|
 
 |
| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
|
| Year : 2023 | Volume
: 8
| Issue : 2 | Page : 150-158 |
|
Pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical analysis of Jeevantyadi Avaleha: A polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation
C Lijima1, Laxmipriya Dei1, CR Harisha2, Vinay J Shukla3
1 Department of Prasuti Tantra and Streeroga, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
2 Pharmacognosy Laboratory, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
3 Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
| Date of Submission | 23-May-2022 |
| Date of Acceptance | 03-Feb-2023 |
| Date of Web Publication | 31-Mar-2023 |
Correspondence Address:
Dr. C Lijima
Chalil House, Perinkunnu, Chengalayi P.O, Kannur 670631, Kerala
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
DOI: 10.4103/jdras.jdras_66_22
BACKGROUND: Good prenatal care includes the mother’s nutrition and healthy habits during pregnancy. Failure to supply adequate nutrition can lead to fetal malnutrition. Critical analysis of the dietetic guidelines mentioned in Ayurveda classics for pregnancy reveals that the recommended diet has Rasayana (rejuvenation) properties, which covers the additional nutritional needs. Jeevantyadi Avaleha is a formulated combination (Anubhoot yoga) of Jeevanti, Shatavari, Amalaki, Guduchi, Atibala, Draksha, Arjuna, and Sita; almost all of these have Sheeta veerya (cold potency), Madhura vipaka (sweet bio-transformed rasa) and Rasayana property. To properly evaluate the finished product from the perspectives of safety, efficacy, and quality, pharmacognostic and pharmaceutical analyses were done. METHODS: Jeevantyadi Avaleha was prepared after identification, authentication, and microscopic evaluation of raw drugs as per the standards mentioned in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. In pharmacognostical evaluation, organoleptic study and microscopy were done. In pharmaceutical evaluation, physicochemical analysis and high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) were carried out. Physicochemical parameters namely loss on drying, pH value, water-soluble extract, and alcohol-soluble extract were tested. RESULTS: The diagnostic features obtained by microscopy were compared with the standards of the individual drugs mentioned in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. On HPTLC of the formulation, five spots were visualized at ultraviolet 254 nm and three spots at ultraviolet 366 nm. CONCLUSION: After assessing the pharmacognostical parameters, Jeevantyadi Avaleha was found to be genuine. This study’s results may be considered as the reference standard in future research proceedings. Keywords: Jeevantyadi Avaleha, pharmacognosy, pregnancy, Rasayana
How to cite this article:
Lijima C, Dei L, Harisha C R, Shukla VJ. Pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical analysis of Jeevantyadi Avaleha: A polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation. J Drug Res Ayurvedic Sci 2023;8:150-8 |
How to cite this URL:
Lijima C, Dei L, Harisha C R, Shukla VJ. Pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical analysis of Jeevantyadi Avaleha: A polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation. J Drug Res Ayurvedic Sci [serial online] 2023 [cited 2023 Jun 10];8:150-8. Available from: http://www.jdrasccras.com/text.asp?2023/8/2/150/373018 |
| Introduction | |  |
Pregnancy and parturition are the most remarkable events of womanhood. Good prenatal care includes good nutrition and healthy habits of the mother during pregnancy. The provision of nourishment to the fetus depends on the maternal diet and the ability of the placenta to supply nutrients. Failure to supply the adequate amount of nutrients to meet the demand of the fetus can lead to fetal malnutrition.
