Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

This study focuses on the formulation and standardization of Asava and Arishta, two traditional Ayurvedic fermented preparations valued for their therapeutic benefits. With increasing interest in Ayurvedic medicine, ensuring consistency, safety, and efficacy in these formulations has become essential for their integration into modern healthcare.

Introduction: Asava and Arishta are widely used Ayurvedic formulations with applications in digestive health, immunity, and metabolic regulation. Their different preparation methods—fresh juice for Asava and decoctions for Arishta—result in distinct physicochemical properties, impacting their therapeutic uses. Standardizing these formulations is crucial to guarantee quality and reproducibility

Methodology: Authentic herbal materials were obtained, with Asava prepared from fresh herbal juice and Arishta from decoctions, both mixed with jaggery and fermented for 30 days at 28 °C ± 2 °C. Key physicochemical parameters (pH, specific gravity, alcohol content, total solids) were measured. Phytochemical screening, HPTLC fingerprinting, and microbial and heavy metal analyses were conducted to confirm consistency and safety.

Results: Asava and Arishta showed notable differences in physicochemical profiles, with Arishta exhibiting higher acidity and solid content due to the decoction process. Both formulations contained bioactive compounds such as alkaloids and flavonoids. HPTLC fingerprinting confirmed batch-to-batch consistency, while microbial and heavy metal levels were within safe limits.

Discussion: The preparation methods influenced the chemical composition and therapeutic properties of Asava and Arishta. Arishta’s higher concentrations of bioactive compounds align with its traditional role in digestive health. This comparative study highlights the importance of standardized protocols to ensure the therapeutic reliability of Ayurvedic formulations.

Conclusion: The developed standardization protocol for Asava and Arishta ensures consistency, safety, and efficacy, providing a reproducible quality control model that supports their integration into modern healthcare practices.