Quality Control, Safety Evaluation, and Microbial Assessment of Siddha Formulation Athiyadhi Kashayam

Abstract

Athiyadhi Kashayam (AYK), is a potent Siddha formulation which is widely used as an anti-diabetic medicine in treating diabetes. For clinical application ensuring its safety, quality and microbial integrity is essential. The current study aimed to determine the physicochemical characteristics, elemental composition, safety profile and microbial quality of AYK. The SEM-EDX analysis showed the presence of essential elements like oxygen, sodium, magnesium, iron, calcium and zinc indicating its mineral composition. The Aflatoxin analysis carried out using TLC revealed the absence of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2). The Pesticide residue analysis demonstrated that all the tested compounds were below quantification limits, which is in line with AYUSH standards. Microbial evaluation including sterility testing showed no detectable bacterial or fungal growth and specific pathogen analysis revealed the absence of pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. From the above findings it is confirmed that AYK meets safety and quality standards and is free from microbial contamination and toxic residues supporting its safe beneficial application in Siddha system.