Standardization of an Ayurvedic powdered formulation by modified Lycopodium spore and Spectrophotometric method

Modified lycopodium spore method has been developed for simple and rapid quantification of herbal powdered formulations. Lycopodium spore method was performed on Panchsakar churna, an Ayurvedic formulation used in constipation and piles. Estimation of diagnostic characters of each ingredient of Panchsakar churna individually and collectively on the powdered formulation was carried out. Microscopic determination, counting and measurement of area of identifying characters was performed by Leica DMLS-2 microscope. The method was validated for intraday precision, linearity, specificity, repeatability, accuracy and system suitability, respectively. The method is simple, precise, sensitive, and accurate, and can be used for routine standardization of raw materials and herbal powdered formulations. This method gives the ratio of individual ingredients in the formulation so that any adulteration of genuine drug with its adulterant can be found out. Total Hydroxyanthracene Glycoside calculated as Sennoside B was also estimated by spectrophotometric method.