PHARMACOGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF TRIPHALA HERBS AND ESTABLISHMENT OF CHEMICAL STABILITY OF TRIPHALA CAPLETS

The use of herbal medicines for the betterment of mankind is well practiced from centuries. Triphala is a well known Rasayana drug used in Indian systems of medicine. Due to its wide spread usage in herbal medicine it drives the attention of regulatory bodies for its safety and efficacy and hence quality become major concern. In the present study we have standardized herbs by Pharmacognostical evaluation and selected chemical markers as part of quality control tool. Gallic acid and total tannins are selected as stability indicating assay for triphala caplet. The drug was subjected to short time accelerated stability study (40⁰C/75%RH) as per ICH guidelines. Presence of stone cells, starch grains and calcium oxalate crystals are noted for differentiate along with the xylem elements (fibers and vessels) based on their structure. The content of these active constituents were monitored throughout the study and were found to be stable (Gallic acid: 3.72 to 5.24 %w/w, Total tannins: (17.16%w/w to 23.49%w/w). The HPTLC chromatographic fingerprint was also found to be complying with ICH guidelines. The drug product was found to be safe and stable for the prescribed shelf life. The results suggest that the methods can be appropriate emphasis as quality part to ensure the potency of any herbal formulation containing Triphala