Physicochemical Characterization and Thin Layer Chromatographic Fingerprinting of Drakshadi Ghrita: A Foundational Study for Standardization

Background: Drakshadi Ghrita is a classical Ayurvedic medicated ghee formulation traditionally indicated in eye care and as a rejuvenative. Despite its clinical use, published analytical data remain scarce, hindering quality assurance and regulatory acceptance. Objective: To establish a comprehensive physicochemical and chromatographic profile of a marketed Drakshadi Ghrita sample and correlate identified biomarkers with clinical ophthalmic applications. Methods: A 100 mL sample was analysed following Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India protocols for moisture content, saponification value, iodine value, acid value, Reichert-Meissl value, specific gravity, refractive index, rancidity (Kries test), and thin-layer chromatographic fingerprinting. Results: The sample exhibited moisture 0.16% w/w, saponification value 223.82, iodine value 37.36, acid value 0.78, Reichert-Meissl value 25.93, specific gravity 0.9211 at 25°C, and refractive index 1.4610 at 25°C. Kries test was negative. TLC revealed four major spots at Rf 0.25, 0.28, 0.79, and 0.96 after anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid derivatisation, corresponding to flavonoids, glycyrrhizin, resveratrol, and sterols respectively. Conclusion: The sample demonstrated physicochemical parameters consistent with pure bovine ghee base and good manufacturing quality. The TLC fingerprint provides a reproducible identity marker, and the identified biomarkers possess significant clinical relevance in managing anterior and posterior segment eye disorders. Keywords: Drakshadi Ghrita; medicated ghee; physicochemical analysis; Reichert-Meissl value; thin-layer chromatography; ocular biomarkers