Pharmaceutical preparation and preliminary evaluation of Bahushala guda: A potent polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation

Abstract BACKGROUND: Bahushala guda (BG) is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation mentioned in Bhaishajya Ratnavali , renowned for its therapeutic efficacy in various diseases like Arsha, Pandu, Prameha, and Grahani . This study aimed to systematically prepare BG following classical Ayurvedic procedures and to carry out analytical studies to evaluate its physico-chemical properties. METHODS: Preparation of BG involved the collection and authentication of raw materials. The drug of Kwatha (decoction) phase was coarsely powdered (#10/44), and Kwatha was prepared by boiling it with specified quantity of water. In the filtered decoction, guda was added and heated till the desired consistency and characteristics were achieved. Then, the fine powder of Prakshepa drugs was added and mixed properly. The resultant product was subjected to organoleptic and physico-chemical analyses and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprint profiling. RESULTS: The pharmaceutical preparation of BG yielded a homogenous, brown-colored formulation with a characteristic aroma. Physico-chemical analysis of BG included evaluation of parameters such as loss on drying at 105°C, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, alcohol-soluble extractives, water-soluble extractives, pH, total sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, total fat, and total solid of 8.54%, 1.77%, 0.54%, 46%, 77%, 5.89, 78.5%, 25.18%, 53.32%, 0.235%, and 91.46%, respectively. In HPTLC profiling, 11 bands were observed at 254 nm, whereas seven bands were observed at 366 nm wavelength. CONCLUSION: This study comprehensively details the pharmaceutical preparation and analytical evaluation of BG, a traditional Ayurvedic formulation. By standardizing the manufacturing process and establishing quality parameters, we ensure the formulation’s quality, safety, and efficacy, thereby reinforcing its therapeutic potential for various ailments.