Physico-chemical standardization of Sitopaladi churna

BACKGROUND: Standardization of a compound Ayurvedic formulation is a critical and essential issue to be considered in assuring the therapeutic efficacy and safety and to rationalize their use in the health care. Sitopaladi churna is a reputed polyherbal formulation of Ayurveda. It is prescribed for the treatment of pleurodynia, intercostal neuralgia, cold, cough associated with bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, viral respiratory infection, and in pharyngeal and chest congestion. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed at physico-chemical standardization of in-house and two marketed brands of Sitopaladi churna. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our investigation, in-house churna and two commercial brands of Sitopaladi churna were standardized based on powder microscopy, physico-chemical evaluations, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) finger printing as per standard procedures. RESULTS: The set parameters were sufficient to evaluate the churna based on various physico-chemical parameters. CONCLUSION: The data evolved can be adopted for laying down the standards for the manufacturing units of Sitopaladi churna.