A Pharmacognostical and Pharmaceutical evaluation of Dhanyamla

Abstract

Introduction: Dhanyamla is a medicated liquid preparation produced by fermentation process of various grains. Dhanyamla is cold at perception by its nature as it is a sour liquid and Ayurvedic classics opine that amla rasa is of cold nature if used externally. It is commonly used for management of Diabetic Polyneuropathy which commonly presents with burning sensation, loss of strength, loss of balance, loss of sensation, numbness etc. especially of feet. Materials and methods: Raw drugs of Dhanyamla as per the reference in Sahasrayogam were purchased from the local market of Jamnagar, Gujarat. It was prepared as per the standard preparation procedure at Department of Rasa shastra and Bhaishajya kalpana, IPGT&RA, GAU, Jamnagar. The final product was then subjected to pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical analysis. Pharmacognosy of Dhanyamla was carried out by preparing a slide made with glass slide and cover slip. Then this slide was observed under the Carl Zeiss Trinocular microscope. Organoleptic characters and physico-chemical parameters were noted. HPTLC was performed and observed under short UV (254 nm) and long UV (366 nm). Results: Pharmacognosy study of Dhanyamla revealed presence of starch content and oil globules. Analytical study of Dhanyamla showed 14 spots and 20 spots at 254 nm and 366 nm respectively. Specific Gravity, pH and total solid contents were 1.0033, 3.257 and 55.334 respectively. Discussion and conclusion: The presence of both carbohydrate and oil content would have been the reason of having soothing and mild nourishing effect.