Preparation and preliminary physicochemical profile of Kaphaketu rasa

Abstract

Introduction: Kaphaketu Rasa (KKR) is a classical herbomineral formulation mentioned for the treatment of deranged Kapha (~Dosha responsible for regulating body fluids and keeping the body constituents cohesive). It is made-up of Shuddha tankana (processed Borax), Pippali (Piper longum Linn.), Shankha bhasma (incinerated conch shell), Shuddha vatsanabha (Aconitum chasmanthum Stapf ex Holmes). Though, an important formulation, no published data is available till date. Herein, an attempt has been made to develop the preliminary profiles by following standard methods. Materials and Methods: KKR was manufactured by following the methods mentioned at Ayurvedic Formulary of India. The individual ingredients were processed and mixed thoroughly, levigated with the juice of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc). The preliminary analytical profile was developed by following the standard methods mentioned in respective volumes of Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Results: About 41.9% increase in the yield was noticed in the manufacturing of KKR. The High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography profile of KKR revealed eight bands at 254 nm. X-ray diffraction showed calcite (CaCO3) as a major compound with an amorphous shape and structure. Inductive coupled plasmaoptical emission spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of mercury (1.05 mg/kg), lead (2.17 mg/kg), arsenic (3.43 mg/kg), calcium (9549.75 mg/kg), and cadmium (0.03 mg/kg). Conclusion: The preliminary profile developed can be considered as baseline data for future studies.