Pharmacognostical, physico-chemical and contamination studies of polyherbal formulation “qurse pudina”

Qurse pudina (QP), a poly herbal formulation, is used for the treatment of constipation and gas problems in both Unani and Ayurvedic System of Indian Medicine. In the present article, an attempt has been made to standardize the poly herbal formulation, QP. The QP was standardized with the help of microscopic, physico-chemical and contamination evaluation. This study revealed that total bacterial and fungal count and Staphylococcus aureus were found under limit, while E. coli was absent in the formulation. Pesticide residues, aflatoxin and toxic metals such as cadmium and mercury were not found in the formulation. Lead (0.75 mg/kg) and arsenic (0.50 mg/kg) were found under limit. The present outcome from contamination results suggests that QP could be considered as a good polyherbal formulation without showing any contamination or toxicity. The data evolved in the present work will aid in identifying the raw drugs used in finished product and will help to fix the scientific standards for QP.