Physicochemical Screening and Shelf Life Evaluation of Ku？kumādi Gh？ta Prepared using Kesara and Nāgakesara

Ku？kumādi Gh？ta (KG) is an Ayurvedic formulation commonly recommended in skin disorders, especially Mukhadū？ikā (Acne vulgaris). Kesara (stigma of Crocus sativus Linn.) is a prime ingredient in the formulation. However, due to high cost and increased adulteration in Kesara, ‘Nāgakesara’ (Mesua ferrea Linn.) is suggested by Ayurvedic experts as a substitute. Nāgakesara is relatively lower in cost and possesses similar therapeutic attributes to that of Kesara. Recent studies have established standard manufacturing procedures and clinical efficacies of Kesarayukta (with Kesara) Ku？kumādi Gh？ta (KKG) and Nāgakesara yukta (with Nāgakesara) Ku？kumādi Gh？ta (NKG) in Mukhadū？ikā. In spite of wide utility of KG in Ayurvedic practice, no published work on its shelf life is available so far