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    ISSN : 2693 6356 

2018 | Vol 1 | Issue 2 

 
Pharmaceutico-analytical Standardization of Devdarvyadi Churnakriya 

(Processed powder) 

K.Raju Kumar1 , T K.Shankar2 , S D.Sharma3 

123
Assistant Professor 

ABSMIDS Mangalore - AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, 

 

 

ABSTRACT 
In order to increase the effectiveness of the treatment and decrease the necessary dosage, the powdered form of the drug is 

triturated with liquid preparations having the same components, a process called Churnakriya, which is described in 

Ayurvedic classics under the idea of Bhavana Samskara (process of trituration). When it comes to powdered drugs like 

Churna Kalpana, where the dosage is rather high, the Churnakriya idea is useful for lowering the dose while increasing the 

drug's acceptability. Devdarvyadi Churnakriya Pharmaco-Analytical Standardization is the Goal. Devdarvyadi Churna was 

made using traditional methods outlined in ancient texts. The Churna was ground using a mixture of the same elements used 

to make the decoction. There was a seven-day trituration process. Organoleptic and other Physico-chemical parameters, 

including moisture content, ash values, extractive values, etc., were analyzed in the traditional Devdarvyadi Churna and the 

Devdarvyadi Churnakriya. To further confirm the efficacy, purity, and security of these herbal preparations, thin layer 

chromatography was used. The average yield of Devdarvyadi Churnakriya from 500 gm was 666.66 gm, according to the 

observations and results. Devdarvyadi Churna had a weight increase of 32.66 percent and had analytical parameters such a 

loss of 6.3 percent of weight after drying, an ash value of 7 percent, an acid insoluble ash content of 3 percent, an extract ive 

content of 34.8 percent in water and 4.8 percent in alcohol for a pH of 3.52. DECISION: Devdarvyadi Churnakriya was 

made in three separate batches. Daily trituration for each Bhavana lasted between seven and eight hours. Bhavana's ultimate 

result exhibited all the characteristics of Subhavita Lakshana (evidence of good triturat ion). Final product weight growth 

was 32.66 percent. 

Keywords: Bhavana, Churnakriya, Devdarvyadi, Standardization 
 
 
 
 
 

Introduction 

Rasashastra and Bhaishjya Kalpana is the part 

of Ayurveda which deals mainly with 

preparation of medicines. The process of 

transformation where the drug is changed or its 

properties enhanced is called Samskara. [1] In 

Samhitas there are various Samskaras described out 

of which Bhavana Samskara has a multi- 

dimensional action directly over the drug. It 

acts as a detoxifying agent in case of Visha 
Dravya, [2] it is also a Poorvakarma (prior 

process) for Marana process. [3] Under the context 

of Bhavana, Acharya Charaka states –Bhavana 
given with its own Swarasa enhances the efficacy 

of drug; Small quantity of drug produces 

maximum effect. This concept is known as 

Churna Kriya; where Bhavya Dravya is triturated 

with the liquid preparations like Swarasa (juices), 
Kwatha (decoction), Hima (cold infusion), 
Phanta (hot infusion), Arka (extract) etc. of 

the same ingredients. 
[4] According to Dalhana, Kwatha is also 
called as 

Swarasa; therefore, it can be assumed that 

when Swarasa is not available for Bhavana, 

Kwatha of same drug can be taken as substitute. 
[5] 

 
Considering the above concept, it was decided to prepare 

Devdarvyadi Churna Kriya byconverting Devdarvyadi 
Churna described in Bhaishjya Ratnavali [6] under Amavata 
Chikitsa by giving Bhavana with the Kwatha of same 

ingredients. 

 

Churna Kriya is described in Samhita but 

unfortunately very few works have been done over 

the concept, the present study is an attempt to 

Standardize Devdarvyadi Churna Kriya and to 

establish the quality standards for the formulation. 

