• Dr. Y. A. Dushing

Background: Drakshasava is a traditional Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation prepared through natural fermentation of grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) with medicinal herbs. Its therapeutic potential is attributed to bioactive phytochemicals, yet comparative scientific data on marketed brands are limited. Objective: To evaluate and compare the biochemical composition and antioxidant activity of four commercial Drakshasava formulations. Methods: Samples from Baidyanath, Sandu, Vaidyaratnam, and Rasashala (Pune) were analyzed for total phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, reducing sugars, pH, and alcohol content. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, superoxide, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide scavenging, and ferric thiocyanate assays. Results: The Rasashala and Vaidyaratnam formulation showed the highest levels of phenolics (15.67 mg/ml and 14.66 mg/ml respectively) and flavonoids (13.35 mg/ml and 11.46 mg/ml respectively) correlating with stronger antioxidant activity, In DPPH and superoxide assays, Rasashala demonstrated the lowest IC₅₀ (0.53 µL and 0.61 µL, respectively), while Vaidyaratnam was most effective in hydroxyl radical scavenging (0.43 µL). Both brands showed superior activity in hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, and lipid peroxidation assays compared to Baidyanath and Sandu Brothers. Conclusion: Considerable inter-brand variability was observed, highlighting the need for standardization and quality assurance in Ayurvedic formulations to ensure consistent therapeutic efficacy.

Drakshasava, Ayurveda, Antioxidants, Phytochemicals

"PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF MARKETED BRANDS OF DRAKSHASAVA: A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 9, page no.e176-e182, September-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2509420.pdf

"PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF MARKETED BRANDS OF DRAKSHASAVA: A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 9, page no. ppe176-e182, September-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2509420.pdf