Asoka Rishta

Journal of Scientific and Innovative Research 2013; 2 (6): 993-998
Available online at: www.jsirjournal.com
Research Article
ISSN 2320-4818
JSIR 2013; 2(6): 993-998
2013, All rights reserved
Received: 27-09-2013
Accepted: 23-12-2013
Standardization of different marketed brands of

Ashokarishta: An Ayurvedic formulation
Tekeshwar Kumar*, Yogesh Kumar Larokar, Vishal Jain
Abstract
Tekeshwar Kumar
University Institute of Pharmacy,
Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University,
Raipur 492010, India
Yogesh Kumar Larokar

National
Institute
of
Pharmaceutical Education and
Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad,
Gujarat 380054, India
Vishal Jain
The use of Ayurveda has been in India since a long period. Many herbal formulations have
proved to be effective in the prevention and treatment of many life-threatening diseases. Asavas
and Arishtas have been used as medicine for over 3000 years as appetizer and stimulant. In the
present study different marketed brands and in-house formulation of Ashokarishta were
thoroughly evaluated for their organoleptic characteristics and physicochemical parameters, to
establish a routine procedure for standardization of these Ayurvedic formulations. The
organoleptic tests performed include colour, odour and taste whereas the physicochemical
parameters evaluated were alcohol content, water and alcohol soluble extractive, pH, total solid
content, density surface tension and viscosity. In present communication, a TLC method was
developed for the evaluation of Ashokarishta by quantitative estimation of major compound
kaempferol. Moreover, phytochemical screening was performed for the detection of
carbohydrates, proteins, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, steroids, flavonoids and amino acids.
Keywords: Ashokarishta, Organoleptic parameters, Physicochemical parameters,

Kaempferol.
Introduction
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medicinal system being practiced for thousands of
years. Asava and Arishta are unique dosage form discovered by Ayurveda having
indefinite shelf life and it was said that the older the better it is. Because this dosage
form has an inherent attribute of continuous hydro-alcoholic extraction and probably
formation of natural analogues of the chemical compounds present in the medicinal
plants.1 Ayurveda contains 8 branches of sciences and 10 different diagnostic tools
based on tridosha theory (three humors of body). Ayurveda also advocates a system of
prevention of diseases stipulating a set of practices as daily routine (Dinacharya) and
seasonal routine (Ritucharya). They are herbal teas, infusions, decoctions, tinctures,
capsules and powders, infused oils, ointments, creams, lotions etc. along with arishtas
(fermented decoctions) and asavas (fermented infusions).2
Correspondence:
Tekeshwar Kumar
Tel: +919827985722
E-mail:
[email protected]
Ashokarishta is an Ayurvedic herbal remedy with autogenous fermented alcohol with

Ashoka as the chief ingredient. It is one of the most popular remedy for 'female
disorders' or for menstrual disorder and female hormonal imbalances. Nourishes the
blood & the reproductive system, maintains healthy production of female hormones,
helping to regulate the menstrual cycle & ease the transition into menopause.3 It sounds
useful for PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and menstrual discomforts. Ashokarishta also
relieves back-ache and abdominal pain.
993
Journal of Scientific and Innovative Research

The tree is regarded as a guardian of female chastity.4
The object of this study was to determine the level of
alcohol content, water and alcohol soluble extractive, pH,
total solid content, density, surface tension and viscosity in
different brands of Ashokarishta to establish a routine
procedure for preparation.
Materials and methods

Method of Preparations of Ashokarishta
In preparation of Ashokarishta, Each 50ml contain,
Ashoka (11.16gm), Water (114.27ml), Guda (22.32gm),
Dhataki (1.785gm), Shweta Jira (0.112gm), Musta
(0.112gm).5
The basic were first cleaned and rinsed in water to get rid
of dirt. For preparation of arishta a decoction was obtained
by boiling the drugs in the specified volume of water used

should be cleaned, cleared and potable. When the extracts
are obtained the sugar (cane sugar), jaggery and or honey
are added and completely dissolved. Sometimes any one or
more of these sugary substances are omitted if so directed
in the recipe. The sugar jaggery and Honey should be pure
the jaggery to be added should be very old (prapurana)
because fresh jaggery aggravates kapha and suppresses the
power of digestion. The flavoring agents are coarsely
powdered and added to sweetened extract. The earthen pot
or jar intended for fermenting the medicine is tested for
weak spot and cracks and similarly lid is chosen.6
Collection of Ashokarishta
Three different brands Ashokarishta were purchased from
local market and in-house formulation prepared in
laboratory scale. The details are shown in table-1.
Table 1: Brands of Ashokarishta purchased from market
Brand Name
Main Ingredients
Uses
Dabur ashokarishta
Ashoka, Guda, Dhataki, Amalaki, Bibhitaka,