 

Materials & Methods 

The ingredients of Devdarvyadi Churna depicted in 

table no. 1 were collected from the Dattatraya 

Ayurveda Rasashala ,  Salod ( H) Wardha, 

Maharashtra, India. All the drugs were identified 

https://www.careers360.com/colleges/ab-shetty-memorial-institute-of-dental-sciences-mangalore?icn=college_page&ici=clg_5880_college_listing_tuple


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and authenticated by pharmacognostic study. 

 

Pharmaceutical preparation of Devdarvyadi Churna 
Kriya was carried out in Dattatraya Ayurved 

Rasashala M.G.A.C.H. & R.C. The procedure was 

subdivided into the following steps: 

 

1. Preparation of Devdarvyadi Churna (DC) 

2. Preparation of Devdarvyadi Kwatha 
3. Preparation of Churna Kriya (DCK) by seven times 

Bhavana with Devdarvyadi Kwatha 
Each formulation was prepared in 3 batches 

as per the protocol of drug standardization. 

 

 

Table1: Ingredients of Devdarvyadi Churna 
Kriya 

 
Sr. 

no 

Sanskrit 
name 

Latin name Parts used 

1 Devdara Cedrus Devdara 
(Roxb)Loud 

Heart 

wood 

2 Vacha Acorus calamus 
Linn 

Rhizomes 

3 Mustha Cyprus rotundus 
Linn 

Rhizomes 

4 Sunthi Zingiber oficinale 
Rose 

Rhizomes 

5 Ativisha Aconitum 
Heterophyllum 
wall ex Royle 

Tuber 

6 Haritaki Terminalia 
chebula Reitz 

Fruit 

 
Preparation of Devdarvyadi Churna 
(DC) General method of preparation of 

Churna [7] is followed for the preparation of 

Devdarvyadi Churna. Raw drugs viz. Devdara, 
Vacha, Musta, Sunthi, Ativisha, Haritaki were 

collected and cleaned to avoid contamination of 

foreign material in final product. The ingredients 

taken in equal proportion and powdered 

separately with proper care to minimize the loss 

and sieved with mesh number 85 to obtain 

fine powder. The entire powdered drugs were in 

equal quantity mixed uniformly to obtain 

Devdarvyadi Churna (Table 2). 
 

Preparation of Devdarvyadi Kwatha 
The herbal drugs which were used for the Churna 
were taken in equal proportion and made into 

coarse powder. The coarse powder soaked 

overnight in water taken into stainless steel 

vessel for the preparation of Kwatha. Since the 

drugs were medium to hard 8 times of water was 

added and subjected to mild heating and reduced 

to 1/4th quantity. [8] The Kwatha obtained at the 

end was filtered through a piece of cotton cloth. 

Preparation of Devdarvyadi Churna Kriya 
(DCK) 

Half sample of prepared Devdarvyadi Churna was 

taken in a Khalwa Yantra into which the Devdarvyadi 
Kwatha was added in a quantity enough to 

appropriately wet whole Churna [9] and the 

trituration process was continued for 7-8 hours a 

day. After the trituration period the mixture was 

spread in a steel tray and subjected to dryer at 500C. 

After drying of the material, it was powdered and 

again Bhavana process was done with freshly 

prepared Kwatha followed by drying. Bhavana 
process was repeated for 7 times. After this the final 

product Devdarvyadi Churna Kriya was obtained. 

(Fig no.1-15) 

 

Analytical Study 

Analysis of DC and DCK were done to study the 

physical properties. Both the samples were 

analyzed under the Pharmacopoeia standards for 

Churna [10] like organoleptic characters, pH, loss 

on drying, water soluble extractive value, alcohol 

soluble extractive, total ash, Acid insoluble ash, 

Water soluble ash, etc. Microbial specifications 

were tested to validate its safety for internal as well 

as external use. 

