ISSN 0975-2366

DOI:https://doi.org/10.31838/ijpr/2020.12.02.0087
Research Article

Pharmaceutical Analysis of Shivagutika: An Ayurved

Formulation
1*
DR.NIKUNJ THAKKAR, 2DR. KIRTIPRAKASH UPADHYAY, 3DR KSHAMA GUPTA, 4DR PRAKASH
KUMBAR, 5DR MAHESH M PARAPPAGOUDRA, 6DR. JANHAVI J. PATHARKAR
1,6
Assistant Professor of Department of Kayachikitsa, Parul Institute of Ayurveda, Vadodara Gujarat,
India
2
Professor of Department of Kaumarbhritya, G J Patel Institute of Ayurvedic sciences & Research,
Anand, Gujarat, India
3
Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, SKS Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital,Mathura,UP India
4
Associate Professor of Department of Kayachikitsa Parul Institute of Ayurveda, Vadodara Gujarat,
India,
5
Assistant Professor of Department of panchkarma, Parul Institute of Ayurveda, Vadodara,
Parul Institute of Ayurveda Gujarat, India
*Corresponding Author
Email ID: nikunj.thakkar@paruluniversity.ac.in*, kirtiprakashu@gmail.com,kshama.gupta@gmail.com,
prakash.kumbhar260059@paruluniversity.ac.in,mahesh.parappagoudra26812@paruluniversity.ac.in,
janhavi.patharkar@260021@paruluniversity.ac.in
Received: 23.12.19, Revised: 08.01.19, Accepted: 04.02.20

ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Ayurveda is considered as the science of life. The ultimate aim of Ayurveda is to guide every human
being to maintain and promote health, and prevent ailments, which is the main hindrance to achieve
dharma. The Ayurveda have the special branch which deals with the preparation of formulations. One
among them is Shivagutika popularly used in the management of various diseases like Shopha, Pandu,
Atisthaulya, Unmada and other conditions and it has been quoted as auspicious drug in classics. The
person who consumes shivagutika daily also becomes favourite to lord Shiva.
This formulation in present era needs the standardization. In this study Shivagutika is prepared as per
the quotations explained in the classics. The shivagutika is herbo mineral preparation. Gutika, Vataka,
Modaka, Pindi and Vati are synonymous terms used in classics for Vati. The analytical study of gutika is
performed with following parameters: physico- chemical parameters i.e. colour, taste, pH, Loss on
Drying, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble extractive, alcohol soluble extractive, uniformity of
weight, friability test, hardness and disintegration time are performed. HPTLC and heavy metal analysis
are performed for identification of chemical constituents and heavy metals respectively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS Herbal raw drugs were purchased from

Aim and objectives
• Identification and authentication of raw drugs
used for shivagutika
• Preparation of shivagutika at GMP certified
pharmacy as per classical explanation.
• Physicochemical, phytochemical and heavy
metal analysis of shivagutika.
Drug review
• The name of the drug, parts used and its
quantity were mentioned in TABLE 1.
authenticated resources at vadodara.
Raw drugs identification and authentication was
done by the Department of Dravya guna and
Rasasashtra, Parul Institute of Ayurveda, Parul
University, Vadodara.
Physical analysis of shilajeet as per classics
Shilajeet was burnt in high temperature and it got
the shape of Shivalinga.
Shilajeet was dipped in full glass of water, where
it was going down in the form of milk.

Collection, Identification and Authentication of Classical method of shivagutika preparation

Raw Drugs
The Shilajeet is the main ingredient of the
shivagutika which was procured from
Shree Swami Atmanad Sarswati Ayurevdic Co-op
pharmacy, Surat, Gujarat.
Preparation of the Drug:
The preparation of the drug was done as follows
• Main Drug- Shilajeet TABLE 2
• Bhavana Drugs- (TABLE 3) - Triphala

