DOI: 10.4103/jdras.jdras_82_25 ISSN: 2279-0357
Formulation development and analytical evaluation of Kasisadi Ghrita and its cream
R. M. Puneeth Raj, K. S. Sakhitha, Reetesh Ramnani, Mohar Pal Meena, Anupam Srivastava, Subhash C. Yadav Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Kasisadi Ghrita
(
KG
), a classical Ayurvedic formulation detailed in the
Sharangadhara Samhita
, is advocated for its therapeutic efficacy in managing various skin conditions, anal ailments, pigmentation following wound healing, and other conditions. This study introduced a modified approach to preparing
KG
using the
Agnipaka
method instead of
Bhanupaka
, followed by its formulation into a cream to enhance topical application and therapeutic benefits.
METHODS:
The preparation of
KG
involved the
Shodhana
(purification) of
Rasa dravya
and the grinding of herbal ingredients into a coarse powder. These ingredients were meticulously combined and processed using the
Agnipaka
method, which involved gentle heating and continuous stirring to achieve optimal extraction and blending of the herbal and mineral constituents into clarified
Go-Ghrita
. Subsequently, the
Ghrita
was transformed into a cream by incorporating appropriate excipients to improve texture, stability, and skin penetration. Both formulations were subjected to organoleptic, physicochemical, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis.
RESULTS:
The preparation of
KG
using the modified
Agnipaka
method yielded a formulation having dark orange color, refractive index 1.4606, specific gravity 0.9476, saponification value 244.92, iodine value 37.588, acid value 2.1702, free fatty acids 1.0909, and peroxide value 25.8706. This was subsequently converted into a cream with smooth texture, ease of application, and improved suitability for dermal delivery with a pH of 5.16, saponification value of 259.12, iodine value 39.168, acid value 2.307, free fatty acids 1.3261, and peroxide value 20.8706. The overall average similarity of HPTLC peaks was calculated as 73.35%, indicating substantial retention of phytochemical constituents following conversion of the
ghrita
into a cream dosage form.
CONCLUSION:
This study demonstrated the feasibility of preparing
KG
using a modified
Agnipaka
method and its incorporation into a cream, followed by analytical evaluation of both formulations. However, the current study is preliminary in nature and limited by the absence of stability studies, extended safety profiling, and clinical assessment. Therefore, further investigation of shelf life, toxicity profiling, and clinical trials is essential to validate the long-term stability, safety, therapeutic efficacy, and dermatological applicability of the formulation before recommending its clinical use.