A TRAILBLAZING ENDEAVOUR TO EXPLORE THE ROLE OF TULASI PUSHPA AS SANDHANA DRAVYA (FERMENTING AGENT) IN SANDHANA KALPANA

Sandhāna kalpanā (Fermentation process) is a unique procedure implemented in Ayurveda for the preparation of fermented alcoholic and acidic medicinal formulations. Sandhāna dravyās (fermenting agents) act as fermentation initiators in them. The commonly used Sandhāna dravyās are Dhātakipuṣpā (flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa), madhūkapuṣpā (flowers of Madhuka indica) and yeast. Almost in all Sandhāna dravyās, the presence of microflora plays a significant role in fermentation. In recent studies, it was proved that the dried flowers of Dhātaki and Madhūkapuṣpā have yeast colonies in it. Total aerobic microbial count testing of Tulasi puṣpā (Ocimum tenuiflorum – flowers) done in our study also revealed the presence of yeast. Objectives: To determine whether tulasi is having any fermenting activity with respect to the microbial, pharmaceutical and analytical matter. Methods: Total aerobic microbial count testing of fresh and dry flowers of Tulasi and dry flowers of Madhūka was performed. Pharmaceutico-comparative analytical study of 3 samples of Ariṣṭā (a fermented medicinal preparation) named Drākṣāriṣṭā prepared using them was also done. Results: Flowers of Tulasi (fresh and dry ones) had shown better microbial count and analytical parameters. Also, it displayed proper features of fermentation in the samples. Conclusion: Tulasipuṣpā can be used as a Sandhāna dravyā for the preparation of ariṣṭā and āsava.