Analytical Standardization and Safety Evaluation of Ushna Vaayu Meni Chooranam: A Siddha Polyherbal Formulation

Abstract

Traditional herbal medicines remain widely used in global healthcare, and the World Health Organization emphasizes the need for scientific standardization to ensure their safety, quality, and efficacy. Polyherbal Siddha formulations require validated analytical approaches due to their complex composition. Ushna Vaayu Meni Chooranam is a traditional formulation lacking comprehensive standardization. Methods: UVMC was prepared as per classical methods. Standardization included physicochemical evaluation (ash values, extractives, loss on drying, pH), preliminary phytochemical screening, High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting at 254nm and 366nm, microbial load testing, aflatoxin estimation, and powder microscopy. Results: Physicochemical parameters were within acceptable limits, with total ash (11.63% w/w), acid-insoluble ash (7.65% w/w), loss on drying (5.80% w/w), and pH (5.46). Water extractive (12.18% w/w) exceeded alcohol extractive (7.34% w/w), indicating predominance of polar constituents. Phytochemical analysis confirmed phenolics, phytosterols, quinones, and reducing sugars. HPTLC profiling showed 7 peaks at 254nm (major peak at Rf 0.89; 56.68%) and 11 peaks at 366nm, indicating diverse phytoconstituents. Microbial load and aflatoxin levels (5.3 ppb) were within permissible limits. Powder microscopy revealed diagnostic features confirming authenticity. Conclusion: Study drug demonstrated acceptable quality parameters, absence of contamination, and a characteristic HPTLC fingerprint. These findings provide scientific validation for the safety, authenticity, and reproducibility of UVMC, supporting its integration into evidence-based traditional medicine and future pharmacological investigations.