 

Observation & Results 

The Devdarvyadi Churna obtained was yellowish 

brown in colour; smooth in touch with the mixed 

aroma of all the herbal ingredients with prominent 

fragrance of Devdaru, and bitter –astringent in 

taste. All the ingredients were of medium to hard in 

texture which required efforts during the powdering 

process. After every Bhavana followed by drying 

weight gain was observed. After 7 Bhavana 
average 32.66 % weight gain was observed in final 

product (table3). Obtained Devdarvyadi Churna 
Kriya was comparatively smoother in touch, dark 

brown coloured, with pleasant odour and bitter in 

taste. Samples of Devdarvyadi Churna and 

Devdarvyadi Churna Kriya were tested for quality 

parameters of Churna. Results of analytical study 

depicted in table no 4, 5, and 6,7,8,9. 



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Table 2: Showing observations during preparation of Devdarvyadi Churna in each batch 

 

Batch Weight of individual ingredients (g) Total 

weight (g) 

% 

loss 
Devdar 
Churna 

Vacha 
Churna 

Musta 
Churna 

Sunthi 
Churna 

Ativisha 
Chuna 

Haritaki 
Churna 

A 100 100 100 100 100 100 594.62 0.88 

B 100 100 100 100 100 100 593.29 1.11 

C 100 100 100 100 100 100 596.19 0.63 

Total 300 300 300 300 300 300 1,784.10 2.62 

 

 
Table 3: Organoleptic Characters of DC and DCK 

Parameters Devdarvyadi Churna Devdarvyadi Churna Kriya 

Touch Smooth Smooth 

Colour Yellowish brown Dark brown 

Odour Pleasant Pleasant 

Taste Bitter-astringent Bitter 

 

Table- 4 Comparative Physico-chemical parameters of the Devdarvyadi Churna and Devdarvyadi 
Churna Kriya 

 

Parameters DC DCK 

Loss on drying (% W/W) 7 6.3 

Ash Value (%w/w) 5 7 

Acid insoluble ash(%w/w) 3 3 

Water soluble extract (%w/w) 17.2 34.8 

Alcohol soluble extract 

(%w/w) 

4.8 4.8 

pH (%w/v) 4.1 3.52 

Total sugar 27.77 25 

Table 5: Microbial Load in DC and DCK 
 

Parameters DC DCK 

Total bacterial 

count 

No growth No growth 

Total microbial 

count 

No growth No growth 

Table 6: Particle size of DC and DCK 

 

Mesh no. DC (%) DCK (%) 



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a) Above 60 mesh 100 100 

b) Between 60- 80 

( 250 -177 microns) 

72 95 

c) Between 80 – 120 

(177-125 microns) 

2 69 

d) Below 120 mesh - 4 

 

Table 7: Assays for Devdarvyadi Churna and 

Devdarvyadi Churnakriya 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 8: Bulk Density & Tapped density of the DC & DCK 

 

Sr.No Parameters DC DCK 

1 Bulk density 0.390 0.84 

2 Tapped 

density 

0.406 0.84 

 
Discussion 

Devdarvyadi Churna mentioned in Bhaishjya Ratnavali is 

composed of six ingredients (Devdara, Vacha, Musta, 
Sunthi, Ativisha, Haritaki). The ingredients were dried 

in the hot air oven to remove moisture present in the 

ingredients which facilitates proper grinding of 

material. Temperature was maintained at 500 C for 8 

hours. After appropriate drying the ingredients were 

separately powdered. All the ingredients were 

powdered in 3 batches each of 200 gm. The 

ingredients were powdered in mixer grinder for 3 

times followed by sieving to obtain fine powder. 

The spillage during the grinding, sieving were the 

reasons behind the loss observed in the yield of 

Churna. 

 
Kwatha prepared for the Bhavana process with the 

similar ingredients taken in equal proportion were 

soaked overnight to ensure the maximum 

extraction of active constituents from drugs. The 

obtained Kwatha when poured into the dry powder 

i.e. Devdarvyadi Churna the maximum quantity got 

absorbed into the powder. Quantity of Kwatha 
required for the first Bhavana in all the 3 batches 

was almost double, the quantity got enhanced when 

compared to the classical Devdarvyadi Churna. The 
quantity of Kwatha required during each Bhavana 

has been depicted in the table 3. 

