Stability study of Ashtaguna manda As Ready-To-Eat (RTE) form – An Ayurveda Based Therapeutic Diet Formulation

This article discusses the standardisation of Ashtaguna manda as Ready-To-Eat (RTE) form, an Ayurveda-based therapeutic diet formulation used for conditions like Jwara, Ajeerna and Agnimandya. Ashtaguna manda, which is noted for its properties such as deepana (appetizer), paachana (digestive), basti-shodhana (cleansing of the urinary bladder), rakta-vardhana (blood enhancer), and ruchikara (taste enhancer), is known to restore normal digestive functions. Ashtaguna manda is subjected for usage in fresh form/ within 24 hours. So, the preparation of Ashtaguna manda was subjected to powder form as Ready-To-Eat (RTE) food. The preparation was standardised and analysed for its organoleptic, physical characteristics and physico-chemical properties. In terms of organoleptic characteristics, Ashtaguna manda in RTE form exhibited a whitish colour at initial month (0 day), which turned creamish white after three and six months of storage. The odour remained unchanged for up to six months. The pH value, indicating acidity and alkalinity was 6.45 at initial month (0 day), 5.26 at three month, and 5.39 at six month, showing slight acidity. The total solids ranged from 1.534% at initial month (0 day) to 1.746% at three month and 1.850% at six month. Specific gravity was 1.007 at initial month (0 day), 1.012 at three month, and 1.009 at six month. Non-reducing sugars were present, aiding in consistency and preservation, while reducing sugars were absent throughout the six month storage period. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats were present throughout the six month storage. The sample showed no presence of E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and S. abony during the six month storage. The total bacterial count was 03 cfu/gm, 05 cfu/gm, and 07 cfu/gm and the total fungal count was 01 cfu/gm, 03 cfu/gm, and 05 cfu/gm at initial (0 day), three and six months respectively. The established parameters were found to be adequate for standardising Ashtaguna manda as RTE therapeutic food made available in sachet form.