Determination of quality characteristics of ‘Nimba Arishta’: a comparative analysis of Sri Lankan brands

Abstract

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that has been used for thousands of years. It comprises a variety of medicines, including fermented forms such as Arishta (fermented decoctions). The therapeutic use of Arishta is determined by the properties of its ingredients and the method of preparation. Because of the differences in the ingredients used and the manufacturing process applied by different manufacturers, the physicochemical characteristics are susceptible to various changes. In the present study, different brands of Nimba Arishta, mainly made from Azadirachta indica (A, B, C, D, E and F) available in the market were thoroughly evaluated for their physicochemical parameters to establish an accepted procedure for standardisation of these Ayurvedic formulations. The physicochemical parameters such as pH, brix, refractive index, specific gravity, total dissolved solids, total ash content, acid insoluble ash and water soluble ash contents were evaluated. The results of the study were found within these ranges; pH 3.01(D) - 3.64(A), refractive index 1.3725 (A) - 1.4019(C), specific gravity 1.0684(A)- 1.0864(F), brix 25.06(A) - 41.00(C), total dissolved solids (g/mL) 0.1993(A) - 0.4107(C), total ash content (w/w%) 0.0971(D) – 0.1070(A), water soluble ash content (w/w%)( 0.004(B) - 0.0899(F), acid insoluble ash content (w/w%) 0.0131(D) - F-0.0571(F). The results showed that the formulation of different brands of Nimba Arishta varies, highlighting the need for standardisation of Arishta.