According to the latest data of the National Sample Registration system, Maternal Mortality Ratio of India is 113/100,000 live births for the period 2016–18.[1] One of the key health indicators is maternal mortality.[1] The causes leading to maternal deaths are notable; most of them are largely preventable and treatable. India alone contributed 15% of global maternal deaths. India has the highest infant mortality rate as compared to other countries; that is, about 0.75 million neonatal deaths occur yearly.[2] Prematurity and low birth weight (48.1%) are the most common causes of it as per Sample Registration System Report (2010–13).[3]
During pregnancy, the requirement of micronutrients increases more than those of macronutrients, and the inadequate availability of these can have deleterious effects on the mother and the fetus in utero.[4] It can compromise fetal growth and development, leading to pregnancy wastage, preterm birth, low birth weight, congenital disabilities, and long-term metabolic disturbances.[5]
Ayurveda highlights the importance of having a “Shreyasi praja” through Masanumasika garbhini paricharya; which includes ahara (dietary regime), vihara (lifestyle) and oushadha (medicine). Ahararasa (primary product of digested food) formed in a Garbhini gets eventually utilized for three purposes; one part for Pushti (nourishment) of her own body, one part for Garbha pushti (nourishment of fetus), and the other for stanyotpatti (formation of breastmilk).[6]
Critical analysis of the dietetic guidelines mentioned in Ayurveda classics for pregnancy reveals that the recommended diet is balanced, highly nutritious and has Rasayana (rejuvenation) properties; which covers the additional nutritional needs of pregnancy. Obtaining the maximum excellence of Rasadi dhatus (major structural components of the body) is the attribute of Rasayana.[7] In pregnancy, this can be achieved through adequate maternal nutrition which will provide and safeguard optimal fetal nutrition and development, and also reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases in adults.[8]
Jeevantyadi Avaleha is a formulated combination (Anubhoot yoga) routinely used in pregnancy at Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. It comprises herbal drugs such as root of Jeevanti (Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight & Arn.), root of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd.), fruit pulp of Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica L.), stem of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook.f. & Thomson), root of Atibala (Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet), fruit of Draksha (Vitis vinifera L.), stem bark of Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.ex DC.) Wight & Arn.) and Sita (Sugar). Almost all the drugs have Sheeta veerya (cold potency), Madhura vipaka (sweet bio-transformed rasa) and Rasayana properties which are recommended during pregnancy.[9]Jeevaniya oushadha (vitalizing medicine) is also indicated in pregnancy according to Ayurveda classics and Jeevanti is one among them.[10]
Controlling the quality standards of herbal drugs and products is of utmost importance, and the testing of which ensures the quality standards of the herbal pharmaceutical. Standardization commences with the identification and analyzing the authenticity of herbs. The use of modern analytical techniques for herbal drug analysis is crucial for the approval of Ayurveda and traditional herbs.[11] Parameters such as organoleptic tests, physicochemical and pharmacognostical studies are essential for authentication and standardization. Microscopic and macroscopic studies can aid in identifying adulterants and the authentication of genuine herbs. All stages of production of herbal medicines should also be accompanied by appropriate quality assessment measures.
Since Jeevantyadi Avaleha is a formulated combination (Anubhoot yoga) intended to be used during pregnancy, it is necessary to properly evaluate the finished product in terms of safety, efficacy and quality. In the present study, pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical analyses of Jeevantyadi Avaleha were done to ensure the quality standards of the individual raw drugs and the finished product.
| Materials and Methods | | |
Collection and authentication of drugs
Individual raw drugs namely root of Jeevanti (Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight & Arn.), root of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd.), fruit pulp of Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica L.), stem of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook.f. & Thomson), root of Atibala (Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet), fruit of Draksha (Vitis vinifera L.), stem bark of Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.ex DC.) Wight & Arn.) and Sita (Sugar) were procured from Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. The identification, authentication, and microscopic evaluation of raw drugs were done in the Pharmacognosy Lab. The standards mentioned in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) were employed to authenticate the drugs based on morphological characteristics, organoleptic features and powder microscopy of the individual drugs. After preparation of the formulation, microscopic study of the same was done and compared with the microscopic parameters of the individual drugs analyzed priorly.
Method of preparation of Jeevantyadi Avaleha
Jeevantyadi Avaleha was prepared in a pharmacy. The raw drugs [Table 1] were appropriately washed and dried. All drugs except Draksha and Sita (Sugar) were made into fine powders and mixed thoroughly. Water (4 times the total quantity of other drugs) was kept over the fire and Sita (4 times the total quantity of other drugs) was added to it.[12] When the entire Sita was dissolved, paste of Draksha was added and was kept boiling and frequently stirring till the mixture attained a thready consistency. It was taken out of the fire. Rest of the drugs were added to it slowly and mixed well to form a homogenous mixture and was allowed to cool. Avaleha thus prepared was packed and stored in air tight containers [Figure 1] and [Figure 2].  | Figure 1: Individual drugs of Jeevantyadi Avaleha. (A) Root of Jeevanti, (B) root of Shatavari, (C) fruit of Amalaki, (D) stem of Guduchi, (E) root of Atibala, (F) stem bark of Arjuna, (G) Draksha
Click here to view |
 | Figure 2: Method of preparation of Jeevantyadi Avaleha. (A) Draksha was soaked in water overnight. (B) Paste of Draksha was prepared on the next day. (C) Water was kept for boiling. (D) Sita (Sugar) was added. (E) Stirring of the mixture. (F) Paste of Draksha was added after Sita (Sugar) was dissolved completely. (G) Stirring of the mixture. (H) Appearance of froth. (I) Subsidence of froth and color change. (J) Consistency was checked. (K) Churna (Fine Powder) of the other drugs were mixed and kept aside. (L) Stove was turned off, mixture of churna (fine powder) was added and mixed homogeneously. (M) Final product obtained was allowed to cool. (N) Jeevantyadi Avaleha
Click here to view |
Pharmacognostical evaluation
The study was carried out in two steps.
