A Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical study of Kanchanara Gutika

Abstract

Kanchanara gutika is one of the preparations of the Ayurveda, which is used for the treatment of the Thyroid disorders. It is in use since many years with good clinical outcome. But the pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies of the drug has not been carried out yet. Hence to study them this study is planned.  Aim: Authentication of the raw drugs of Kanchanara gutika and phytochemical evaluation of the finished product.  Materials and methods: The present study deals with the Pharmacognostical identification of the ingredients of Kanchanara Gutika and its physicochemical analysis. Thin Layer chromatography study (TLC) was also developed.Results: Pharmacognostical results showed Pippali catkin with fruit, Maricha with the epicarp and the oil globules, Sunti with oleoresins and vascular bundles, Haritaki with fibres, Amlaki with epicarp and mesocarp, Vibhithaki with stone cells and Kanchanara with xylem and phloem vessels. Qualitative studies shows that Loss of drying 33%, PH 4.72%, Water soluble matter 12%, Alcohol soluble matter 19%, Total ash 3%, Acid insoluble ash 2.5%, Dissolution time 4%, Moisture content 8%. The TLC chromatograph showed five bands at Rf 0.21(Yellow), 0.28 (Grey), 0.47 (Brown), 0.56 (Violet), 0.93 (Orange).Conclusion: Pharmacognostical study revealed genuinity of raw drugs. Physicochemical and TLC studies inferred that the formulation meets the minimum quality standards. The inference from this study may be used as reference standard in the further quality control researches.