Herbal Medicine & Formulations Flashcards

In Ayurvedic pharmacy, what distinguishes 'Ghana' (aqueous extract) from 'Kwatha' (decoction)?

Answer: Ghana is a concentrated solid extract made by evaporating kwatha, while kwatha is the liquid decoction itself

Kwatha is the liquid herbal decoction, while Ghana is produced by further evaporating the kwatha until a solid or semi-solid concentrated extract remains, providing a more potent and portable dosage form.

Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) is primarily indicated for which condition in Ayurvedic practice?

Answer: Rakta pitta disorders, skin diseases, and blood purification

Manjistha is the primary Ayurvedic herb for Rakta Shodhana (blood purification), skin disorders, and Rakta Pitta conditions, containing alizarin and other compounds with proven anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects.

What is the correct ratio of herbs in the classical formulation Trikatu churna?

Answer: Equal parts of Shunthi (ginger), Maricha (black pepper), and Pippali (long pepper)

Trikatu ('three pungents') consists of equal proportions of Shunthi (dry ginger), Maricha (black pepper), and Pippali (long pepper), all in a 1:1:1 ratio.

Which classical Ayurvedic process called 'Bhavana' is used to enhance herbal formulations?

Answer: Triturating dried herbal powders with liquid (herb juice or decoction) and drying repeatedly

Bhavana is the process of repeatedly wetting herbal powders with specified liquids (usually the juice of the same or complementary herbs) and drying them, which enhances potency, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy.

Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) is the primary herb used in Ayurveda for which condition?

Answer: Shotha (edema) and kidney disorders

Punarnava ('that which renews') is the foremost Ayurvedic diuretic and kidney tonic, used primarily for managing edema, urinary disorders, and kidney function, containing punarnavoside with proven diuretic properties.

In Ayurvedic formulation science, what is the shelf life guideline for 'Ghrita' (medicated ghee) preparations?

Answer: 16 years when properly stored

Classical Ayurvedic texts state that properly prepared and stored Ghrita has a shelf life of 16 years (and old ghee called Purana Ghrita is considered more therapeutically valuable), making it one of the longest-lasting Ayurvedic dosage forms.

Which herb is known as 'Sarva Roga Nivarani' (remover of all diseases) in Ayurvedic texts?

Answer: Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is called 'Amrita' (divine nectar) and 'Sarva Roga Nivarani' in classical texts due to its broad immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and adaptogenic properties.