Organoleptic study
The organoleptic characters of Jeevantyadi Avaleha, that is, color, touch, odor, and taste were analyzed with the help of the sense organs.[13]
Microscopy
Sufficient quantity of Jeevantyadi Avaleha was dissolved in distilled water. A few drops of this mixture was spread over a glass slide and then covered with a cover slip. Filter paper was used to remove the excess water. The prepared slide was examined under Carl Zeiss Trinocular microscope, initially without staining and subsequently after staining with 90% phloroglucinol and 10% concentrated HCl.
Photomicrographs were taken using Carl Zeiss Trinocular research microscope attached with camera.[14]
Pharmaceutical evaluation
Physicochemical analysis and high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) were carried out.
Physicochemical analysis
The common physicochemical parameters mentioned in API and Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences guidelines as mentioned below were analyzed for Jeevantyadi Avaleha:[15]
- Loss on drying at 110°C
- Total ash value
- pH value (5% aqueous extract)
- Water soluble extractive value
- Alcohol soluble extractive value
- Estimation of total sugar
- Estimation of reducing sugar
High-performance thin layer chromatography[
16]
HPTLC is an analytical method capable of separating and quantitatively determining numerous components even from a compound matrix. Identification and determination of active constituents and impurities can be carried out by HPTLC. Methanol extract of Jeevantyadi Avaleha was spotted on pre-coated silica gel GF 254 aluminum plate as 5 mm bands, 5 mm apart and 1 cm from the edges of the plates. Linomate V sample applicator (Camag) was used for sample application (extract) through 100 μL syringe (Hamilton).
Procedure of methanolic extraction: 2.5 g of Jeevantyadi Avaleha was mixed with 50 mL of methanol in a conical flask. The mixture was shaken frequently during 6 h and allowed to stand for 18 h, and filtered thereafter. 50 mL of the filtrate was evaporated to dryness in a tarred flat-bottomed shallow dish and dried at 105°C, to constant weight and weighed. With reference to the air-dried drug, the percentage of alcohol-soluble extractive was calculated.[17] After development, densitometry scanning was performed with a Camag TLC Scanner III in reflectance absorbance mode at 254 and 366 nm under the control of winCATS software (V 1.2.1 manufactured by CAMAG, Switzerland and the HPTLC system was supplied by Anchrom Enterprises India Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai). The slit dimensions were 6.00 mm × 0.45 mm and the scanning speed was 20 mm per second.[18]
| Observations and Results | | |
Pharmacognostical analysis
Organoleptic characteristics
Organoleptic characteristics of Jeevantyadi Avaleha like color, touch, odor, taste, and texture were recorded as shown in [Table 2].
Microscopic study
The observations of microscopic characters of the drugs in Jeevantyadi Avaleha are tabulated below. The diagnostic features obtained by microscopy were compared with the standards of the individual drugs mentioned in API. Under the microscope, scleroids of Amalaki, rosette crystal of Arjuna, Mesocarp cells of Amalaki, lignified fibers of Arjuna, stellate trichome of Atibala, acicular crystals of Draksha (Acicular crystals of Satavari are thick in size whereas those of Draksha are very thin), brown content of Arjuna, microrosette crystal of Draksha, annular vessels of Atibala, stone cells of Jeevanti, collenchyma cells of Guduchi, lignified trichome of Atibala, prismatic crystal of Jeevanti, lignified stone cells of Jeevanti, lignified pitted vessels of Guduchi, acicular crystals of Shatavari, starch grains of Atibala (Starch grains of Guduchi are tear-shaped. Atibala has compound starch grains. Starch grains of Satavari are bigger compared to both), Parenchyma cells with starch grains of Shatavari were observed. Parenchyma cells are specific to each drug [Figure 3]A-R. | Figure 3: Microscopic study of Jeevantyadi Avaleha. (A) Scleroids of Amalaki. (B) Rosette crystal of Arjuna. (C) Mesocarp cells of Amalaki. (D) Lignified fibers of Arjuna. (E) Stellate trichome of Atibala. (F) Acicular crystals of Draksha. (G) Brown content of Arjuna. (H) Microrosette crystal of Draksha. (I) Annular vessels of Atibala. (J) Stone cells of Jeevanti. (K) Collenchyma cells of Guduchi. (L) Lignified stellate trichome of Atibala. (M) Prismatic crystal of Jeevanti. (N) Lignified stone cells of Jeevanti. (O) Lignified pitted vessels of Guduchi. (P) Acicular crystals of Shatavari. (Q) Starch grains of Atibala. (R) Parenchyma cells with starch grains of Shatavari
Click here to view |
Pharmaceutical analysis
Physicochemical parameters
Analysis of physicochemical parameters of the finished product (Jeevantyadi Avaleha) such as loss on drying, total ash value, pH value (5% aqueous extract according to the consistency of the formulation as per standard parameters mentioned in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India), water soluble extractive value, alcohol soluble extractive value, total sugar, total reducing sugar was conducted, and the results are depicted in [Table 3].[19]
Higher percentage of loss on drying indicates the moisture level in the finished product. Hence, storing the finished drug in a dry place is advisable to prevent water activity. No report of such degradation shows a unique molecular blend that prevents water activity. Sugar and carbohydrates are water-soluble and are present in the finished product. This is the reason for high water-soluble extractive value in the formulation. Alcohol is an aprotic broad-range solvent and a number of molecules like flavonoids and glycoside like molecules come under the range of solubility. This is the reason for high alcohol-soluble extractive value in the formulation.
