Author(s): Aji Abraham, Lizzy Mathew, Sarala Samuel and Twincy Yacob

Abstract: Ayurvedic physicians of older days used to collect plant materials themselves for preparing drugs under their supervision. So there were no chances for substitution or adulteration and the medicines were sure to have the desired therapeutic effect. The ever increasing demand for ayurvedic medicines, multitude of diseases, scarcity of plant materials and commercialization of drugs have forced physicians of modern times to rely on available market preparations. Hence standardization of these preparations has become a need of the hour to ensure genuineness and therapeutic value. Thin layer chromatography can be used as a simple and reliable tool for standardization of finished products. Pathyashadangam kashayam a classical ayurvedic formulation was subjected to TLC along with raw materials and standards. The presence of all the ingredients in the formulation was confirmed by similarity in bands and RF values. From the study it was inferred that TLC can be used as a reliable tool for standardization of ayurvedic formulations.