 

In classics, Bhavana to the material was given with 

the help of mortar and pestle. Now, with the 

advancement of techniques, different methods and 

machines were introduced for various 

pharmaceutical procedures. These progressions not 

only help in minimizing the manual power but also 

help in applying constant pressure & friction till 

expected duration which is suitable for maintaining 

standard data in more scientific way. Therefore, 

table top wet grinder with 2 roller stone was used 

for present study. Wet grinder works on three 

principles i.e., kneading, smearing and spatulation, 

which ultimately results in uniform mixing and 

quashing down particle size.Amount of liquid used 

in Bhavana and the process may be understood by 

capillary properties, which describes the processes 

of interaction of porous powder materials with the 

liquid. Capillary attraction or capillarity is the 

ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without 

the assistance and in opposition to external forces 

like gravity. It occurs because of inter-molecular 

attractive forces between the liquid and solid 

surrounding surfaces. When a dry porous medium, 

such as a brick or a wick is brought into contact 

Assays Tests DC DCK 

Tannins 5% Fecl3 test + + 

Alkaloids Hager’s test 

Wagner’s test 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

Phenols 5% Fecl3 test + + 

Glycosides Baljet test + + 

 



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with a liquid, it will start absorbing the liquid at a 

rate which decreases over time. The average 

Kwatha required for the initial Bhavana was more 

(1866.66 ml) than the subsequent Bhavana (1033.33 

ml) in 5th Bhavana). This is further reduced to 

826.66 ml in 7th Bhavana. Reason behind the 

decreased amount of liquid required for subsequent 

Bhavana can be elicited by reduced porosity of 

powder by process of trituration. Other reason for 

this may be decreased particle size which will lower 

the permeability. The porosity or pore volume of a 

material has been defined as the total proportion 

of air spaces contained between the solid particles of 

which the body is composed while permeability is 

restricted to interconnecting spaces. [11] 

 

During Bhavana process, average 1245.23ml of 

Devdarvyadi Churna Kwatha was required for 

average 500 gm of Devdarvyadi Churna. Average 

32.66% weight gain was observed after consecutive 

seven Bhavana. During the Bhavana process the 

Bhavya Dravya used was the Kwatha prepared 

with the same ingredients containing higher 

concentration of phyto-constituents which were 

deposited into the final product during the 

process of Bhavana, this caused weight gain in 

final product. Criteria for identifying the 

Subhavita Lakshana are, the Bhavit Dravya can 

be changed into desired shape. If pressed in 

between fingers, turns into flat shape, becomes 

smooth and soft in texture. 
[12] 

 
 

Mild heating with peak temperature maintenance 

of 95oC-97oC along with continuous stirring was 

applied for proper extraction and for reducing the 

chances of degradation of some of the active 

constituents which may decompose due to 

hydrolysis. Continuous mechanical stirring is 

needed to facilitate the natural circulation 

evaporation. On an average it took 3.68 hrs to 

prepare 1571.42 ml of Devdarvyadi Churna 
Kwatha 

 
The DCK and DC were tested for 

physicochemical parameters for Churna. There 

was considerable difference in loss on drying in 

DC 7 % w/w and DCK 6.3% w/w. This 

difference may be due to 

more stable nature of Devdarvyadi Churnakriya due 

to more number of Bhavana. This difference also 

suggests more shelf life of Devdarvyadi Churnakriya 
than Devdarvyadi Churna. 

 
The total Ash value in DC was 5 % w/w and in 

DCK was 7% w/w. This may be possible due to 

the higher concentration of phyto-constituents of 

Bhavana Dravya in DCK which is loaded during 

Bhavana process carried out with the Devdarvyadi 
Churna Kwatha. Acid insoluble Ash of DC &DCK 

was found to be 3 % w/ 

w. This indicates that the proportion of acid 

insoluble inorganic material in both samples is 

same. 