High performance thin layer chromatography of Jeevantyadi Avaleha
HPTLC of alcoholic extract of Jeevantyadi Avaleha was carried out, and the results are depicted in [Table 4] and photographs in [Figure 4].
[Figure 4] shows the HPTLC densitograms of Jeevantyadi Avaleha at ultraviolet (UV) 254 nm and UV 366 nm using toluene and ethyl acetate in the ratio 9:1 (v/v) and [Table 4] gives the Rf values of the same. Five peaks were visualized at UV 254 nm and three peaks at UV 366 nm. Maximum peak height is observed in the 1st peak with Rf value of 0.09. The next prominent peaks are observed at Rf values 0.15, 0.25, 0.76, and 1.01, respectively. At UV 366 nm, three peaks were observed among which the peak with maximum height is observed at Rf value 0.09 and the next prominent peaks are at Rf values 0.25 and 1.01. The peak with the maximum peak height observed in the sample with Rf value 0.09 at visualizations UV 366 and 254 nm.[20] The stationary phase was silica gel GF254 self-fluorescent and toluene:ethyl acetate as mobile phase in volume fraction of 9:1 (v/v) and visualized under short and long UV radiation. This is not a destructive visualization method. The plates were directly subjected to densitometry using Camag Scanner III and the densitograms were reported in the results. The results are dependent on the above-mentioned conditions.
| Discussion | | |
Jeevantyadi Avaleha is constituted by seven herbal ingredients. Almost all the drugs have Sheeta veerya (cold potency), Madhura vipaka (sweet bio-transformed rasa) and have Rasayana properties which are recommended during pregnancy. Obtaining the maximum excellence of Rasadi dhatus (major structural components of the body) is the attribute of Rasayana and the intake of drugs having Rasayana property can cover the additional nutritional needs of pregnancy and can also prevent complications such as pregnancy wastage, preterm birth, low birth weight, congenital disabilities and long-term metabolic disturbances. As Jeevantyadi Avaleha is a formulated combination which is intended to be used during pregnancy, it is mandatory to thoroughly evaluate the finished product in terms of safety, efficacy and quality. So, in the present study, pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical analyses of Jeevantyadi Avaleha were done. After the assessment of pharmacognostical parameters, the formulation was proved to be genuine. Microscopy of Jeevantyadi Avaleha showed specific characteristics of all the individual component drugs. The diagnostic features obtained microscopic characters were compared with the standards of the individual drugs mentioned in API. This confirms that all the individual drugs were also observed in the finished product and there was no considerable change in the microscopic structure of the individual raw drugs during the preparation of Avaleha. The physicochemical parameters were analysed in the context of general data reporting followed in API for solid and semisolid dosage forms. Higher percentage of loss on drying indicates the moisture level in the finished product. Hence, storing the finished drug in a dry place is advisable to prevent water activity. No report of such degradation shows a unique molecular blend that prevents water activity. Sugar and carbohydrates are water-soluble and are present in the finished product. This is the reason for high water-soluble extractive value in the formulation. Alcohol is an aprotic broad-range solvent and a number of molecules like flavonoids and glycoside-like molecules come under the range of solubility. This is the reason for high alcohol-soluble extractive value in the formulation. HPTLC of alcoholic extract of Jeevantyadi Avaleha was carried out. Pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical analyses of Jeevantyadi Avaleha were done to ensure the quality standards of the individual raw drugs and the finished product.