Haritaki, Shunthi, Amrasthi. Vasa, Shveta
chandana, Daruharidra, Musta, Utpala,
Shveta jiraka and Water.
Relieves backache and abdominal pain,

reduces irritation, improves strength and
stamina, ensure active and energetic life
throughout the month.
Sandu ashokarishta
Ashoka, Guda, Dhataki, Ajaji, Mustaka,

Bibhitaka, Amalaki, Amrasthi, Jiraka, Vasa
and Condana.
Raktapradar and shwetapradar.
Baidhyanath
ashokarishta
Ashoka, Guda, Dhataki, Ajaji, Musta,

Sunthi, Daruharidra, Utpala, Haritaki,
Bibhitaka, Amalaki, Amla, Sveta jiraka,
Vasa, Condana.
Excellent tonic for women, relieves

backache, stomachache, headache,
debility etc.
Ashoka, Dhataki, Daruharidra, Jiraka,

Sunthi, Condana, Amla, Guda.
Menorrhagia,
irregular
leucorrhoea, uterine tonia.
In-house formulation
menses,
Evaluation of different marketed brands and in-house

formulation of Ashokarishta
Organoleptic properties
All the different brands and in-house formulation of
Ashokarishta were evaluated organoleptically for their
colour, odour and taste. The results are shown in table-2.
994

Table 2: Organoleptic properties of Ashokarishta
Formulations
Dabur
Ashokarishta
Appearance
Liquid
Colour
Brown
Taste
Sour
Odour
Pleasant
Sandu
Ashokarishta
Liquid
Brown
Sour
Pleasant
Baidhyanath
ashokarishta
In-house formulation
Liquid
Dark brown
Sweet
Pleasant
Liquid
Dark brown
Sour
Pleasant
Physicochemical properties
Determination of total solid content
All the three different marketed formulations and in-house

formulation of Ashokarishta were evaluated by
determining
its
physicochemical
parameters.
Physicochemical parameters include alcohol content, water
and alcohol soluble extractive, pH, total solid content,
density, surface tension and viscosity.
The total solid content was calculated for each brand of

Ashokarishta. 10ml of each brand of Ashokarishta were
taken in pre-weighed petri dish and dried under oven. The
total solid content was calculated in % w/v basis.9 The
results are shown in table-3.
Determination of density
Determination of alcohol content, water and alcohol

soluble extractive
Values of Alcohol content, water soluble extractive and
alcohol soluble extractive were determined as per the
method described in Indian Pharmacopoeia7 and the results
are shown in table-3.
Determination of pH
The digital pH meter was used for the pH measurement
after calibration with buffer solution. pH was noted for all
brands of Ashokarishta after opening the bottle and 7 days
and 14 days after opening the bottle.8 The results have
been shown in the table-3.
Density of all the samples was determined by using

pycknometer10 and the results for different formulations
are shown in table-3.
Determination of surface tension
Surface tension provides the information regarding the
structure of molecule. Surface tensions of all the samples
were determined by using Stalagnometer10 and the results
have been shown in table-3.
Table 3: Physicochemical properties of Ashokarishta
Physicochemical
Parameters
pH
Alcohol content (%v/v)
Water-soluble extractive (%w/w)
Alcohol-soluble extractive (%w/w)
Density (gm/cm3)
Surface tension (dynes/cm)
Viscosity (cps)
Total solid content (%w/v)
Dabur
ashokarishta
3.93 0.91
5.1
10.1
10.7
1.042
60.555
2.335
15.39
Formulations
Sandu
Baidhyanath
ashokarishta
ashokarishta
3.72 1.21
4.13 0.52
6.8
8.7
11.5
10.2
9.3
9.1
1.05
1.068
80.484
60.485
1.067
3.531
15.40
21.76
In-house
formulation
3.92 0.42
5.3
11.2
10.4
1.08
72.4
2.56
20.3
995