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kashaya bhavana, Dashamoola, Guduchi,
Vata, Potalapatra, Yasthimadhu Kahasya
bhavan was given to shilajeet three times
individually and respectively.
• Gomutra Bhavana three times
• Godugdha Bhavana three times
• Other Bhavana Drugs (TABLE 4)-The drugs
mentioned in the table are taken in equal
quantity part, added with 1 drohana of water
and kwatha is prepared. This kwatha was
used for the bhavana of the shilajeet
• Prakeshapa Dravya (TABLE 5) - The drugs
mentioned in the table were taken in the
quantity as mentioned respectively, then vati
of 2gms were prepared.
Total quantity of shilajeet used – 20 kg
Total prakshepa dravya quantity used –
22366gms=22.366kg Quantity of bhavana
dravya used- 27.8kg+ 2kg= 29.8kg Gomutra
quantity used= 3litre
Total prepared shivagutika quantity- 43200gms=
43.2kg Total prepared gutika quantity = 21600
tablets
Each tablets weighs about - 2gms
Methods of physicochemical evaluation
Shivagtika was analyzes by using standard
qualitative and quantitative parameters. All the
procedures were conducted at G.M.P certified
pharmacological lab, Vadodara. The physico-
chemical parameters i.e. colour, taste, pH, Loss
on Drying, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water
soluble extractive, alcohol soluble extractive,
uniformity of weight, friability test, hardness and
disintegration time are analyze
Chromatography
HPTLC (high-performance thin layer
chromatography) is a sophisticated form of TLC,
which provides superior separation efficiency. The
HPTLC concept includes validated methods for
qualitative and quantitative analysis, and fulfils all
quality requirements for use in fully regulated
environments. In this study HPTLC has been
performed for drug analysis. It is an enhanced
form of TLC. A number of enhancements can be
made to the basic methods of TLC to automate
the different steps, to increase the evolution
achieved and to allow more accurate quantitative
measurements. Method and other procedures
followed for shivagutika
HPTLC as shown in IMAGE-1
Heavy metal analysis
Shivagutika heavy metal analysis was done for
lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
1. Organoleptic evaluation:
Organoleptic Characteristics of Powder drugs
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details are mentioned in the TABLE 6
2. Physico-Chemical Parameters:
Details of physico-chemicals values are
mentioned in TABLE 7
Loss on drying: On drying the samples indicate
that the samples were devoid of excess
water content and there was no microbial
overgrowth or insect infestation present. In this
sample
loss on drying is 8.88%, it indicates the samples
may have good shelf-life and may not decay
on storage.
Total ash and Acid insoluble ash: It indicates of
contamination, substitution, adulteration.
The Low total ash and Acid insoluble ash
signifying low levels of inorganic matter and silica
content. In this Total Ash and Acid Insoluble Ash:
13.85% and 1.37%,. In this sample it is
slightly more. May be due to presence of fibers
and sclereids in the ingredients which are in
normal limits and drug can be used internally.
Water soluble extract and Alcohol soluble:
Water soluble extract and Alcohol soluble extract
are 61.41% and 43.44% respectively. The high
solubility of the sample in water denotes that drug
is best suited for extraction with water or water
based preparations. There is negligible presence
of Volatile oils also favour the thermal
extractions with water.
pH: The pH was measured to note the acidity or
alkalinity of the aqueous solution of the drug. This
helps in understanding the pharmacological basis
of drug absorption and metabolism. In this
sample pH is 5.7% so it is alkaline in nature.
Uniformity of weight: It helps in the drug
distribution and fixation of drug quantity in
present formulation.
Disintegration time: The uncoated tablet should
not have more than 30 min Disintegration time. It
helps to predicate bioavailability of the drug. This
sample’s disintegration time is 18 min. It says
time taken to digest in stomach. Action of the
drug start after 18mim of administration
3. Microscopic study of shivagutika
On Microscopic Study: Starch grains, Cluster
crystals, oil globules, palisade cells, trichomes,
Vitte cells, stone cells, Parenchyma cell, Cark,
Xylem, Pitted vessels are found . It indicates that
drug which used is genuine. IMAGE 2
4.High-performance Thin Layer
Chromatography study:
Preparation of test solution (T):
The Chromatographic techniques carried out are
mentioned in Materials & Methods
section. Solvent system which was designed for
 Dr.Nikunj Thakkar et al / Pharmaceutical Analysis of Shivagutika: An Ayurved Formulation

