It helps for under graduate and post graduate and research students of pharmacy, ayurveda, and life sciences like M SC botany.

1. New & Traditional Ayurvedic
Dosage Forms
K V GOPINATH
M Pharm PhD,CPhT
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
TIRUPATI
e-mail:gopinath.karnam@gmail.com

2. Definitions
 Ayurvedic medicines are medicines intended for internal or external
use, for or in the diagnosis ,treatment, mitigation or prevention of
disease or disorder in human beings or animals.
 Ayurvedic Drugs are obtained from the natural source that is from
animal, plants and minerals.
 Dosage form: It is a finished product of a drug contain the active
drug in association with excipients.
 Ayurvedic Dosages forms are classified in to four groups
- Solid Dosage Forms: Pills, Gutika, Vatika.
- Semi-solid Dosage Forms: Avleha, Paka, Lepa, Ghrta.
- Liquid Dosage Forms: Asava, Arista, Arista, Arka, Taila, Dravaka.
- Powder Dosage Forms: Bhasma, Satva, Mandura, Pisti, Parpati,
Lavana, Kshara, Churna.

3. Different Types of herbal NDDS
 Liposomes
 Polymeric micelle
formulations
 Microspheres
 Transdermal systems
 Nanoparticles
 Implants
 Phytosomes
 Micro pellets
 Transferosomes
 Complexation
 Ethosomes
 Nano / micro emulsions

4. Advantages of New Ayurveda Dosage
forms
 Enhancement of solubility and bioavailability
 Protection from toxicity
 Enhancement of pharmacological activity
 Enhancement of stability
 Improving tissue macrophages distribution
 Sustained drug delivery systems
 Increased compliance , less total drug administration, increased
outcome from the patient

5. Liposomes












Liposomes
Microspheres
Nanoparticles
Phytosomes
Transferosomes
Ethosomes
Nano /
micro emulsions
Polymeric micelle
formulations
Transdermal
systems
Implants
Micro pellets
Complexation
 These are colloidal and spherical vesicles (0.05 – 5.0 μm in



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diameter) composed of a bilayer membrane entrapping an aqueous
core.
There are constructed with polar lipids which are made up of
lipophilic and hydrophilic group on the same molecules.
Enhance product performance by increased solubility ,
bioavailability, targeting at site of action and prolonged release of
drug.
Topical application of the capsaicin liposomal formulation
increase in the skin permeation as well as increased duration of
action , inclusion of taxanes (antitumor activity) into the liposomes
led to decreased tissue related toxicities of the drug with the
increase in the efficacy of drug.
Limitations: Low encapsulation efficiency, Rapid leakage of
water-soluble drug in the presence of blood components
and

6. Microspheres
 Liposomes
 Microspheres
 Nanoparticles
 Phytosomes
 Transferosomes
 Ethosomes
 It consists of spherical particles of size ideally 1-300 um.
 Each particle is matrix of the drug dispersed in the polymer

 Nano /





micro emulsions 
Polymeric micelle
formulations
Transdermal

systems

Implants
Micro pellets
Complexation
and drug is released as a first order process.
Polymers used for fabrication of micro particulate carriers
such as albumin, gelatin, modified starch, polypropylene,
dextran, polylactic acid and polylactide-co-glycolide etc
Plant active ingredients such as rutin, camptothecin, zedoary
oil, tetrandrine, quercetine and cynara scolymus extract has
been made into microspheres.
Immune microspheres and magnetic microspheres
Limitations: - poor entrapment
- premature release.

7. Nanoparticles
 Liposomes
 Microspheres
 Nanoparticles
 Phytosomes
 Transferosomes
 Ethosomes
 These are colloidal systems with particles varying in size from
10 nm to 1000nm.
 Advantages:
 Nano /





micro emulsions
Polymeric micelle
formulations

Transdermal
systems
Implants
Micro pellets
Complexation
- Increasing compound solubility
- Reducing doses
- Relatively increasing the absorbency of
herbal medicines.
Limitations: - particle-particle aggregation
- Difficult in handling liquid and dry forms

8. Phytosomes
 Liposomes
 Microspheres
 Nanoparticles
 Phytosomes
 Transferosomes
 Ethosomes
 It is a emerging trends in delivery of herbal drugs and
nutraceuticals.
 It is a formulation that incorporates standardized plant extracts
 Nano /





micro emulsions
Polymeric micelle 
formulations
Transdermal

systems
Implants
Micro pellets

Complexation
or water soluble phyto constituents into phospholipids to
produce lipid compatible molecular complexes.
It improves absorption and bioavailability of herbals.
It is useful as in case of flavanoids, tannins, and terpenoids.
Limitation is their bioavailability when administered orally or
topically.