Determination of viscosity
Viscosity for all the samples was determined by using
Ostwald viscometer 11 and results are shown in table-3.
Active phytoconstituents like carbohydrates, alkaloids,

glycosides, tannins and flavonoids were identified in all
three marketed formulations and in-house formulation of
Ashokarishta 12 as shown in table-4.
Phytochemical screening
Table 4: Phytochemical screening
Formulations
Phytoconstituents
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Alkaloids
Glycosides
Steroids
Tannins
Amino acids
Flavonoids
Dabur
ashokarishta
Sandu
ashokarishta
Baidhyanath
ashokarishta
In-house
formulation
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ indicates presence; indicates absence
Identification of marker constituents of different

marketed and in-house formulations by thin layer
chromatography
Test Solution: To 50ml of sample add 50ml of distilled
water and partitioned in separating funnel using n-hexane
then after again partitioned with chloroform and then with
ethyl acetate. After partitioning, sample was dried on a
water bath at a definite temp. To 20mg of powdered
sample, sufficient quantity of methanol was added for
spotting.
Solvent System: Toluene: Ethyl Acetate: Acetic Acid (5:
4: 1).
Procedure: Applied test solution on activated Silica gel G
plate of uniform thickness of 0.5mm. The plates were
developed in the solvent system.
Visualization: The plates were examined under ultraviolet light at 366nm and visualized as fluorescent green in
color as in fig.1
Figure 1: TLC profile of test solution of all three marketed

formulations and in-house formulation. 1- Distance traveled by
solvent, 2 - Distance traveled by solute. A- Dabur ashokarishta,
B- Sandu ashokarishta, C- Baidhyanath ashokarishta, D- Inhouse formulation
Evaluation: The Rf value of standard Kaempferol (0.64)

was found almost equal with the Rf of all the three
marketed products and in-house formulation as shown in
table-5.13
996

Table 5: TLC Screening of Ashokarishta
Solvent system used
Detection
Development of
colour
Rf value
A
B
C
D
Toluene: Ethyl Acetate:
UV-light
Fluorescent Green 0.62
0.61
0.637
0.655
acetic acid
(366nm)
A Dabur ashokarishta, B Sandu ashokarishta, C Baidhyanath ashokarishta, D In-house formulation
Results
All the three marketed brands and in-house formulation of
Ashokarishta were organoleptic and physicochemical
tested and results are reported in table-2 and table-3
respectively. Maximum total alcohol content was found in
Baidhyanath ashokarishta whereas minimum total alcohol
content in Dabur ashokarishta. pH for different
formulations were 3.93 (Dabur ashokarishta), 3.72 (Sandu
ashokarishta), 4.13 (Baidhyanath ashokarishta) and 3.92
(in-house formulation). Water- and alcohol-soluble
extractive value in each of the marketed brands and inhouse formulation of Ashokarishta was found to be
different. Maximum total solid content was observed in
Baidhyanath ashokarishta (21.76) whereas minimum total
solid content was observed in Dabur ashokarishta (15.39).
Maximum surface tension was found in Sandu
ashokarishta (80.484) and minimum in Baidhyanath
ashokarishta (60.485). Maximum viscosity was found in
Baidhyanath ashokarishta (3.531) and minimum in Sandu
ashokarishta (1.067). The result obtained for the various
chemical tests reveals that the phytoconstituents like
carbohydrates, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins and
flavonoids were present in each of marketed formulations
and in-house formulation as shown in table-4. TLC
estimation of different brands and in-house formulation of
Ashokarishta shows the presence of Kaempferol in all the
marketed and in-house formulations with the Rf value as
shown in table-5.
Discussion
In traditional systems of medicine, the drugs are primarily
dispensed as water decoction or ethanolic extracts, fresh
plant parts, juices and crude powder. Therefore, medicinal
plant parts should be authentic and free from microbial
contamination. This is the reason why the World Health
Organization has set specific guidelines for the assessment
of safety, efficacy and quality of the herbal medicines as a
prerequisite for global harmonization.14 Still, very few
Ayurvedic industries follow Good Manufacturing practices
(GMPs) and are ISO-certified.
This study was done with the aim to understand the

