Studies on Ashwagandha Ghrita with reference to murcchana process and storage conditions

Abstract

Background Withania somnifera (L.) (family-Solanaceae), known as ‘Indian ginseng’ or ‘ Ashwagandha ’ is acclaimed as an effective adaptogen, immunomodulator, aphrodisiac and sedative. Ashwagandha ghrita is a recognized ghee based Ayurvedic formulation. Few ancient texts suggest murcchana process for preparation of Ashwagandha ghrita . Objective The study was undertaken to evaluate probable effects of murcchana process on ghrita preparation with reference to time and storage conditions. Materials and Methods Ashwagandha ghrita samples were prepared separately using plain ghee (Indian cow's ghee) and murcchana ghee. These formulations were stored separately in different glass bottles at room temperature and 400C/75%RH. Organoleptic characters (colour, odour, taste, texture and touch) and physicochemical parameters (acid value, peroxide value, iodine value, saponification value, unsaponifiable matter, refractive index and specific gravity) were determined after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Plain ghee and prepared ghrita were subjected for antioxidant evaluation by various in vitro methods. Results Changes were observed in organoleptic characters and physicochemical parameters of plain ghee and Ashwagandha ghrita formulations. Alterations in these parameters were more pronounced at high temperature and on long storage. Ashwagandha ghrita prepared with murcchana process exhibited better antioxidant potential in all in vitro methods. Conclusion The murcchana process was found to be beneficial towards quality of ghrita. Hence, Ashwagandha ghrita may be prepared along with murcchana herbs and stored in a good quality glass bottle to ensure improved shelf life of ghrita .

Development and evaluation of aphrodisiac potential of a classical ayurvedic formulation, ‘Kaamdev ghrita’ in rat model

“…The plain ghee and KG samples were analyzed for various organoleptic (color, odor, taste, texture, touch) and physicochemical parameters (acid value, peroxide value, iodine value, saponification value, unsaponifiable matter, extractive values, refractive index, and specific gravity) as per standard procedures described in reference books and published reports [ 2 , 3 , [14] , [15] , [16] ].…”

“…Processing of ‘ ghee’ with plant material/materials i.e. Ghrita is well acclaimed for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of plant ingredients [ 2 , 3 ]. Ghrita is one of the popular Ayurvedic formulations prepared by boiling cow ghee ( Sneha dravya ), a paste of crude plant powder in water ( Kalka ), fresh juice of plant ( Svarasa ) and water ( Drava dravya ) in specific proportions as per the formula and procedures are given in Ayurvedic texts [ 1 , 4 ].…”

Development and Validation of Chromatographic Method for the Standardization of Homeopathic Formulation of Syzygium Cumini

“…The crude drug and homeopathic formulations were analyzed for various parameters such as acid value, saponification value, and iodine value. 26,27…”

Withanolides from Withania somnifera as an immunity booster and their therapeutic options against COVID-19

“…It has been used as an herbal tonic and healthy food to treat various diseases and human ailments (Gurav & Gurav, 2014. Ashwagandha is reported to possess multiple pharmacological activities including immune booster, hepatoprotective, anxiolytic, antidepressant, nootropic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, anti-stress, anticonvulsant, antitumor, anti-genotoxic, and immunomodulatory properties (Gurav et al, 2020;Muralikrishnan et al, 2010). Additionally, a previous report suggests the anti-viral property of W. somnifera (Cai et al, 2015).…”