ABSTRACT

Gandhaka taila is a compound ayurvedic formulation prepared from gandhaka (sulphur), goghrita (cow’s ghee), Arka ksheera (latex of Calotropis procera) and Snuhi ksheera (latex of Euphorbia nerifolia).This preparation is mainly used in the management of kustha (skin disorders) and pama (scabies). In this study Gandhaka taila was prepared with classical procedure, by applying paste of gandhaka (sulphur), ghee on cotton cloth dipped in Arka ksheera (latex of Calotropis procera), Snuhi ksheera (latex of Euphorbia nerifolia) and burning this wick to collect taila (oil) and finished product was subjected to physico-chemical and chromatographic study to assess the chemical components and to lay-down the pharmacopeial standards for Gandhaka taila. The Gandhaka taila shows that it contains inorganic elements like Ca, Mg, Fe, S as sulphide and Rf value for TLC is 0.58, HPTLC shows 3 peaks, alkaline pH(7.74), less moisture content (0.13%), Sp. gravity 1.043, Total Ash value 0.125%, Refractive index 1.468, Saponification value 46.28, Iodine value 4.69, Fat contents 95.83 %.