Author(s): Sushama Bhuvad, Nishteswar K, Jayanta Kumar Maji

Abstract: The thematic classification of the drugs is required for a better understanding of the things. Acharya Charaka had implemented Rasa as criterion for the classification of the Asthapana bastidravyas. He included drugs having same Rasa and Rasa oriented Vipaka or Prabhava. Based on the modern pharmaceutical science, validation of the Skandha (grouping) can be carried out by using advanced spectroscopic technique. In the present study, ten samples selected from the Madhuraskandha were assessed for the total saccharide concentration and also subjected to NIR spectroscopy. The result showed that Asparagus racemosus had maximum concentration of saccharide as compared to rest of the samples. NIR spectroscopic study reported to have presence of chemical compounds of starch, cellulose, aldehyde, ketones, methylene group, carboxylate group and amide group etc. These compounds help in the formation of sweet taste. Hence conditionally the grouping of the drugs in Madhuraskandha might get validated on the basis of advanced pharmaceutical tools.