Abstract

FORMULATION AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL EVALUATION OF ARKA TAILA: AN AYURVEDIC OIL BASED MEDICINE

*Anoma Geethani Samarawickrama

Abstract

Arka (Calotropis gigantea linn.) is one of the Upavisa an important drug of Ayurveda known since Vedic period. Upavisha are the group of drugs which are less toxic in nature. Arka is one among the Ekadasha Upavisha.[1] Even though an acute poison can become an excellent medicine if administered properly & On other hand even most useful medicine can act like a poison if handled incorrectly.[2] Arka is a well-known medicinal plant with Kandugna¸ Kushtagna, Vranaropana, and shothagna[3] activities. It is also indicated in Shvasa, Gulma and Krimiroga. Arka taila is a anubhoota yoga used for external application in the management of kushta specially for Paama, vicharchika.[4] There is no evidence of scientific validation on the physical from of the study drug Arka taila and this study was aimed. The prepared Arka taila was subjected to analysis. The derivative physico-chemical parameters, HPTLC profiles serve as diagnostic parameters to identify this drug formulation. Since it is a anubhoota yoga, knowledge of its preparation and analysis of physical parameters and chemical parameters help in evaluating the drug, standardizing for purpose of quality control. Analytical parameters are important tools in establishing identity, purity and strength of finished product. Under analytical study, Physical parameters like Specific gravity, Viscosity, refractive index are dealt and under chemical parameters Acid value, Iodine value, Saponification value, Unsaponifiable matter, Peroxide value, HPTLC of Arka taila is studied.

Keywords: Kandugna¸ Kushtagna, Vranaropana, and shothagna.