A PRELIMINARY PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL EVALUATION OF SARASWATA CHOORNA

Abstract

Author(s): Kshama Gupta*, Prasad Mamidi

Saraswata choorna is an Ayurvedic medicine used in the treatment of psychosis, depression, low intelligence level, loss of memory etc; conditions. Saraswata choorna is mentioned in Bhaishajya ratnavali text in ‘Unmada chikitsa’. Regular consumption of Saraswata choorna improves buddhi (higher mental functions), medha (intellect), dhriti (control over mind), smriti (memory power) and kavita shakti (poetic talent). The present study was planned to evaluate the ingredients of Saraswata choorna pharmacognostically and to standardize it on various scientific parameters like organoleptic characters and physico-chemical parameters. Powder microscopic features of all the ingredients of Saraswata choorna were equivalent to the standard profile. Pharmaceutical analysis of Saraswata choorna showed, loss on drying (13.88 % w/w), pH of 5 % aqueous solution (5.45), volatile oil content (1.25 % v/w), particle consistency (% of above 60 mesh - 80.53 % w/w), water extract (26.30 % w/w), alcoholic extract (21.0 % w/w) and ash value (12.33 % w/w). The present study would open up the doors to future workers in the field for identification and to check quality and purity of the Saraswata choorna.