An Analytical Study of Kushmanda avaleha to Evaluate its Safest Ayurvedic Preparation

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood undernutrition is a contributing factor to an estimated 35% of all fatalities among children under the age of five, as well as 21% of total worldwide disability-adjusted life years lost among children under five. There is an ongoing need to provide nutritious food that is both body and nature friendly, and that successfully meets the daily caloric requirements of the developing children. Better nutrients will be made accessible to eliminate or ameliorate malnutrition-related diseases. The need of the hour is for it to be cost-effective and affordable to the bulk of the targeted population with poor socioeconomic level. In this regard, Ayurvedic formulations based on the global approach can give a superior option, and following a successful trial, they might be implemented in National Nutritional Programmes. Kushmanda Avaleha is one of the traditional Ayurvedic formulation described in Vangasen’s Chikitsa sara samgrah which was taken up for the present study on Karshya (undernutrition). Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to prepare Kushmanda Avaleha as per the textual reference and evaluate its organoleptic, physicochemical parameters and thin- layer chromatography according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Materials and Methods: Kushmanda Avaleha was prepared from 12 different ingredients viz-Kushmanda (Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.), Pippali (Piper longum Linn.), Jeeraka (Cuminum cyminum Linn.), Sunthi (Zingiber officinale Rosc.), Tvak (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Breyn.), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum Maton), Patra (Cinnamomum tamala Nees and Eberm.), Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum Linn.), Marich (Piper nigrum Linn.), Ghrita, honey, and sugar. The preparation involved the preparation of powders, Kushmanda pulp, and a cooking process (Paka), followed by the combination of ingredients and storage. Analytical investigations were conducted to assess the physicochemical parameters such as loss on drying, acid-insoluble ash, total sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, and fat content. Results: The results showed that Kushmanda Avaleha exhibited a moisture content of 5.26%, acid-insoluble ash below the quantifiable limit, total sugar content of 60.62%, reducing sugar content of 14.21%, non-reducing sugar content of 46.41%, and fat content of 5.01%. Discussion: These values were within the standard limits prescribed by API, indicating that the formulation was of high quality, with low moisture, minimal inorganic impurities, and a balanced sugar composition, which supports its stability and efficacy. Conclusion: The study concluded that Kushmanda Avaleha was found a safe, effective, and stable formulation with a long shelf life, suitable for its intended therapeutic uses.