Quality Assurance in Pharmaceutics: An Ayurvedic Perspective

Abstract

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.

Physico Chemical Standardization of Different Samples of Suvarnamakshik (Chalcopyrite)

“…Thus, standardization of raw drug is the first step before commencing for any research work. It is noteworthy that Grahyagrahyatwa (acceptable variety)criterion for raw drugs mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts prove helpful even today for selection of genuine raw drugs 1 . Ancient tests combined with modern parameters work as a ladder to reach towards authentic samples.…”