HPTLC i.e. Toluene (10): Ethyl acetate (3):
Formic acid (1) was used for HPTLC studies. The
results are tabulated as under. (IMAGE 3)
Preparation of spray reagent (Anisaldehyde-
sulphuric acid reagent) Image 3
Details of HPTLC profile of all tracks at 254 nm.
Under the 254 nm wavelength-Track -1of
shivagutika (5μL) - 4 spots were detected and
starts with respect to retardation factor 0.16,
0.41, 0.55, and 0.64. Track -2 of shivagutika
(10μL) - 4 spots were detected and starts with
respect to retardation factor 0.16, 0.41, 0.55,
and 0.64 (IMAGE 4)
Details of HPTLC profile of all tracks at 366 nm.
Under the 366 nm wavelength-Track -1of
shivagutika (5μL) - 4 spots were detected and
starts with respect to retardation factor 0.16,
0.30, 0.36, and 0.55.Track -2 of shivagutika
(10μL) - 4 spots were detected and starts with
respect to retardation factor 0.16, 0.30, 0.36,
and 0.55. (IMAGE 5)
Details of HPTLC profile of all tracks at 540 nm.
Under the 540 nm wavelength-Track -1of
shivagutika (5μL) - 6 spots were detected and
starts with respect to retardation factor 0.16,
0.25, 0.36, 0.55, 0.79, and 0.85. Track -2 of
shivagutika (10μL)-6 spots were detected and
starts with respect to retardation factor 0.16,
0.25, 0.36, 0.55, 0.79, and 0.85 (IMAGE 6)
drug ingredients for standardization. The ground
work requisites for the standardization of
shivagutika were tried to cover in this study. In
future, this study will be helpful for
standardization of shivagutika and for the
preparation of the monography of shivagutika in
the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI)
Conflict of Interest: None
REFERENCES
1. Tripathi, I. (2016). Yogaratnakar. 2nd ed. Varanasi:
Chaukhambha Krishna Das academy, p.296.
2. Department of Indian Systems of Medicine &
Homeopathy, (2003). The Ayurvedic Formulary Of
India. Ministry Of Health and Family Welfare,
Government of India: the controller of
publications civil lines Delhi, p.97.
3. Joshi. D. (2017). Quality Control & Standardization
of Ayurvedic Medicines. varanasi: Chaukhambha
Orientalia, pp.284,206.
4. K. Purohit, K. and Gokhale, A.
(2008). pharmocology. 42nd ed. Pune,: Nirali
Prakashan, pp.1-45.
5. Tripathi, i. (2013). rasaratna samuccaya. 1st ed.
varanasi: choukhambha sanskrit samsthana, p.40.
6. Joshi, D. (2017). Quality Control & Standardization
of Ayurvedic Medicines. varanasi: Chaukhambha
Orientalia, pp.284,190

5. Heavy metal analysis results (IMAGE 7)

Shivagutika heavy metal analysis was suggestive
of heavy metal found in this drugs are within
normal range and which suggests that this drug
can be used for clinical trial in human being6.

CONCLUSION
Any plant or formulation which is used
medicinally requires detail study prior to its use
because the therapeutic efficacy is depends on the
quality of ingredients used for the medicine
preparation. In this study, shivagutika was
prepared according to the classical textual
standard operative procedure mentioned in
classic. The raw drugs were indentified and
authenticated before using for preparation. The
prepared drug, shivagutika was
pharmacologically subjected for physicochemical
analysis, HPTLC, heavy metal analysis and
microscopic study of drug. The main ingredient of
shivagutika is shilajeet whichis khanija dravya
(mineral compounds).The heavy metal analysis of
this drug was done, which indicates presence of
heavy metals but still the heavy metals are within
safe limits as per WHO criteria6. But still this
study need validation through repeated
experiments on different company formulation of
shivgautika to substantiate quantity and quality of

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Table 1

SL NO DRUG BOTANICAL SOURCE PART USED TOTAL QUANTITY

1 Haritaki Terminalia chebula Fruit 1part
2 Vibhitaki Terminalia belerica Fruit "
3 Amalaki Emblica Offlcinalis Fruit "
4 Bilva Agle marmelos Fruit, root, root bark leaf "(180mg)
5 Agnimantha Premna serratifolia Root,leaf,panchanga "
6 Shonaka Oroxylum indicum Rootbark "
7 Patala Stereosprmumsuavealens Rootbark "
8 Gambhari Gmelina arboria Root,rootbark, fruit,leaf, "
9 Shaliparni Desmodium gangaticum Root,Panchanga "
10 Prushniparni Uraria picta Root,panchanga "
11 Kantakari Solanum surattense Root,panchanga "
12 Bruhati Solanum indicum Root,panchanga "
13 Gokshura Tribulus terrestris Root,fruit "
14 Guduchi Tinospora cordifolia Panchanga "(60mg)
15 Patola Tricosanthes dioica Panchanga "
16 Gomutra - - "(60ml)
17 Madhuyasti Glycerzhia glabra Root "(60mg)
18 Godugda Cow milk - "(60ml)
19 Draksha VitisVinifera Fruit "(60mg)
20 Shataravi Asparagus racemosus Root tubers "
21 Vidarikanda Pureria tuberose Tuber "
22 Varahikanda Dioscoreasativa Tuber "
23 Pushakaranoola Inula racemosa Root "
24 Kutaja Holarrhena antidynsentrica Stembark, Seed "
25 Karkatashrungi Pistacia inteerrmia Gall "
26 Katuki Picrrhoza Kurra Root "

