Comparative study of pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical evaluation of Shwasahara Dashemani Churna with different numbers of Bhavana (levigation)

Abstract

Context: Acharya Charaka has grouped the drugs according to their specific mode of action on particular body system and disease, and they can be used as a whole or in different combinations in different dosage forms. Shwasahara Dashemani is one among them and contains the 10 drugs. Bhavana Samskara (levigation process) is mentioned in Ayurveda to increase the potency of a drug and to reduce the dose. Aims and Objectives: To screen the differences in pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical profile of the Shwasahara Dashemani Churna prepared with different numbers of Bhavana. Materials and Methods: Cluster of all the drugs of Shwasahara Dashemani was taken as a single combination in the form of Churna prepared with single Bhavana and another prepared with seven Bhavanas. For Bhavana, the Kashaya of the same drugs of Shwasahara Dashemani was used. Results: Till date, no research article was found on pharmacognostical evaluation of this drug. The powder microscopy of the Churna with one Bhavana showed the presence of simple starch grains of Shathi, stone cells of Agaru, etc., whereas that of another group prepared with seven Bhavana showed scleroids of Agaru with crushed walls, fibers of Amlavetasa with smoothened walls. Loss on drying was higher in the Churna with one Bhavana while ash value was found higher in Churna prepared with seven Bhavana. Conclusion: There is a definite role of number of Bhavana in the drug preparation as there is a change in pharmcognostical characteristics after the Bhavana. These changes favor the better absorption, assimilation, and target action with minimal dose.