Abstract

ANALYTICAL PROFILING OF PANCHA SHIRISHANAMA AGAD: A HERBAL FORMULATION FOR INSECT BITE

Dr. Heena Tabassum, Dr. Bhawana Mittal*, Dr. Ramesh Chandra Tiwari, Dr. Pooja Sharma

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Abstract

Pancha Shirishanama Agad is a classical Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation traditionally prescribed for the management of conditions associated with Keet Visha (insect venom and bites), described by Acharya Sushruta in his treatise. Despite its therapeutic relevance, comprehensive pharmacognostical and analytical data to support its standardization and safety are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacognostical, physicochemical, phytochemical, chromatographic, and microbiological parameters of Pancha Shirishanama Agad to establish its identity, purity, and safety. Materials and Methods: The formulation was prepared using five parts of Albizia lebbeck (Shirish) combined with Trikatu, Pancha Lavana, and honey. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis were conducted to authenticate the raw drugs. Physicochemical parameters including moisture content, ash values, and extractive values were assessed as per API guidelines. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed on both ethanolic and aqueous extracts to identify the major classes of bioactive constituents. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was performed using silica gel 60F254 plates and a toluene: ethyl acetate (12:8 mL) mobile phase. Microbial load and aflatoxins were analysed as per standard API methods. Results: Organoleptic evaluation confirmed acceptable sensory attributes. The powder microscopy revealed characteristic diagnostic elements such as stone cells and starch granules, indicative of authentic plant material. Ash values and extractive yields were within acceptable limits. Phytochemical screening detected carbohydrates, steroids, saponins, tannins, and phenolics. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) profiling exhibited multiple distinct Rf values, indicating the presence of diverse phytochemical constituents within the formulation. Microbial counts were within permissible limits, and no aflatoxins were detected. honey used in the formulation satisfied most standard quality criteria; however, moisture content exceeded the acceptable limits. Conclusion: The analytical profile of Pancha shirishanama Agad affirms its quality, safety, and therapeutic consistency. The findings support its use as a reliable Ayurvedic formulation and serve as a reference for further pharmacological and clinical research.

Keywords: Ayurvedic formulations, Pancha shirishanama Agad, phytochemical analysis, Analytical, TLC, quality control, Honey.