PHYSICO CHEMICAL EVALUATION OF NEELIBHRINGADI KERA TAILAM MANUFACTURED BY AYURVEDIC COMPANIES IN KERALA

The quality control of herbal medicines has become a major concern to health authorities, health care providers and the manufacturing industries at every stage of production. The standardization of raw drugs and formulations with the help of modern analytical tools increase their scope, acceptance and scientific validity. The safety and efficacy of herbal medicines largely depend on their quality. Neelibhringadi keratailam is an excellent hair growth promoting oil widely prescribed and marketed in Kerala. All the ingredients in the formulation are best hair growth promoters. The knowledge of hair products, their mode of action, efficacy and ingredients has become more relevant today. Neelibhringadi keratailam manufactured by GMP certified Ayurvedic companies in Kerala was assessed by evaluating and comparing the physico chemical parameters of market samples of Neelibhringadi keratailam with that of prepared Neelibhringadi keratailam. Physico chemical parameters such as Acid value (AV), Iodine value (IV), Refractive index (RI) Saponification value (SV), Specific gravity (SG), Weight per milliliter, HPTLC, ICP-MS and microbial contamination of market samples were evaluated and compared with those of prepared sample. Neelibhringadi keram was prepared and its physicochemical analysis was done and compared with market samples. Analysis of the market samples showed significant variation in physicochemical analytical parameters, colour and consistency from the prepared samples.