Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF GANDHAKADYA MALAHARA: AN AYURVEDIC TOPICAL DOSAGE FORM

Neha Basaiye*, Saismitha N., Roshan Lal Nanama, Sakhitha K. S., Reetesh Ramnani, Anupam Srivastava

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Abstract

Malahara Kalpana (A kind of ointment) is a unique dosage form intended for topical application in Ayurveda, the word Malahara, means it removes Mala (residues) from Vrana, Twak Vikara etc. Malahara (ayurvedic ointments) require three main components to be processed pharmaceutically i.e. an oil base, a binding substance, and ingredients in fine powder form. Present article explains about the processing of Gandhakadya Malahara, as mentioned in Rasatarangini, a text of Rasashastra (Ayurvedic pharmaceutics). The formulation contains ingredients i.e. Shudha Gandhak (purified/ treated Sulphur), Shudha Tankan (treated borax), Girisindura and Camphor incorporated in to the base containing Sesame oil and Beeswax. It is indicated in various skin disorders like Pama, Dadru, Vidari, Vicharchika, Sidma etc. The consistency of prepared formulation was semisolid, with a bright orange colour and characteristic odour. Gandhakadya Malahara showed no irritant action on skin, readily spread on skin surface and had a smooth texture. Physico chemical evaluation of the product showed Specific gravity of 0.8860, Refractive index 1.482, Spreadability 15g.cm/s, Ester Value 165.82mg KOH/g, Peroxide Value 151.32m eq O2/Kg, Acid Value0.89mg KOH/g and Total Fatty Matter 85.19% w/w.

Keywords: Malahara Kalpana, Gandhakadhya Malahara, Topical dosage form.