Standardization of Bindu Ghrita

Abstract

One of the major contributions of Ayurveda is the dosage form called Sneha Kalpana where ghrita and taila are processed in such a way that all the  phytochemicals from the plant parts are transferred to the lipid media, mostly the  ones which are lipid soluble. The process of making Sneha Kalpana is divided into  two steps; the first is Sneha Murchchhana and the second is Sneha Paka. Sneha Murchchhana is performed to remove doshas from the lipid media while Sneha  Paka is the preparation of medicated ghrita or taila (Sneha Kalpana). The product  obtained after the process of Sneha paka is known as Siddha ghrita or Siddha taila.  There are various formulations of Siddha ghrita and Siddha taila given in the  Ayurveda text. Bindu Ghrita is one of the formulations of ghrita, mentioned in  Ayurveda texts like Chakradatta, Sharangadhara Samhita, Bhaishajya Ratnavali,  Gadanigraha and Yoga Ratnakara. The word Bindu suggests its therapeutic use  indicating the number of Bindus applied on the Nabhi ( umbilicus ) which is equal  to the number of Virechana Vega ( purgations ). Internal use of Bindu Ghrita is  also suggested in some texts. Bindu Ghrita is used to treat Udara rogas mainly in  Jalodara (Ascites). Its other indications are as  Kushtha, Aadhmana, Mandaagni, Gulma etc. There have been very few works  done on this formulation, and no work on the standardization of Bindu Ghrita has  been undertaken till date. This study focuses on the pharmaceutical as well as  analytical standardization of Bindu Ghrita as per the reference of Sharangadhara  Samhita and is one of the first studies reported on its standardization.