National Workshop on “Quality Control of Herbal and Herbo-mineral Preparations 2024” – An Event Report
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction In recent years, there has been a significant global growth in the understanding and acceptance of Ayurveda. Similarly, it has become crucial to standardize and maintain the quality of Ayurvedic medications. The organization established the Central Research Facility (CRF) in 2006. Our facility has been approved as a Drug Testing Laboratory for ASU medicines by the Department of AYUSH, Government of Karnataka. Approximately 500 plant species are authenticated by CRF each year, along with 300 raw drug samples, 250 finished products, 100 pharmacognosy studies, 600 microbiological studies (including MLT and TML, culture and sensitivity, and antimicrobial studies), and water testing. About 30 PhD and 150 PG studies have been facilitated by CRF. The institute offers research and quality control studies to researchers, pharmacies, and educational organizations across India. We have been offering Stability Studies of finished Products for the past 4 years. Our experience encompasses over thirty research disciplines, including pharmacokinetics, cell line investigations, efficacy and safety studies, quality control and standardization, and ayurgenomics. CRF routinely organizes seminars and hands-on training programs for postgraduate scholars and faculty members to enhance knowledge and skills in analytical and experimental techniques. This initiative is based on the experience gained in the field of Quality Control over the past few years and aims to increase the awareness among the researchers in Ayurveda. On March 21 and 22, 2024, the CRF conducted a national workshop titled “Quality Control of Herbal and Herbo-Mineral Preparations-2024.” We released the brochure and flyer of the workshop on February 25, 2024 during “Panchabhoutika applicon 2024” National Symposium organized by KAHER Shri B.M.K. Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Belagavi. The objective of the Workshop was to enhance and update the skills in the quality control of herbal and herbo-mineral preparations. A total delegation of 45 from various states of India, namely Karnataka, Orissa, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Kerala attended the workshop. Inaugural Session The Workshop commenced with an inauguration by the chief guest, Dr. Iranna Kotturshetty, Principal and Medical Director of Rajiv Gandhi Education Society’s Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital Ron, Karnataka. Dr. Kotturshetty emphasized the importance of the quality control parameters in achieving success in clinical practice, noting that Aushadha (medicine) holds the second place in Chikitsa Chatushpada (four pillars of treatment). Following the inauguration, a pretest was conducted, and delegates were divided into 4 groups before receiving training in the subsequent sessions. Workshop Details The various units of the Central Research Facility, namely, Drug testing laboratory, Pharmacognostic unit, and Microbiology unit were utilized during the workshop for conducting physicochemical analysis, section cutting, and preliminary phytochemical testing. In addition, demonstrations of microbial studies and use of instruments employed in drug analysis, such as the rota evaporator, flame photometer, and UV spectrophotometer, were conducted. On day 1, the first session was on Extraction using Cold Maceration method, Extractive Values in Water and Alcohol, Phytochemical screening, and Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC). Dr. Divya Khare, MD (Ay), Research Associate at CRF, and Ms. Sushmita Karaganve, Technical staff, led the session. A discussion was held on various extraction techniques, their application, solvent selection criteria for extraction, and factors influencing extraction efficiency. Hands on training were provided in phytochemical analysis for different organic compounds. The technique of TLC was demonstrated, and its applications were discussed. In the second session, the delegates were practically oriented on Loss on Drying, pH measurement, specific gravity, and refractive index. The session was conducted by Dr. Shrutika S. Karoshi, MD (Ay), Research Associate at CRF, and Ms. Rohini Kamboji, Technical staff. A discussion was held on the practical application with suitability and limitations of various tests. In the third session, delegates were introduced to Bulk and Tap density, Tablet hardness test, Friability test, Disintegration test, and the Namburi Phased Spot test (NPST). Dr. Veena B. Kupati, MD (Ay), Coordinator, ASU Drug Testing Laboratory, CRF, and Mrs. Amruta Ekbote, Technical staff engaged the session. A discussion was held on quality control parameters of the tablets, encompassing various tablet types, their disintegration time, the media