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INTRODUCTION
Devdarvyadi Churna is a classical Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation described by Acharya Charaka for the management of Kaphaja Kasa (cough of Kapha origin) (Agnivesha, 2018). The formulation comprises Devadaru, Haritaki, Musta, Pippali, and Vishva, each possessing well-documented Kapha-Vata-shamaka, dipana, pachana, and kasahara properties. Rooted in fundamental Ayurvedic principles, Devdarvyadi Churna exemplifies the concept of rational polyherbalism, wherein multiple botanicals are combined to achieve enhanced therapeutic efficacy through synergistic pharmacological action (Sharma, 2017).
Traditionally, the formulation has been prescribed in respiratory disorders such as kasa, svasa, and ama-associated Kapha vikara, owing to its expectorant, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, and digestive properties. Phytochemical investigations of the individual ingredients have revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and volatile oils, which are believed to collectively contribute to its therapeutic actions (Khandelwal, 2013). Experimental studies have indicated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitussive activities, lending preliminary scientific support to its traditional usage (Kokate et al., 2020).
However, despite extensive clinical use, systematic scientific validation and standardization data on Devdarvyadi Churna remain limited. Given the inherent complexity of polyherbal formulations, comprehensive analytical evaluation is essential to ensure quality, safety, batch-to-batch consistency, and reproducibility. Contemporary analytical approaches such as organoleptic evaluation, physicochemical analysis (including loss on drying, ash values, and extractive values), preliminary phytochemical screening, and High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) play a pivotal role in the standardization process (Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, 2001-2016). HPTLC profiling aids in establishing chemical fingerprints, detecting marker compounds, and strengthening quality control measures, thereby bridging traditional knowledge with modern analytical science (Sethi, 1996).
AIM AND OBJECTIVES
The present study aims to undertake a comprehensive analytical evaluation of Devdarvyadi Churna using contemporary scientific techniques to substantiate its traditional therapeutic claims in Kaphaja Kasa and to establish standardized quality control parameters.
The specific objectives of the study are:
- To authenticate Devdarvyadi Churna through organoleptic evaluation and preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening.
- To determine physicochemical parameters, including loss on drying, ash values, and extractive values, in order to ensure quality, purity, and batch-to-batch consistency.
- To perform HPTLC profiling for the identification of characteristic phytoconstituents and to develop a standardized chromatographic fingerprint for quality assurance.
By accomplishing these objectives, the study aims to bridge traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern analytical validation, thereby enhancing scientific credibility, strengthening quality assurance, and promoting the wider acceptance of Devdarvyadi Churna in contemporary healthcare systems.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Drug review
Stepwise Detailed Method for the Preparation of Devdarvyadi Churna
Collection and Authentication of Raw Drugs
- Selection of Ingredients: Each herbal ingredient (4 kg) was selected based on classical Ayurvedic texts Sharangdhara samhita (Rao, 2013).
- Authentication: All raw materials were authenticated as per the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, ensuring correct identity, quality, and absence of contaminants (Table 1).
| Sl. No. | Name of the sample | Botanical Name | Family | Useful Part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Devdaru | Cedrus deodara Roxb. | Nyctaginaceae | Leaf, Bark, Heart wood (Patra, Twak, Kashthasara) |
| 2 | Sunthi (Vishva) | Zingiber officinale | Zingiberaceae | Rhizome (Kanda) |
| 3 | Kanda | Terminalia chebula | Combretaceae | Fruit (Phala) |
| 4 | Haritaki | Piper longum L. | Menispermaceae | Fruit (Phala) |
| 5 | Phala | Cyperus rotundus Linn. | Cyperaceae | Rhizome (Kanda) |
Cleaning and Processing of Raw Drugs
- Cleaning: All raw herbal ingredients were thoroughly cleaned to remove extraneous matter such as dust, soil, and other physical impurities.
- Cutting and Crushing: The dried raw materials were cut into small pieces and coarsely crushed to facilitate uniform powder preparation.
Preparation of Devdarvyadi churna
- Measurement: A total quantity of 20 kg of raw drugs was taken, comprising 4 kg of each individual ingredient.
- Powder Process: The coarsely crushed drugs subjected to pulverization using appropriate mechanical equipment to obtain a fine powder.
- Filtration: The powdered material was passed through an 80# sieve to achieve uniform particle size and ensure homogeneity of the formulation.
Storage
- Container Selection: Tablets were stored in sterilized, airtight plastic containers.
- Labelling: Containers were labelled with the formulation name (Devdarvyadi Churna), batch number, date of manufacture, and storage instructions.
- Storage Conditions: The containers were kept in a cool, dry place, protected from sunlight and moisture.
Quality Control and Testing
- Organoleptic Characteristics. ➢ Colour: Brown. ➢ Odour: Bitter. ➢ Consistency: Powder. ➢ Taste: Bitter.
