Prakshape condiment in Chavanprash: Harnessing Synergy of the Ages

Abstract

Towards the conclusion of the tedious process of preparing chavanprash, a powdered herb combination known as prakshape is introduced. Many of these herbs have already been utilized in the initial stage of creating the decoction, which is the basis of chavanprash. The perplexing aspect is the necessity to incorporate the same herbs once more as prakshape during the final step, highlighting the intriguing nature of this addition and its associated benefits. The inclusion of prakshape proves to be ingenious for multiple reasons. Firstly, the incorporation of powdered herbs in prakshape ensures that the entire herb, along with all its phytochemical components, becomes part of the formulation. In contrast, the decoction process only extracts water -soluble components into the solution. This inclusion allows for a broader range of active compounds to be present in the final product. Secondly, the addition of prakshape serves to reintroduce volatile and heat-labile compounds that may have been lost during the extended heating process. Additionally, the inclusion of bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea) manna particles in prakshape contributes to an enhanced drug-delivery system. From a pharmacological standpoint, the incorporation of prakshape ingredients reinforces the therapeutic effects of the formulation and promotes synergy among the herbs. The principles underlying the use of prakshape can further be utilized for the development of new awaleha and ksheerpak formulations, potentially yielding more potent effects.