PRELIMINARY PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF PATHYADI VARTI (PVN 1): A HERBOMINERAL FORMULATION

Present study evolves a systematic approach and to develop well designed methodologies for the standardization of Pathyadi varti (PVN 1), an Ayurvedic herbomineral formulation. The varti is consists of Pathya, Tuttha, Yashtimadhu and Maricha. The finished product was subjected to organoleptic study, microscopic characterization, physico-chemical screening, phyto-chemical analysis and HPTLC. The pharmacognostical evaluation shows fragments of mesocarp cells, sclereids, starch, stone cells and tannin content from Pathya (Haritaki); lignified fibers, fibers with crystals, prismatic crystals, pitted vessels, and larger starch grains of Yashtimadhu; simple fibers, beaker shaped stone cells and oil globules from Maricha. The Phytochemical analysis shows the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and anthraquinon glycosides. Spots obtained in HPTLC were found resembling spots of glycyrrhizin at Rf 0.27 and piperine at Rf 0.40 as reported in previous studies.