Purpose: "Standardization" the process of developing and implementing technical standards and to maximize compatibility, safety, repeatability and quality of the drugs is one of the important measures in view of the various practical problems encountered from time to time especially in the field of herbal drugs and Ayurveda.Scientific data pertaining to the standardization of the herbal drugs could be of immense value to substantiate efficacy, safety or toxicity of an herb. Hence present study was intended to standardize Calendula officinalis flowers, Cassia tora and Momordicacharantia seed extracts, since these are widely used in large number of herbal, ayurvedic and homeopathic formulations.
Methodology: Systematic investigations were carried out to assess various quality parameters as per WHO guidelines such as morphological, microscopical and proximate analysis including ash values, moisture contents and extractive values and TLC for Calendula officinalis flowers, Cassia tora and Momordicacharantia seed extracts.
Results: Results indicated the authenticity of the herbal drugs used in the study. Organoleptic and proximate analyseswere well within the acceptable limits. TLC system was developed for identification of the extracts. Quantitative estimation of total saponins, phenols and flavonoid contents were determined. Herbs tested indicated absence of heavy metals and arsenic. Qualitative phyto chemical analysis of extracts obtained using different solvents revealed presence of glycosides, saponins, triterpenes, phenols, tannins and carbohydrates in different extracts.
Conclusion: Study was successful in establishing quality standards for the flowers of Calendula officinalis, seed of Momordicacharantia and Cassia tora. These preliminary studies may offer great help in initial procurement and assessment of quality of the crude drugs when these are being used as raw materials for preparations of herbal formulations.
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