Question

Write short note  i. Filter aid. ii. Ayurvedic dosage form.

Answer 1

Filter aid

Definition: 

 These are the substance which reduces the resistance of filtrate to flow.

Objective: prevent the blocking of filter medium by forming open porous cake.

It is used mainly for clarification in the concentration of 0.1 to 0.5% before filtration.

Ideal qualities of filter aid: 

1. It should be remain suspended in the liquid.

2. It should be free from impurities.

3. It should be inert.

4. It should have a particle size distribution suitable for retention of solid.

5. It should have structure that permits formation of porous cake.

Filter aid Material: 

1. Cellulose.

2. Asbestos.

3. Carbon.

4. Diatomaceous earth.

5. Perlite

OR

Ayurvedic dosage form:

Classification: 

 LIQUID DOSAGE FORMS – Examples: Swarasa, arka etc

 SEMISOLID DOSAGE FORMS- Examples: Avaleha, lepa etc

 SOLID DOSAGE FORMS - Examples: Churna,vati etc

Description: 

1. Anjan : These are medicated fine powder intended to be used in eye for their local effect. To relive pain especially in the head.

2. Arakas : These are distilled essences or liquors made by soaking drug in water for 24 to 48 hours and then distilling the same. Distilled collected is called Arakas.

3. Aristas : These are weak alcoholic preparations prepared by making a decoction of the drugs and then allowing them to undergo fermentation by the help of raw sugar or honey. The fermentation is done for a period of 7-10 days in hot weather and for 15-30 days in cold weather.

4. Asavas : These are medicated alcoholic liquors prepared by the fermentation of raw vegitables juices with honey or jiggery or treacle. The various parts of the plants such as root, leaves and bars etc. are cut into pieces and infusion is prepared in water in airtight or earthen jars. Honey or treacle is mixed in it. The fermentation is done for at least six months.

5. Avalehas : These are thick extracts of the drugs. The decoction of the drug is prepared and after straining it is again boiled down to a thick soft consistency with sugar or honey. In case sugar is used in the preparation, the quantity used should be four times that of the drugs, whereas in case of jiggery, its quantity should be twice that of the drugs. Avalehas are used for digestive trobles, respiratory problems and as a general tonic.

6. Bhasmas : These are ashes which are prepared from vegetables and mineral substances.

The vegetable drugs are cut into a coarse powder or pieces and then burnt till they are completely reduced to ashes. The mineral ashes are prepared from metals. The metals are first subjected to purification by treatment with oil, fat free curd and cow’s urine.

The purified mass is oxidized and then subjected to a process of roasting. The roasted mass is reduced to a fine powder. Ashes are also prepared from various animal products such as hart;s horn, pearls and cowries etc.

7. Churnas : These are powdered mixtures prepared by mixing dry mineral, animal or vegetables substances in a pestle mortar. The powdered mixture is then passed through cloth, linen or fine sieve. In case jiggery is to be mixed with powder, it should be equal to the quantity of churan and in case of sugar, it should be double the quantity of churan. Churnas are usually taken with milk, hot water and cow’s urine. Churnas are usually given in bulk. Its action is quick but its effect is only temporary.

8. Ghan : It is a semi-solid preparation, prepared by evaporation of the quaths to semisolid consistency. Ghans are meant for converting quaths to tablets or pills.

9. Ghritas : These are medicated ghees or clarified butter. The ghrita or clarified butters is heated on a fire to remove water. A little turmeric juice is then added to putify it. The purified ghrita is melted with a gentle heat in earthen pot, copper or iron pan and then mixed with the medicinal paste and decoctions of medicines to be used. It is then boiled with gritas till the water content gets evaporated and it is free from the froth. It is then strained though cloth and preserved for use. It is meant for internal use.

10. Gutikas : These are large pill. These are prepared from the pil mass. The pill mass is prepared by reducing a decotion of vegitable substances to a thick consistency and then mixed with powderd medicines, raw sugar, honey, gum, guggal etc. The pill mass is then converted into pill pipes and finally converted into gutikas.

11. Kalkas : It is a paste which is prepared by grinding dry or fresh whole vegetable substances, moistened with water on a flat stone or slab with a muller. It is then mixed with honey, ghee or oil which should be double the quantity of the drug. In case sugar or jiggery is to be mixed, its proportion should be the same as that of the drug.

12. Kanjika : It is a sour liquid produced from the fermentation of powdered paddy (Brassica juncea) and other grains. It is a clear transparent fluid with an acid taste and vinous smell. It is cooling, useful as a drink in fever and burning of the body etc.

13. Ksharas : Medicinal plants or herbs or specified parts of them are wholly or completely burnt and their ashes are allowed to dissolve or mix in the water. It is filtered and then evaporated to a fine white residue, which is called Kshar. This is very effective preparation used in liver and spleen aliments.

14. Kshirpaka : It is a decoction in milk which is prepared by boiling one part of drug in 8 parts of milk and 32 parts of water till the milk alone remains. The decoction is then strained.