 

Water soluble extractive indicates the amount of 

active constituent of material when extracted with 

water. The comparative result was very 

encouraging. This value was greater in Devdarvyadi 
Churna Kriya. Kwatha used for levigation is a 

form of water soluble extractive and thus has 

contributed to the increment. Therefore, indicating 

the role of Bhavana Samskara (levigation with 

aqueous extract of drug) in extraction. Water 

soluble active principles in DCK were 

comparatively much more than DC. The values of 

extract are just double in DCK which indicates the 

potential part is much more in DCK as compared 

to DC. From this value it can be justified that DCK 

is more potent in same dose than DC. It can be 

also stated that in smaller dose DCK can give 

therapeutic action. This also shows that DCK 

contains double phytochemical concentration than 

DC. 

 

DC (4.8% w/w) and DCK (4.8% w/w) have same 

ASE (alcohol soluble extractive) value. There is 

no any difference in both the samples. In Churna 
Kriya, the Bhavana of Devdarvyadi Churna Kwatha 
was given which contains the water soluble active 

principles, potentiating the water soluble extract 

but, the fatty material was not fortified, which 

resulted in constant value of ASE in both the 

samples. There was no addition of any alcohol 

soluble active principle which caused constant 

ASE value for both samples. pH value of DC was 

4.1 and that of DCK was 3.52 shows the acidic 

nature of both the samples. The total sugar 

observed in DC was 27.77 & DCK was 25 

indicating presence of starch. 

 

Bulk densities for DC were 0.390 gm/ml and tap 

density for DC 0.406gm/ml for DC whereas for 

DCK Bulk density was 0.84 gm/ml, &tap density 

0.84gm/ml for DCK. Bulk density and tap density 

affected by the inter-particle spaces in the powder. 

In case of DCK tap density and bulk density are 

same it may be due to process of trituration, the 

particles become finer and the inter-particular 

space decreases 

 
 



6 

 

 

resulting in compactness of the material. The volume 

occupied by the DC is more as compared to DCK 

(taken equal in weight). 

 

Microbial load in both samples was observed and 

found no growth. Proper precautions were taken 

throughout the processes to avoid any microbial 

contamination. 

 

Particle size of the drug affects its absorption. The 

rate of absorption can be assessed by determining the 

particle size of the drug. Less particle size leads to 

more surface area, more absorption thus enhancing 

the therapeutic efficacy of the drug. Determining the 

particle size of material, before and after processing, 

helps to draw the conclusion regarding the 

significance of that particular pharmaceutical 

procedure. The difference in size is due to continuous 

trituration which results into particle size reduction. 

Less particle size leads to more surface area results in 

more absorption thus enhancing the therapeutic 

efficacy of the drug. It can be stated that DCK in less 

dose will be more therapeutically potent due to 

maximum absorption as it is having less particle size 

as compared to DC. 

 

The chemical analysis for the qualitative estimation 

of tannins, alkaloids, phenols & glycosides in the DC 

& DCK revealed presence of tannins, alkaloids, 

phenols & glycosides (table no. 8). 

 

In HPTLC, number of bands observed on same Rf 
values in DC &DCK. In short UV-254 nm, 

maximum 2 bands (Rf value 0.9, 0.76) were observed 

in DC & DCK. Similarly, in long UV-366nm, 

maximum no. of bands observed in both sample were 

5 bands. Alteration in total number of components 

was observed after spraying with methanolic H2 SO4 

was 10 bands for DC &DCK. Throughout HPTLC 

process same bands were observed for DC &DCK, 

indicating the presence of same constituents in both 

the samples. 

 

The present formulation Devdarvyadi Churna Kriya has 

been standardized by intervention of modern 

scientific quality control measures described in the 

c l a s s i c a l t e x t s o f Ay u r ve d a . He n c e t h e 

physicochemical parameters and quantitative analysis 

together may be used for quality evaluation and the 

standardization of compound formulation. 

