To determine the alcohol content of Asava and Arishta.

 Experiment

Object:

 To determine the alcohol content of Asava and Arishta.

Reference : 

Indian Pharmacopoeia Ministry of health and family welfare, Government of India, New Delhi , edition 3  1996  vol 2  ; pp A71.

Requirement: 

Glassware: Condensor/ Distillation flask, Reflux, RD Bottle .

 Chemicals: any Asava or Arishta formulation

Theory:  

Asava and Arishta are ayurvedic preparations that contains self-generated alcohol content and herbal extracts soluble in both water as well as alcohol.The main difference between Asava and Arishta is involvement of the heat. Generally, Asava formulations are prepared without making decoctions and Arishta formulations are prepared making decoctions. However, it is not a universal principle and there are a few exceptions. Asava are ayurvedic medicines, which are prepared with natural fermentation process using herbs, water and sugar. Almost all Asava medicines do not include preparation of decoctions, but it has a very few exceptions. Arishta are type of ayurvedic medicines, which are prepared with natural fermentation process using herbal decoctions, Dhataki (Woodfordia Fruticosa) flowers and sugar. Arishta means to have a long shelf life. All these preparations (Asava Arishta) have longer shelf life and have no expiry. In Ayurveda, it is believed old Asava and Arishta are more beneficial.

Procedure :

• 25ml of the sample was accurately measured at 25°C and taken in distillation flask. 
• Then it was diluted with 150 ml of water and little pumice powder was added to it, distillation head and condenser were attached. 
• 90 ml of distillate was collected in a 100 ml volumetric flask then the distillate was cooled to 25°C and volume was adjusted to the100 ml. 
• Then the specific gravity of the sample was measured and alcohol content was determined as per I .P.

Result: 

The alcohol content in given formulation of Asava and arishta is found to be……..