9. Transferosomes
 Liposomes
 Microspheres
 It is a phospholipid vesicle which acts as powerful carriers.
 Nanoparticles
 Phytosomes
 It is a potential Transdermal delivery of the cur cumin.
 Transferosomes
 Ethosomes
 It is chemically unstable and its purity is under question.
 Nano /





micro emulsions

Polymeric micelle
formulations
Transdermal
systems
Implants
Micro pellets
Complexation
They are very expensive.

10. Ethosomes
 Liposomes
 Microspheres
 Nanoparticles
 Phytosomes
 Transferosomes
 Ethosomes
 It is a vesicle composed of phospholipids and high
concentration of ethanol.
 Improved drug delivery to deeper layer of the skin and even to
 Nano /





micro emulsions
Polymeric micelle

formulations
Transdermal
systems

Implants
Micro pellets
Complexation
blood.
It is useful for topical delivery of alkaloids
Unstable and skin poor permeation limits their utility.

11. Nano/micro emulsions
 Liposomes
 Microspheres
 Nanoparticles
 Phytosomes
 Transferosomes
 Ethosomes
 Nano /





 These are O/W or multiple emulsion having the size range of
several microns.
 Useful in trans dermal delivery system,
 Non-toxic and non irritant
micro emulsions
Polymeric micelle 
formulations
Transdermal
systems

Implants
Micro pellets
Complexation

Nanoemulsions useful in delivering drugs to cell culture,
cancer therapy and as disinfectants.
It increases solubility and bioavailability of the drug.
Palatability and compatibility with other excipients is a
limiting factor in the case of oral drug therapy.

12. Polymeric micelle formulations
 Liposomes
 Microspheres
 Polymeric micelle consists of an inner hydrophobic core
capable of solubilizing lipophilic substances and an outer
hydrophilic corona which serves as the stabilizing interface.
 Nanoparticles
 Phytosomes
 Transferosomes
 Ethosomes
 It is used to carry a number of drugs like Artemisinin form
 Nano /





micro emulsions
Polymeric micelle

formulations
Transdermal
systems
Implants

Micro pellets
Complexation
Artemisia annua L and Curcumin form the roots of Curcuma
longa L are used as antimalarial drug.
Polymer Sodium dodecyl sulfate led to 25 fold increase in
solubility.
Poor physical stability and potential for embolism.

13. Transdermal Systems
 Liposomes
 Microspheres
 These are the devices in which drug present in the formulation
 Nanoparticles
 Phytosomes

 Transferosomes
 Ethosomes

 Nano /





micro emulsions

Polymeric micelle
formulations
Transdermal
systems
Implants
Micro pellets

Complexation
permeates into the systemic circulation by diffusion to stratum
corneum and further to the effected organ.
These devices use polymer matrix, adhesive bandage and
permeation enhancers.
Advantage: controlled drug delivery, enhanced bioavailability,
reduction in side effects and easy application.
Transdermal delivery of herbal drugs are to increase the
penetration and sustained action.e.g.transdermal films
containing boswellic acid ( Boswellia serrate) and curcumin
(Curcuma longa) were formulated for the treatment of
inflammation (synergistic effect).
Limitations are hepatic first pass metabolism, increased
therapeutic effect, and maintenance of steady state
concentration in the serum.

14. Implants
 Liposomes
 Microspheres
 Nanoparticles
 Phytosomes
 Transferosomes
 Ethosomes
 Nano /





 It is used for controlled and sustained action of the drug
 Devices are directly placed in the body fluids/cavities by


micro emulsions 
Polymeric micelle
formulations
Transdermal

systems
Implants
Micro pellets
Complexation
mean of a microsurgery
They are fabricated by using biodegradable polymers e.g.
chitosan and gelatin.
Non biodegradable polymers may cause irritation.
Implants of the extract of danshen (Radix salvia Miltiorrhizae)
used for healing of muscles and tissues in the abdominal
cavities.
Activity may last for 28 days, that prevents the patient from
frequent dosing.

15. Micropellets
 Liposomes
 Microspheres
 These are used for the delivery of drugs (1-1000 µm) to
 Nanoparticles
 Phytosomes

 Transferosomes
 Ethosomes

 Nano /





micro emulsions 
Polymeric micelle
formulations
Transdermal

systems
Implants

Micro pellets
Complexation
specific sites and for the extended period of time
Used for the delivery of the two incompatible drugs
simultaneously.
Pellets are used for the coating and taste masking of the
formulations.
Pectin-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) coated
curcumin pellets were prepared for delivery of the curcumin in
the colon to treat the inflammatory disease.
Pectinolytic enzymes helps in releasing drug in the colon, and
avoids vomiting, loss of appetite and nausea
The limitations are bioavailability and site specific drug
delivery.

16. Complexation
 Liposomes
 Microspheres
 Nanoparticles
 Phytosomes
 Transferosomes
 Ethosomes
 It is the association between two or more molecules to form a
non bonded entity with well defined stoichiometry.
 Various complexing agents such as EDTA, cyclodextrins and
 Nano /





micro emulsions
Polymeric micelle

formulations
Transdermal
systems
Implants
Micro pellets
Complexation
polymers have been used for the complexation
The solubility of the curcumin was increased by the formation
of the Curcumin soya lecithin complex and evaluated for the
hapato-protective activity.

