Abstract

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SUNTHI (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ROSC.)

Dr. Shweta S. Hardas*, Dr. Sukhada S. Joshi and Dr. Ninad Sathe

Abstract

The method and the process used for drug formulation have been modified from time to time. The quality of drug obtained now when compared to the quality of drug obtained during ancient time shows huge difference due to improper processing or adulteration or use of low quality drug. All these factors made standardization an important step, may it be standardization of raw material or standardization of manufacturing process. The present study was aimed at the standardization of five Sunthi samples collected from various sources. During this study some basic but important analytical tests like Organoleptic test, pH, Foreign matter, Loss on drying, Total ash, Acid insoluble ash, Water soluble extractive value and Alcohol soluble extractive value were performed. The observed values of the samples were correlated with the standard limits mentioned in The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India for Sunthi.[1] From the overall study it was concluded that of all the five samples, Sample 2, Sample 3, Sample 4 and Sample 5 were authentic as well as standard and could be used for further purpose whereas Sample 1 was not authentic and standard as its Total ash value and Acid insoluble ash value obtained was found to be beyond the standard limit. The current study could be used as reference for further study.

Keywords: Sunthi, Physico-chemical analysis, Zingiber officinale, Standardization.