| Conclusion | | |
Jeevantyadi Avaleha is intended to be given during pregnancy. Thus, the authentication of individual drugs and standardization of the formulation are vital to ensure quality control. Pharmacognostical findings confirm the similarity in the microscopic characteristics of the individual ingredients and the finished product with no significant changes in the microscopic structures during the processes of preparation of Jeevantyadi Avaleha. Physicochemical parameters of the Avaleha were obtained as per standards. It is inferred that the formulation meets the required quality standards at a preliminary level. Tests for heavy metal content, aflatoxins and pesticide residues are also warranted and can be done additionally. As per the observations, the results of this study may be used as the reference standard in further research undertakings.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
| References | | |
| 1. | Maternal Health. Available from: https://www.unicef.org/india/what-we-do/maternal-health [Last accessed October 7, 2022].  |
| 2. | State of Newborn in India. Healthy Newborn Network. Available from: https://www.healthynewbornnetwork.org/news-item/state-newborn-india/ [Last accessed October 7, 2022]. |
| 3. | Child Health: National Health Mission. Available from: https://nhm.gov.in/index1.php?lang=1&level=2&sublinkid=819&lid=219 [Last accessed October 7, 2022]. |
| 4. | Marangoni F, Cetin I, Verduci E, Canzone G, Giovannini M, Scollo P, et al. Maternal diet and nutrient requirements in pregnancy and breastfeeding. An Italian consensus document. Nutrients 2016;8:629. |
| 5. | Gernand A, Schulze K, Stewart C, West K, Christian P Micronutrient deficiencies in pregnancy worldwide: Health effects and prevention. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2016;12:274-89. |
| 6. | Acharya Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji. Sareeravichayam Sareera. Charaka Samhita by Agnivesa with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary of Chakrapanidatta. New Delhi: Chaukhambha Publications; 2014. p. 334. |
| 7. | Chaturvedi G, Shastri K Rasayan Vajikaran Adhyaya. Charaka Samhita Vidyotini Hindi commentary. 2nd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Bharati Academy; 2007. p. 35-36. |
| 8. | Bazer FW, Spencer TE, Wu G, Cudd TA, Meininger CJ Maternal nutrition and fetal development. J Nutr 2004;134:2169-72. |
| 9. | Sastri Paradakara P, Sareera G Astanga Hridaya of Vagbhata with the Commentaries Sarvangasundara of Arunadatta and Ayurvedarasayana of Hemadri. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2014. p. 369. |
| 10. | Acharya Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji. Shadvirechanasatasriteeyamadhyayam. Charaka Samhita by Agnivesa with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary of Chakrapanidatta. New Delhi: Chaukhambha Publications; 2014. p. 32. |
| 11. | Balekundri A, Mannur V Quality control of the traditional herbs and herbal products: A review. Futur J Pharm Sci 2020;6:67. |
| 12. | Srikantha M Madhyama Khanda. Sarngadhara Samhita by Sarngadhara. 6th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2006. p. 111. |
| 13. | Wallis TE Textbook of Pharmacognosy. 5th ed. New Delhi: CBS Publishers & Distributors; 2002. p. 123-32, 210-5. |
| 14. | Evans WC Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy. 15th ed. Edinburgh: Saunders Ltd; 1996. p. 569-70. |
| 15. | Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (India). General guidelines for drug development of Ayurvedic formulations. 1st ed. Vol. 1. New Delhi; 2018. p. 32. |
| 16. | Anonymous. Planner Chromatography. Switzerland: Modern Thin layer Chromatography; 1999. p. 2-16. |
| 17. | Govt. of India, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Department of AYUSH. Alcohol-Soluble extractive. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. 1st ed. Vol. 1. New Delhi: The Controller of Publications Civil Lines; 2007. p. 141. |
| 18. | A K G. Introduction to Pharmaceutics. 3rd ed. New Delhi: CBS Publishers and Distributers; 1994. p. 270. |
| 19. | Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Vol. 1. New Delhi: Department of Health and Family Welfare, Department of AYUSH; 2007. p. 24. |
| 20. | Senguttuvan J, Subramaniam P HPTLC fingerprints of various secondary metabolites in the traditional medicinal herb Hypochaeris radicata L. J Bot 2016;2016:11. |
[Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3], [Figure 4]
[Table 1], [Table 2], [Table 3], [Table 4]
|
Search Pubmed for