benefits of Ayurvedic formulations like arishtas and need
to standardize them. In the present investigation, we have
evaluated the different brands of Ayurvedic marketed
preparations and in-house formulation of Ashokarishta.
The present finding have shown that the various
physicochemical parameters like pH, alcohol content,
water- and alcohol-soluble extractive value, total solid
content, viscosity, surface tension etc. was found to be
different in each of the marketed formulation and in-house
formulation of Ashokarishta. From this study we have
found that the alcohol content of all brands and in-house
formulation of Ashokarishta are lower than the acceptable
limit of alcohol content. Thin layer chromatographic
studies showed the presence of active principles like
Kaemferol on Rf value for the sample A (0.62), B (0.61),
C (0.637) and D (0.655) which was more close to the
standard 0.64 Rf with prominent green colouration.
Conclusion
The present investigation showed that the alcohol content,
water-soluble extractive value, alcohol-soluble extractive
value, total solid content, viscosity, surface tension,
phytochemical screening etc. was found to be different in
leading brands and in-house formulation of Ashokarishta.
TLC estimation of all marketed and in-house formulations
of Ashokarishta shows the presence of Kaempferol and
this is the best method for qualitative evaluation of
Ashokarishta in lab scale. Study of such formulations in
current scenario is of immense importance because asavas
and arishtas, the self-fermented products can undergo
continuous chemical transformation which goes on beyond
hydro-alcoholic extraction of the suspended material. This
may result in novel natural molecules with enhanced
therapeutic activity.
References
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Medicine An Overview. International Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Biological 2010; 1: 24-30.
997

2. Dhiman A.K. Common drug plants and ayurvedic
remedies. Reference Press, New Delhi; 2004.
3. Canary J.J. Modern allopathic medicine and public
health. In Traditional medicine and health care coverage.
WHO, Geneva, 1983, 90-101.
4. Foster G.M. An introduction to ethnomedicine. In
Tradtional medicine and health care coverage. (eds.)
Bannerman RH, Burton J and Wen-Chieh C. World Health
Organisation. Geneva, 1983, 17-24.
5. Bhaisajyaratnavali, Chaukhambhasur. Bharti Prakashan,
Varanasi, 2011, 1038.
6. Sekar S., Mariappan S. Traditionally fermented
biomedicines, arishtas and asavas from Ayurveda. Indian
Journal of Traditional Knowledge. 2008; 7: 548-556.
7. Anonymous Pharmacopoeia of India
Government of India; 1996, A-86-89, A-53.
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8. Anonymous. Pharmaceutical standards of Ayurvedic

Formulations. Government of India. Ministry of Health
and Family Walefare. Department of Health. New Delhi;
1987, 464-469.
9. Anonymous. British Pharmacopoeia. International
Edition. Department of Health. Scottish Home and Health
Department. Vol. 2. London; 1993, A-153.
10. Subrahmanyam C.V.S., Vasantharju S.G. Practical
book of Physical Pharmacy, edition 1st. Vallabh
Prakashan; 1997, 8-15; 56-63.
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CBS Publishers. New Delhi; 2006, 55-56.
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Prakashan, Pune, 16; 2006, 149153,157161.
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Document No. WHO/TRM/91.4, World Health
Organization, Geneva, 1991.
998

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Journal of Scientific and Innovative Research 2013; 2 (6): 993-998

Available online at: www.jsirjournal.com

Standardization of different marketed brands of

Yogesh Kumar Larokar

Keywords: Ashokarishta, Organoleptic parameters, Physicochemical parameters,

Ashokarishta is an Ayurvedic herbal remedy with autogenous fermented alcohol with

Journal of Scientific and Innovative Research

Materials and methods

by boiling the drugs in the specified volume of water used

Table 1: Brands of Ashokarishta purchased from market

Ashoka, Guda, Dhataki, Amalaki, Bibhitaka,

Relieves backache and abdominal pain,

Ashoka, Guda, Dhataki, Ajaji, Mustaka,

Raktapradar and shwetapradar.

Ashoka, Guda, Dhataki, Ajaji, Musta,

Excellent tonic for women, relieves

Ashoka, Dhataki, Daruharidra, Jiraka,

Evaluation of different marketed brands and in-house

Journal of Scientific and Innovative Research

Determination of total solid content

All the three different marketed formulations and in-house

The total solid content was calculated for each brand of

Determination of alcohol content, water and alcohol

Density of all the samples was determined by using

Table 3: Physicochemical properties of Ashokarishta

Journal of Scientific and Innovative Research

Active phytoconstituents like carbohydrates, alkaloids,

+ indicates presence; indicates absence

Identification of marker constituents of different

Figure 1: TLC profile of test solution of all three marketed

Evaluation: The Rf value of standard Kaempferol (0.64)

Journal of Scientific and Innovative Research

This study was done with the aim to understand the

Journal of Scientific and Innovative Research

8. Anonymous. Pharmaceutical standards of Ayurvedic

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