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27 Rasna Alpinia officinarum Rhizome, leaves "

28 Nagaramotha Cyperus rotendus Tuber "
29 Lajjalu Mimosa Pudica Root "
30 Danti Baliospermum montanum Root,seed,leaf "
31 Chitraka Plumbago Zyalanica Root,fruit "
32 Gajapippali Piper giganticum Fruit "
33 Jeevaka Substitutes for Vidharikandha Tuber "
34 Vrishabaka Substitutes for Vidharikhanda Tuber "
35 Medha Substitutes for Shatavari Tuber "
36 Mahamedha Substitutes for shatavari Tuber "
37 Kakoli Substitute is Aswagandha Tuber "
38 Ksheerakakoli Substitute is Aswagandha Tuber "
39 Vriddhi Substitute is varahikandha Tuber "
40 Riddhi Substitute is varahikandha Tuber "
41 Musali Asparas adscendens Tuberous root "
42 Meshashrungi Gymnema sylyestre Leaves 2part(16mg)
43 Shunti Zingiber Officinale Tuber 2part(16mg)
44 Pippali Piper longum Fruit 2"
45 Marica Piper nigrum Fruit 2"
46 Talisa Abies webbiana Rootbark 8part(36mg)
47 Tila Sesamum indicum Seed, oil 2part
48 Madhu 8part(60mg)
49 Sharkara 16part(120mg)
50 Vamshalochana Bambusa tuberosa Root,leaves,fruit ½part(4mg)
51 Tejapitra Cinnamomum tamala Leaf ½"
52 Nagakeshara Messua ferra Stamens ½"
53 Ela Elettaria cardamomum Seed ½"
54 Shilajatu Asphaltum punjabinum Sara 16 part(12omg)

Sr no Drug Quantity

1 Shilajeet 20kg

1 Triphala (Haritaki,Vibhitaki,Amalaki) 4.5 Kg (1700 Gms Each)

2 Dashmla Yavakuta Churna 4 Kg
3 Guduchi Swarasa 10 Kg (5 Kg)
4 Shatpushpa (Vatya) 3 Kg
5 Patola Patra 3 Kg
6 Yastimadhu 3 Kg
7 Gomutra Arka 3 Litre
8 Goghrita (Godugdha) 300 GMS

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S. No Drug Quantity

1 Draksha 80 Gms Each

2 Shatavari 80 Gms Each

3 Vidarikanda * 2 80 Gms Each

4 Varahikanda 80 Gms Each

5 Shalaparni 80 Gms Each

6 Prushaniparni 80 Gms Each

7 Pushkaramoola 80 Gms Each

8 Patha 80 Gms Each

9 Kakadasinghi 80 Gms Each

10 Kutaja Chala 80 Gms Each

11 Kutaki 80 Gms Each

12 Rasana 80 Gms Each

13 Nagarmotha 80 Gms Each

14 Lajavanti 80 Gms Each

15 Danti 80 Gms Each

16 Chitraka 80 Gms Each

17 Chavya 80 Gms Each

18 Gajapippali 80 Gms Each

19 Musali 80 Gms Each

20 Kakoli 80 Gms Each

21 Kseerakakoli 80 Gms Each

22 Meda 80 Gms Each

23 Mahameda 80 Gms Each

24 Jeevaka (Yashtimadhu) 80 Gms Each

25 Krushabhaka (Yashtimadhu) 80 Gms Each

S.No Drug Quantity

1 Amla 900 Gms

2 Medhrasinghi 900 Gms

3 Trikatu (Sunthi,Maricha,Pippali) 2700 Gms (900*3)

4 Vidarikanda 450 Gms

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5 Talispatra 2250 Gms

6 Ghee 1800 Gms

7 Tila Thaila 900 Ml

8 Madhu 3600 Gms

9 Mishri (Sharkara) 7200 Gms

10 Nagakeshara 450 Gms

11 Tejapatra 450 Gms

12 Vansa Lochana 450 Gms

13 Elaichi 108 Gms

14 Dalachini 108 Gms

Sr. No. Characters Observation

1. Shape Round

2. Color Blackish Brown

3. Odor Characteristic

4. Taste Slight bitter

5. Texture Rough

Sl No Parameter Observation

1. Loss on Drying 8.88%,

2. Total Ash 13.85%

3. Acid Insoluble Ash 1.37%,

4. Water Soluble Extractives 61.41

5. Alcohol Soluble Extractives 43.44%.

6. pH 5.7

7. Uniformity of Weight 2.052g

8. Disintegration time 18mim

9. Friability test 0.00%

10. Hardness 2.5 Kg

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