda texts clearly described the shelf life of various formulations. Ayurveda herbs lose their medicinal properties over a period of time. As per Sharangadhara Samhita, the shelf life (Saviryatha avadhi) of Churna is two months. As per the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, the shelf life of Churna is two years. Hence, this study is planned to ascertain Saviryata Avadhi of Shatavari Churna (powder), which is a commonly used dosage form. Materials and Methods: Organoleptic, physicochemical characteristics and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) techniques are employed for analysis. The results of fresh Shatavari Churna sample are compared with those of a sample of two months, six months, and one-year-old Churna is stored in five porcelain jars. Results: Total ash, acid-insoluble ash, Ph value, alcohol-soluble extractive, and water-soluble extract values almost fluctuate within the ranges mentioned in API, Part 1, Volume IV. Steroidal saponins are the main biologically active constituents of Asparagus; however, the percentages of saponins were 33.20%, 31.15%, and 15.10% in fresh, one-month-, two-month-, and six-month-old samples, respectively. In one-year-old samples, saponins are completely absent. The absence of steroidal saponins indicates the expiry of the sample. Conclusion: Shelf life of Shatavari Churna may be considered as six months based on the active component percentage, if stored as per classics.