- Physico-Chemical Parameters (Table 2).
- Key Phytoconstituents (Table 3).
- Phytochemical Analysis: HPTLC was carried out to identify and confirm the presence of key phytoconstituents, ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance with pharmacopeial standards.
| Sl. No. | Parametre | Value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Loss on Drying at 110ºC (%w/w) | 9.9015% | |
| 2 | Total Ash Value (%w/w) | 7% | |
| 3 | pH value | 5.5 | |
| 4 | Acid insoluble ash (%w/w) | 0.0245 | |
| 5 | Alcohol-Soluble Extract (%w/w) | 32.4 | |
| 6 | Water-Soluble Extract (%w/w) | 28.1 | |
| 7 | Particle size distribution | Sieve size (mesh) | Percentage (%) |
| 10-20 | 100 | ||
| 20-40 | 96 | ||
| 40-60 | 95 | ||
| 80-100 | 80 | ||
| 100-120 | 36 |
| Sl. No. | Drug Name | Major Phytochemical Groups Detected | Probable Pharmacological Activities (Relevant to Kaphaja Kasa) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Devadaru (Cedrus deodara) (Kirtikar and Basu, 2006) | Terpenoids, Sesquiterpenes (cedrol), Flavonoids, Phenolics, Volatile oils. | Anti-inflammatory, Bronchodilator, Antimicrobial, Expectorant. |
| 2 | Sunthi / vishva (Zingiber officinale) (Mao et al., 2019) | Gingerols, Shogaols, Diarylheptanoids, Flavonoids, Volatile oils. | Antitussive, Anti-inflammatory, Mucolytic, Antioxidant, Digestive. |
| 3 | Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) (Ul Haq et al., 2013) | Tannins, Gallic acid, Chebulinic acid, Chebulagic acid, Phenolics. | Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Expectorant, Immunomodulatory. |
| 4 | Pippali (Piper longum) (Yadav et al., 2023) | Alkaloids (piperine), Lignans, Flavonoids, Volatile oils. | Bronchodilator, Antitussive, Bioavailability enhancer, Anti-inflammatory. |
| 5 | Musta (Cyperus rotundus) (Peerzada et al., 2015) | Sesquiterpenes, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Phenolics, Glycosides. | Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Digestive, Kapha-shamaka. |
High Performance Thin Layer chromatography
HPTLC Fingerprint Analysis Procedure for Methanol Extract of Devadaryadi Churna. The High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting for the methanolic extract of Devadaryadi Churna was performed as follows:
Sample Preparation
5 g of the sample was accurately weighed into a beaker, and 100 mL of methanol was added. The mixture was sonicated for 16 hr, after which the extract was filtered through standard filter paper, followed by filtration through a 0.45 μm membrane filter to obtain a clear solution.
Chromatography Setup
The filtered test solution was used for HPTLC analysis. Aliquots were applied as 6 mm wide bands on 10 × 10 cm TLC plates pre-coated with a 0.2 mm layer of silica gel 60 F254 (Merck), using a Linomat 5 sample applicator (CAMAG, Switzerland).
Chromatogram Development
The plates were developed in a CAMAG chamber pre-saturated with vapours of the mobile phase consisting of Toluene: Ethyl acetate: Acetic acid (3:2:0.5 v/v/v). The solvent front was run to a distance of 8.0 cm.
Detection and Documentation
Post-development, the HPTLC plates were air-dried at room temperature and subsequently scanned at 254 nm and 366 nm using a CAMAG TLC Scanner 3 equipped with win CATS 4 software (CAMAG, Switzerland). This enabled the detection, documentation, and generation of the HPTLC fingerprint profile of the methanolic extract of the formulation.
Figures 1 and 2 shows the HPTLC Chromatograms of Devadaryadi Churna at UV 254 nm and UV 366 nm respectively using Toluene: Ethyl acetate: Acetic acid (3:2:0.5 v/v/v) and gives the Rf values of the same.
RESULTS
The physicochemical parameters of Devadarvyadi Churna were found to be within the standard limits prescribed by the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, indicating acceptable quality and consistency of the formulation. Additionally, microbial load analysis revealed values within permissible limits, confirming the safety of the formulation.
