PHARMACEUTICAL MODIFICATION OF TANKANAMRITA MALAHAR INTO GEL FORMS AND ITS INVITRO ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

Abstract

Background and Aim: Malahara comes under bahya kalpana, which is used for external applications. Tankanamrita malahara mentioned in Rasatarangini is indicated in chronic non-healing ulcers (dusta vrana), which are prone to microbial contamination. With rising antibiotic resistance, establishing the antimicrobial activity of Ayurvedic formulations is essential. This study aimed to modify tankanamrita malahara into more patient-friendly gel forms without compromising efficacy.

 Experimental procedure: Raw ingredients were analyzed for authenticity and made into a fine powder. Tankanamrita malahara was formulated by mixing active ingredients with siktha taila. A hydrogel was initially prepared using Carbopol 940 and an emulgel was prepared by incorporating tila taila into a xanthan gum gel base. Analytical parameters and FTIR were assessed for both malahara and gel formulations. The antimicrobial activity was assessed by measuring the zone of inhibition against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Result and Conclusion: The modification of tankanamrita malahara into hydrogel was unstable due to kasisa incompatibility, therefor a hydrogel without kasisa and a tankanamrita emulgel containing 8.4% tila taila was prepared. FTIR analysis confirmed incompatibility between Carbopol and Shuddha Kasisa and chemical compatibility of Kasisa bhasma in the emulgel system. The analytical parameters of emulgel and malahara were adequate. In vitro  anti microbial tests showed that 10% tankanamrita malahara had the highest activity against Candida albicans, followed by the 10% tankanamrita emulgel. Tankanamrita malahara and tankanamrita emulgel showed lower activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a concentration of 15%.