Quality Assessment of “Kanakasava”, an Anti-Asthmatic Ayurvedic Formulation

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting an estimated 300 million people worldwide and ranks third responsible for hospitalization. In developing regions (Africa, Central and South America, Asia), asthma prevalence is rising sharply with increasing urbanization and westernization.  Plant-based medicines are the 3rd most popular choice of both adults (11 %) and children (6 %) suffering from asthma. WHO encourages, recommends and promotes traditional herbal medicines and their formulations in National Health Care Programme which need to ensure quality control using modern techniques applying suitable standards. Asavas are polyherbal Ayurvedic formulations mentioned in Bhaishajya Ratnawali and its modern English translated version known by the name Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Kanakasava, a polyherbal Ayurvedic asava formulation, consists of Datura metel Linn. Adhatoda vasica Nees.,  Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn., Piper longum Linn., Solanum xanthocarpum Scrad & Wendl, Zingiber officinalis Rosc., Clerodendrum serratum (Linn.) Moon, Mesua ferrea Linn, Abies webbiana Lindl., Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz., has been used traditionally since ages for the treatment of asthma. Standardization of the formulation was done as per API. The results of standardization parameters of pH (3.85 ± 0.029), specific gravity (1.046 ± 0.009), viscosity (1.52 CS ± 0.006), phenolic content (0.079 % w/v ± 0.012%), alcohol content (7.18% v/v ± 0.577), total solid content (14.64 % w/v ± 0.348) and estimation of heavy metals, aflatoxin, pesticide residues, microbial load complies with the official limits.