Pharmaceutico-Analytical Standardization of Bhagottar Gudika: A Herbomineral Formulation

Abstract

Pharmaceutical standardization is essential to ensure the safety, efficacy, and reproducibility of Ayurvedic formulations. The present study focuses on Bhagottar Gudika (BG), a classical herbo-mineral formulation described in Bhaishajya Ratnavali (15/127–29), which lacks standardized analytical data. BG was prepared in three batches using purified mercury (Parada), purified sulphur (Gandhaka), and powdered herbal drugs including Pippali, Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Vasamoola, and Bharangi twak, with Babbula patra swarasa as the bhavana dravya. Standard pharmaceutical procedures such as Shodhana, Mardana, and Bhavana were performed following classical texts. The prepared samples were evaluated using organoleptic, physico-chemical, and microbiological parameters as per the guidelines of the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and CCRAS. Analytical results revealed uniformity in hardness, friability, disintegration time, pH, ash values, and extractive values among the three batches, all within pharmacopoeial limits. Microbial load was also within permissible ranges, confirming safety. The findings establish preliminary standardization parameters for BG, which can serve as reference values and a fingerprint profile for future research. This study highlights the importance of integrating classical Ayurvedic methods with modern analytical tools to ensure quality, safety, and reproducibility of traditional formulations.