PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHARMACEUTICAL EVALUATION OF YASHTIMADHU (GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN.)

Background: Yashtimadhu, botanically identified as Glycyrrhiza glabra L., is a well-known herb in Ayurveda. It is cultivated in India, mainly in Punjab and sub-Himalayan tracts. Root and stolon have been widely used in different formulations. Pancha Vidha Kashaya Kalpanas (Pharmaceutics) are mentioned primarily to achieve the maximum efficacy of the drug and to upgrade its palatability. Some kalpanas are also made to increase the shelf-life of a drug. In the conventional system, dosage forms are mainly preferred based on the solubility of a drug to enhance its bioavailability. Yashtimadhu, as per the literature, have been used in 22 dosage forms. Churna (powder), Kashaya (decoction), Phanta (infusion), Ksheerapaka (milk-based preparation), Taila (Oil-based preparation) and Gritha (ghee-based preparation) are mainly used to enhance its therapeutic utility. Aim: To analyse the pharmacognostic changes; this study evaluated Yashtimadhu and its pharmaceutics for its characteristic features. Method: The formulations were prepared using the classical methods and analysed based on the standard parameters. Result: The evaluation showed that the parameters were comparable to the standard references. Conclusion: The genuine authenticity and shelf-life of a drug remain an essential criterion for a drug to be fit for therapeutic consumption. Evaluation of Yashtimadhu in its different forms for various parameters revealed its significance.