Abstract

MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY ASSESMENT OF SHATAVARI CHURNA

Amruta N. Avalaskar, Rama Kashikar*, Manju Choudhary, Shraddha Shukla, Megha Gadewar and Jyoti Galande

Abstract

Traditional medicines derived from medicinal plants are used by more than 60% of the world’s population. Even though several differences exist between herbal and conventional pharmacological treatments, herbal medicines can be tested for efficacy using conventional trial of methodology. Shatavari churna is obtained from roots of Asparagus racemosus Will, family Liliaceae, is available in the market in various dosage forms like churna, kalpa, tablets, capsules and jams. Shatavari is consumed by pregnant and lactating women as it helps to maintain healthy levels of breast milk production, it is consumed by pediatrics as it helps boost immunity.[1] Microbial test is important aspect to maintain quality of herbal drugs. This includes analytical and microbiological testing as per pharmacopeia. To maintain potency of natural sources and excipients used in pharmaceutical preparation microbial limit test is performed. The microbial quality assessment of Shatavari churna is performed to check whether it’s safety, efficacy and purity is maintained on long term storage. The present study focuses on microbiological evaluation of Shatavari churna.

Keywords: Shatamuli, microbial limit test, Asparagus