used, assessment factors, and the standards applicable to these tests. NPST session was commenced with an introduction, paper preparation, solution preparation, spotting and observation of the spots were discussed using the samples of Rasasindura, Shankha bhasma. In addition, Bulk and Tap densities were demonstrated and the Carr’s ratio and Hausner ratio were calculated to assess the flow properties of powders based on the obtained reading. In the fourth session, delegates received practical demonstration on determining total ash, acid insoluble ash, and extraction using Soxhlet method. The session was conducted by Dr. Mahadev Gundkalle, MD (Ay), Coordinator, CRF and Ms. Sushma Patil Technical staff. Discussion focused on the role of these tests in assessing the quality of herbal preparations. On the 2nd day of the Workshop, the delegates were divided into three groups. In the first session, the delegates received the demonstration on UV spectrophotometric analysis for determining total protein content in solutions. Dr. Divya Khare, MD (Ay), Research Associate, CRF, and Amruta Ekbote, Technical staff conducted the session. The discussion covered the working principles of UV Spectrometer, recording absorbance values, plotting standard graph, and interpreting results by comparing them to established standards. In the second session, delegates were practically oriented on organoleptic characteristics, section cutting of wet and dry specimens, powder microscopy, and UV-Fluorescence analysis (Powder). The session was conducted by Dr. Ajit Lingayat, M.Sc (Medicinal Plants), PhD (Ay), Pharmacognosist, CRF and Ms. Sushmita Karaganve, Technical staff. The importance of microscopic techniques in drug identification was discussed. In the third session, delegates received a practical demonstration of Flame photometer analysis of Shankha bhasma and Saindhava lavana, accompanied by hands-on training. Dr. Veena B. Kupati, MD (Ay), Coordinator, ASU Drug Testing Laboratory, CRF, and Ms. Rohini Kamboji, Technical staff conducted the session. Discussion encompassed sample preparation, dilution techniques, instrument operation, data collection and comparing the results with established standards. Samples assessed for this procedure were Shankha bhasma and Saindhava lavana. The delegates were consolidated into a single group after the completion of the first three sessions. In session four, delegates witnessed the working of the Rota-evaporator. The session was led by Dr. Ajit Lingayat, M.Sc (Medicinal Plants), PhD (Ay), Pharmacognosist, CRF. Discussion focused on the working principle of the instrument, the process of successive extraction, and the retrieval of solvent. Session five was a common session on the demonstration of Acid Value and Saponification Value, conducted by Dr. Mahadev Gundkalle, MD (Ay), Coordinator, CRF, and Dr. Veena B. Kupati, MD (Ay), Coordinator, ASU Drug Testing Laboratory, CRF, and Mrs. Amruta Ekbote, Technical staff. The session included the discussion on the importance of these tests in identifying and detecting adulteration in oils and ghee. The tests were demonstrated and emphasized on titrimetric methods and chemicals used in the analysis. Session six was a common session featuring the demonstration of the microbial limit test, total microbial load, and antimicrobial study, conducted by Dr. Vinay P. S and Mrs. Nikhita Bekwad MSc (Microbiology), Microbiologists, CRF. The session included the discussion on streaking techniques, various Gram-positive, Gram-negative fungal organisms. Assessment of zone of inhibition photographs was presented. At the end of each session, a brief period was allotted for delegates to interact with the experts. Throughout the workshop, all delegates were actively involved. The valedictory function was held on the 2nd day of the workshop, for which Dr. Tejashri Pradhana, Assistant Register KAHER Belagavi, was the chief guest and addressed the delegates regarding the importance of quality control parameters. The delegates shared their experience and gave feedback on the workshop. Images of the Workshop Inaugural functionSessionsSessionsValedictory functionValedictory functionConclusion Google Forms were used to conduct the pre- and posttest evaluations of the delegates. In addition, feedback regarding the workshop was actively encouraged. The postassessment and feedback analysis revealed that the workshop effectively enhanced delegates knowledge and proficiency in the quality control of herbal and herbo-mineral preparations. Based on the participant feedback, it is recommended to organize such practical-oriented workshops to enhance analytical skills among the scholars. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.
Institutions: KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, KLE Ayur World
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4412519775