17. Traditional Ayurvedic Dosage Forms
 Asava and Arista
These are the medicinal preparations prepared by soaking the drugs
in the powdered forms or in the form of their decoction, in a solution
of sugar or jaggery as may have intended for a specific period of
time.
- It may produce self generated alcohol on fermentation and
have sedation .
 Arka
It is the liquid preparation obtained by distillation of certain liquids
or curde – drugs soaked in water using the distillation unit,
(Arkayantra)
 Avleha or Leha and Paka
Avleha or Leha is a Semi-solid preparations of drugs prepared by
addition of sugar, jaggery or sugar candy and boiled with prescribed
drug juice or decoction.

18. Traditional Ayurvedic Dosage Forms
 Kvatha Curna
The coarse powder of crude drugs or the combination of drugs in
powder form, kept ready for preparation of decoction (Kasaya) are
known as Kvath Curna.
e.g.: Dasmula Kvath Curna, Rasanadi Kvath Curna.
 Curna (Churna)
Fine powder of drug or drugs is known as Curna, Drugs mentioned
in yoga are cleaned, properly, dried thoroughly, Pulversied and then
sieved.
 Dravaka
The liquid preparations obtained from lavanas or ksharas are known
as Dravakas. They are prepared by distillation process with or
without addition of any fluids.
e.g.: Sankha Dravaka.

19. Traditional Ayurvedic Dosage Forms
 Ksaras
Alakaline substances obtained from the ash of drugs are known as
Ksaras. Drugs are cut in to small pieces and burnt to get ash. Ash is
dissolved in water, stained again evaporated to get rid of water while
salty solid obtained is known as Ksar.
e.g.: Yav Ksara, Palsa Ksara.
 Lepa
The preparations in the form of paste meant for external applications
on the body are known as Lepa.
e.g.: Sinduradi Lepa, Pathyadi Lepa.
 Vati or Gutika
Medicaments in the form of Tablets or pills are known as vati or
Gutika.
e.g.: Muktadi Mahanjana and Chandroday Vartti.

20. Traditional Ayurvedic Dosage Forms
 Netrabindu and Anjan: Netrabindu is made by dissolving the
specified drugs in water or kasaya or honey and used as eye drops.
Anjans are very fine powders of medicaments to be applied with
netrasalaka.
e.g.: Muktadi Mahanjana and Chandroday Vartti.
 Sattva: Water extractable solid substances obtained from drugs are
known as Sattva.
e.g.: Gulvel Sattva.
 Pisti: These are obtained by triturating the drug with the specified
liquids and exposing to sun or moon light.
e.g.: Praval Pisti, Mukta Pisti.
 Rasa-Yoga: The Medicinal Preparations containing mineral drugs as
their main ingredients in the form of powder or pills are known as
Rasa Yoga.
e.g.: Kapura Rasa, Laghu Malini Vasant Rasa.

21. Traditional Ayurvedic Dosage Forms
 Greta (Snehkalapa)
These are preparations in which ghee in boiled with the prescribed
quantity of the decoction and fine paste of the drug as specified in
the formula.
 Taila (Oils)
Tailas are the preparations in which tailas (Fixed Oils) is boiled with
specified decoction and fine paste of the drug as mentioned in the
prescribed formula.
e.g.: Bhrangaraja Taila, Maha Narayan Taila.
 Bhasma
The powdered form of the substances, obtained by calcinations of
metals minerals or animal products by a special process in closed
crucibles in pits covered with cow dung cake (Puta) is known as
Bhasma.
e.g.: Godanti Bhasma, Lauha Bhasma.

22. Traditional Ayurvedic Dosage Forms
 Kupipakva-Rasayana: These are the drugs prepared as: The minerals
and drugs of metallic origin in the powdered form are mixed together
and placed in glass flask occupying about one third of volume. The
glass flask is closed with clay smeared pieces of cloth around the
bottle in seven consecutive layers. The flask is dried and buried in
sand (Valukayantra) up to neck. The flask in Valukayantra is then
heated gradually in three that is Mrdu-agni, Madyamgni and
tiksnagni for specified period of time as mentioned in process. Then
the red hot iron rod about 5cm in diameter is inserted in glass flask
through the opening and stirred properly, do that opening of flask is
not chocked due to the coating formed by sublimed Sulphur. When
the process is over, the glass flask is cooled and broken to collect the
content carefully without the contamination of any glass pieces
therein.
e.g.: Makaradhvaja, Swarna sindura.

23. Conclusion
 NDDS system of herbal drugs have a potential future of enhancing
the activity and overcoming problems associated with plant
medicines.