Comparative Pharmaceutical and Analytical Evaluation of Shoolaharana Yoga: Bhavita Formulation Versus Hydroalcoholic Extract

Background

Shoolaharana Yoga, described in Rasendra Sara Saṃgraha, is a classical Herbo-mineral formulation indicated for various types of pain. Ayurvedic pharmaceutical processes such as Shodhana (Purification) and Bhavana (Trituration) are traditionally employed to enhance safety, bioavailability, and therapeutic potential. In the present era, integration of classical processing with modern extraction techniques warrants systematic analytical evaluation.

Objectives

The present study aimed to evaluate pharmaceutical and analytical parameters of Shoolaharana Yoga processed with Shoolprashamana Mahakashaya Bhavana (SHYB) and its Hydroalcoholic Extract (SHYBE).

Materials and Methods

Shoolaharana Yoga was prepared after Shodhana of Gandhaka, Hingu, and Kuchala, followed by three Bhavans using decoction of Shoolprashamana Mahakashaya as described in Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 4/45. The Bhavita formulation (SHYB) was subjected to hydroalcoholic extraction to obtain SHYBE. Both samples were evaluated for various analytical parameters as per the protocols prescribed by the Ministry of AYUSH.

Results

The extract (SHYBE) showed markedly higher water- and alcohol-soluble extractive values, indicating superior extraction efficiency compared to the base formulation. Both samples were found to be within the permissible limits for heavy metals and microbial load as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia. HPTLC analysis demonstrated an increased number of spots across multiple wavelengths in SHYBE, reflecting enhanced phytochemical complexity following extraction.

Conclusion

The study establishes that the hydroalcoholic extraction method yields better phytochemical extraction and a richer chromatographic profile compared to the conventional method. This indicates that the extraction technique significantly influences the pharmaceutical quality and standardization of the formulation.