Churnakriya could be better substitution for dosage 

reduction without altering its classical form with 

expected action of drug. 

Conclusion 

Average 666.66 gm of Devdarvyadi Churnakriya can be 

obtained from 500 gm of Devdarvyadi Churna with 

32.66 % weight gain. Analytical specifications 

observed for DC and DCK were within the 

acceptable limits. Churnakriya could be the better 

substitution for drug dosage reduction. 

 

Images of raw drugs & preparation methods: 

 
Fig no. 1: 

Devdaru 
 

 

Fig no. 2: Vacha 
 

 

 

Fig no. 3: Musta 
 

 

 
Fig no. 4: 

Sunthi 
 

 
 

Fig no.5: 

Ativisha 
 

 
 

Fig no.6: 

Haritaki 
 

 

Fig no. 7: 

Mixing of 

powders 
 

 

Fig no.8: 
Devdarvyadi 

Churna 
 

 

Fig no.9: 

Kwatha 
preparation 

 

 

Fig no. 10: 
Devdarvyadi 

Churna 
Kwatha 

 

 

Fig no. 11: 

Bhavana 

process 
 

 
 

Fig no. 12: First 

Bhavana 
 

 
 

Fig no .13: Fifth 

Bhavana 
 

 
 

Fig no. 14: 

Drying 
 

 

Fig no. 15: Final 

Product (DCK) 

 
 

 



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Images of HPTLC: References 
1. Shastri K, Charak Samhita, Rasavimanaadhyaya, 

Vimanasthana, Chapter 1, Verse 21, reprint ed., 
Varanasi: Chaukhamba Bharati Academy 
publications; 2008, p.680 

2. Sadananda Shar ma, Rasa Tarangini,  
Vishopavishadi Vigyaniya Taranga, Chapter 24, 
Verse 242, 11th Reprint ed. New Delhi: Motilalal 
Banarsidas Publications;1982, p. 667 

3. Gupt NP. Parada Samhita, Chapter 31, Verse 92, 
1st ed. Mumbai: Khemraj Shrikrishnadas 
Prakashan; 2007, p. 247 

4. Ibidem Charaka Samhita [ 1 ], Danti- 
Dravantiadhyaya, Kalpa Sthana, 12/47-48, p. 
672 

5. S u s h r u t , S u s h r u t a S a m h i t a , 
Mahakushthachikitsitaadhyaya, Chikitsa Sthana, 
chapter10, verse12, edited by Yadavji Trikamji 
Acharya, reprint ed. Varanasi, Chaukhambha 
Krishanadas academy; 2004. p.415 

6. Lochana K., Bhaishjya Ratnavali, Vol 2, chapter 
29, verse 53, 1st ed, Varanasi, Chaukhamba 
publication 2006, p.295 

7. Tripathi Sharangadhara Samhita, ‘Dipika’ 
Hindi commentary, Dwadashaadhyaya,  
Madhyam Khanda, Chapter 12, Verse 291-293, 
1st ed. Varanasi, Chaukhamba Surbharti 
Prakashana, 2010, p.178 

8. Ibidem Sharangadhara Samhita [7], Madhyam 
Khanda, 9/3-4, p.102 

9. Ibidem Rasa Tarangini [2], Paribhasha Vigyaniya 
Dwitiya Taranga, 2/49-51, p.21 

10. Anonymous, Parameters for quality assessment of 
Ayurveda and Siddha drugs, New Delhi, 
Published by Central council for research in 
Ayurveda and Siddha 2005, p.12 

11. Varma P. Churna Kriya on Rasayana Churna- 
Amavata with Kupeelu (Strychnous nux-vomica 
linn.). [MD Dissertation]. Jamnagar: Gujarat 
Ayurveda University; 2013, p.241 

12. Ibidem Rasa Tarangini [2], Paribhasha Vigyaniya 
Dwitiya Taranga, 2/50-51, p.21 

13.  B., 

 
 

Fig no.17: After 

Derivatization 

Fig no.16: Before 

Derivatization