• SHELF LIFE PERIOD OF AYURVEDIC MEDICINE IN CONTEXT TO ANCIENT AND MODERN LITERATURE

Abstract

Ayurveda is the oldest system of treatment. There are many varieties of dosage form like Vati, Gutika, Asava- arista, Lepa, Avaleha, Bhasma, etc. which has specific shelf life period mentioned by ancient Acharyas. But in the year 2005, the Ministry of health and family welfare published the Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Rules, 2005, rule 161-B date of expiry of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (ASU) medicines where is mention the prolong shelf life period of ASU medicine. This prolong shelf life is due to the modern packaging technology and usage of stabilizers such as anti-oxidants and preservatives. These are prevents the oxidation of formulation and help to retard the growth of micro-organism. The packages give the protection against the environmental hazards. Now-a-days stability study is performed under different condition of temperature and humidity. After that the shelf life period is expressed in the form of expiry date and mentioned on the labels of medicine or food, etc.