Original article / research
Pharmaco-analytical Characterisation and Quality Control of Rasapachak Vati: An Experimental Study
JC01-JC04
Correspondence
Dr. Varun Gupta,
Postgraduate Scholar, Department of Samhita Siddhanta, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital and Research Centre, Salod(H), Wardha-442001, Maharashtra, India.
E-mail: varungupta614@gmail.com
Introduction: In Ayurveda, Agni (digestive fire) is fundamental to health and its impairment is considered a primary cause of many gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders. Classical formulations like Kwatha (herbal decoction) are effective but face limitations in shelf life, palatability and convenience. To address these challenges, Rasapachak Vati, a tablet formulation modified from a classical decoction, was developed to improve patient compliance while retaining therapeutic efficacy.
Aim: To evaluate the Rasapachak Vati through comprehensive analytical characterisation using modern techniques.
Materials and Methods: A pharmaceutico-analytical experimental study was conducted in Department of Samhita Siddhanta, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital and Research Centre, Wardha, Maharashtra, India, with analysis performed at Cotex Laxmi Healthcare Private Limited, MGACHRC, Salod (H), Wardha, from July 2024 to July 2025. The formulation contains Kalinga (Holarrhena pubescens), Patola (Trichosanthes dioica) and Katukrohini (Picrorhiza kurroa) , each known for Deepana (digestive stimulant), Pachana (carminative), Yakrituttejaka (liver stimulant) and Krimighna (anthelmintic) properties. Analytical evaluation included organoleptic, physicochemical (loss on drying, ash values, pH, extractive values, disintegration time, hardness, friability) and microbiological parameters.
Results: The tablets exhibited a brownish colour, characteristic odour and bitter taste. Physicochemical analysis showed acceptable limits for moisture content (0.52%), total ash (2.44%), acid-insoluble ash (0.05%), alcohol extractive value (28.36%), water extractive value (42.57%) and pH (5.1). The tablets had a disintegration time of four minutes, a hardness of 3.5 kg/cm2 and friability of 0.5%, indicating good mechanical integrity. Microbiological tests confirmed the absence of pathogenic contaminants, ensuring safety for internal use.
Conclusion: Rasapachak Vati is pharmaceutically stable, safe and suitable for therapeutic use. The transformation from decoction to tablet form enhances its shelf life, dosage accuracy and patient acceptability. Analytical validation supports its potential as a standardised, evidence-based Ayurvedic digestive formulation, warranting further pharmacological and clinical investigations.