HPTLC profiling revealed distinct bioactive constituents at 254 nm and 366 nm, which remain to be further characterized and identified (Table 4).
| Rf Range (Approx.) | Relative Area% (Intensity) | Probable Phytochemicals | Probable Plant Sources (from formulation) | Probable Pharmacological Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.10-0.26 | Low (6-13%) | Phenolic acids (gallic, ellagic), tannin fragments; polar glycosides. | Terminalia chebula, Cyperus rotundus (minor phenolics). | Antioxidant, antimicrobial, astringent; may reduce airway irritation. |
| 0.56-0.66 (Major Peak) | High (≈ 35-40%) | Flavonoid glycosides, polyphenols. | Cedrus deodara (Wagner and Bladt, 1996; Harborne, 1998), Terminalia chebula (Saleem et al., 2002), Zingiber officinale (Ali et al., 2008). | Strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, broncho-protective. |
| 0.63-0.77 (Secondary major peak) | Moderate-High (24-32%) | Diarylheptanoids (gingerols / shogaols-like), terpenoids, Alkaloids. | Zingiber officinale (Ali et al., 2008; Mashhadi et al., 2013), Cedrus deodara, Piper longum. | NF-κB inhibition, anti-inflammatory, mucolytic, bronchodilator. |
| 0.83-0.94 | Low-Moderate (5-12%) | Sesquiterpenes (cedrol), aromatics | Cedrus deodara, Piper longum (Singh et al., 2011; Mathela, 1994). | Anti-inflammatory, smooth muscle relaxation. |
| >0.94 (near solvent front) | Very low (1-3%) | Non-polar terpenoids | Anti-inflammatory, mild bronchodilator. |
DISCUSSION
The present study was undertaken to generate comprehensive standardization and analytical data for Devdarvyadi Churna, a classical Ayurvedic formulation traditionally indicated in Kaphaja Kasa, by employing contemporary quality control and phytochemical profiling techniques. Given the increasing emphasis on evidence-based validation of classical formulations, such systematic evaluation is essential to substantiate traditional claims and ensure reproducibility, safety, and wider clinical acceptance.
Organoleptic evaluation of Devdarvyadi Churna revealed characteristic brown colour, bitter taste, and aromatic odour, which are consistent with the presence of Tikta-Katu rasa-dominant ingredients such as Devadaru, Pippali, Sunthi, and Haritaki. These attributes not only serve as preliminary quality indicators but also reflect the formulation’s Kapha-Vata-shamaka and kasahara nature as described in classical texts.
Physicochemical parameters were found to be within acceptable limits prescribed by the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, indicating good quality and stability of the formulation. The loss on drying value suggests low moisture content, which is essential for preventing microbial growth and ensuring shelf stability. Ash values indicate minimal inorganic and extraneous matter, reflecting the purity of raw materials and proper processing. The pH value (5.5) denotes a mildly acidic nature, which may facilitate better gastrointestinal tolerance and absorption. Adequate water- and alcohol-soluble extractive values signify the presence of a substantial amounts of bioactive constituents extractable in polar solvents, supporting the formulation’s therapeutic potential.
Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, terpenoids, and volatile oils, collectively contributing to the formulation’s pharmacological actions. These phytoconstituents are well documented for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitussive, mucolytic, and bronchodilatory activities, which are highly relevant in the pathophysiology of Kaphaja Kasa. From an Ayurvedic perspective, these actions correlate with Kapha samana, ama pachana, srotoshodhana, and vata anulomana effects.
HPTLC fingerprint analysis provided a reproducible chromatographic profile at 254 nm and 366 nm, demonstrating the chemical complexity and synergistic nature of the formulation. Multiple well-resolved peaks across different Rf ranges indicate the presence of diverse phytoconstituents derived from constituent drugs. The major peaks in the Rf range of 0.56-0.77 with high relative area percentages are suggestive of polyphenols, flavonoid glycosides, gingerol/shogaol-like compounds, and terpenoids, primarily attributable to Zingiber officinale, Cedrus deodara, Piper longum, and Terminalia chebula. These compounds are reported to exert NF-κB inhibition, antioxidant defense, smooth muscle relaxation, mucolytic, and broncho-protective effects, providing a plausible mechanistic basis for the formulation’s efficacy in cough and allied respiratory disorders.
Lower and near-solvent-front Rf values correspond to polar phenolics and non-polar terpenoids, respectively, highlighting the broad polarity range of constituents extracted and detected. Such a multi-component profile supports the concept of rational polyherbalism, wherein different phytochemicals act on multiple targets, resulting in enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced adverse effects compared to single-drug therapy.
Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate that Devdarvyadi Churna conforms to acceptable physicochemical and phytochemical standards and exhibits a distinct, reproducible HPTLC fingerprint. These results scientifically reinforce its traditional use in Kaphaja Kasa and provide a robust analytical framework for quality control, batch-to-batch consistency, and future pharmacological or clinical investigations. The generated data can serve as a reference for routine standardization and may facilitate the integration of Devdarvyadi Churna into contemporary healthcare practice with greater confidence and credibility.
CONCLUSION
The present study establishes reliable physicochemical standards and HPTLC fingerprint profiles for Devdarvyadi Churna, confirming its quality, consistency, and phytochemical integrity. The detection of key bioactive compounds supports its traditional therapeutic use in Kaphaja Kasa and related respiratory disorders. These findings provide a scientific basis for standardization, quality control, and future clinical validation, strengthening the formulation’s credibility in evidence-based Ayurvedic practice.