These free B.Pharm notes on dosage forms in AYUSH medicines cover chapter 20 of Introduction to Pharmacognosy, a first-semester subject. Read the key points below, then study the complete chapter PDF. You can browse every chapter in the Introduction to Pharmacognosy category.
Table of Contents
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Overview of dosage forms in AYUSH medicines
This chapter describes the common dosage forms used in Ayurvedic, Siddha and Homeopathic medicines. It groups them into liquid, semi-solid, solid, powder and specialised forms, including arka, kashaya, taila, ghrita, avaleha, churna, vati, bhasma, parpam, mother tincture, dilutions, globules and trituration, with their preparation and uses.
Key points on dosage forms in AYUSH medicines
- Arka is a liquid preparation obtained by distilling suitable drug materials soaked in water, while Kashaya or Kwath is a decoction prepared by boiling herbs with water.
- Taila is made by heating oil with Svarasa or Kashaya and a fine paste (Kalka) of the drugs, and unless specified it means sesame oil.
- Ghrita is made by heating ghee with prescribed liquids and a Kalka of the drugs, and unless stated otherwise it refers to cow’s ghee.
- Bhasma is made by purification (shodhana) and calcination (marana) of metals or minerals, and Asava and Arishta are made by fermenting herbs with jaggery or sugar.
- Mother tincture is a liquid extract made by macerating material in alcohol and water, and it is the base for further homeopathic dilutions on the Decimal, Centesimal and LM scales.
Relevance to pharmacy practice
AYUSH medicines are sold in many forms, from powders and decoctions to calcined ash preparations and homeopathic globules. Pharmacists need to recognise these dosage forms and know how they are prepared and used so they can dispense and counsel correctly.
Every chapter in this subject builds on the one before it, so do not skip topics that look simple. Definitions, classifications and examples are the parts that examiners return to most often, and a clear understanding here will also make later subjects easier to follow in the coming semesters.
Frequently asked questions on dosage forms in AYUSH medicines
What is the difference between Churna and Vati?
Churna is a fine powder of dried herbs taken with water, honey or ghee, or used as a dusting powder. Vati or Guggulu is a tablet or pill made by mixing powdered herbs with binding agents.
What are Parpam and Chendooram in Siddha medicine?
Parpam is a calcinate in which minerals or metals are heated in a controlled way and the powder mixed with herbal juices or ghee. Chendooram is a herbal ash made by burning herbs and minerals.
What are globules in homeopathy?
Globules are small sugar pellets impregnated with a dilution or mother tincture. They are convenient for oral use, and a qualified homeopath chooses the formulation and potency for each patient.
Quick revision checklist
Use this self-test after reading the chapter on dosage forms in AYUSH medicines. If you can do all of the following without looking at your notes, you are ready for the exam.
- I can explain: liquid dosage forms in Ayurveda
- I can explain: semi-solid forms like avaleha and lepa
- I can explain: Asava, Arishta and Bhasma
- I can explain: Siddha forms like parpam and mezhugu
- I can explain: homeopathic mother tincture and dilutions
Study and exam tips
Start by reading the chapter once for the overall idea, then revise dosage forms in AYUSH medicines using headings, definitions, classifications and examples. Short-answer questions in the university exam usually ask for definitions, features, advantages, disadvantages and examples, so write these in your own words and practise drawing the tables and flow charts that the chapter has.
For wider reading, standard textbooks and open resources such as the NCBI Bookshelf help you confirm terms and see more examples. Revise dosage forms in AYUSH medicines again a day later and again a week later, because spaced revision improves long-term memory.
This page is part of the Introduction to Pharmacognosy series for first-semester B.Pharm students on B.Pharm Guru, where every chapter has a short summary and a full PDF. Bookmark this page and share it with classmates who are preparing for the same exam.
Related notes: 22. ADAPTOGENS AND IMMUNOMODULATORS – ASHWAGANDHA, TULSI, AMLA, 23. HEPATOPROTECTIVES – MILK THISTLE AND KUTKI.
Next: 21. ROLE OF PHARMACOGNOSY IN ALLOPATHY AND TRADITIONAL SYSTEMS OF MEDICINE. Back to the Introduction to Pharmacognosy category.
