ABSTRACT

“Nisamalaki churna” is one of the easily available Ayurvedic formulations sold as an OTC drug, used against diabetes mellitus as a home remedy. It is a powdered preparation made from fruit of Emblica officinalis (Amla) and rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric) in equal proportions. In the present study, the raw materials were procured from commercial suppliers, identified botanically and complied as per “IMPCOPS” (The Indian Medical Practitioners Co - Operative Pharmacy and Stores Ltd, Madras). Nisamalaki churna was prepared as per “IMPCOPS” (in-house sample). It was tested as per pharmacopoeial guidelines. Parameters such as organoleptic characters, microscopic characters, physico-chemical parameters, TLC studies using curcumin and ascorbic acid as active phytomarkers, estimation of total tannins, heavy metals limit test and presence of aflatoxins (B1,G1,B2 and G2) were studied. Simultaneously, market samples of Nisamalaki churna were procured over the counter for comparison.