• Dr. Neha Kandade
• Dr. M. S. Cholera
• Dr. Krishna Soni
• Dr. Bhupesh Patel

Background: Desmodium triquetrum (L.) DC. is a therapeutically valuable drug used in the management of Kasa (cough), attributing to its diverse phytoconstituents and pharmacological activities. Although Kwatha is the intended therapeutic dosage form, it is traditionally prepared freshly prior to each administration. Hence, the drug is stored in the form of Yavakuta (coarse powder), making its microbiological stability during storage an important consideration for maintaining the safety and quality of the decoction prepared for therapeutic use. Aim: To assess the microbiological stability of Desmodium triquetrum Panchanga Yavakuta during storage and determine the extent of microbial contamination in freshly prepared Kwatha at predetermined time intervals under varying temperature and relative humidity conditions. Materials and Methods: Ten kilograms of Desmodium triquetrum Panchanga was collected from the Nilambur forest region of Kerala, shade-dried, processed into Yavakuta, and stored in sterile, airtight containers at room temperature. The Kwatha was freshly prepared following the classical method by adding 16 parts of water and reducing the volume to one-eighth. Microbiological evaluation was carried out in the ITRA Microbiology Laboratory using Gram staining, 10% KOH wet mount examination, aerobic bacterial culture, and fungal culture. Samples were evaluated at monthly intervals over a period of 12 months under ambient temperature conditions ranging from 22.2–38°C and relative humidity ranging from 34–80%. Results: Initial microbiological examination of the stored Yavakuta revealed the presence of Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium species, which were considered commensal organisms. The Yavakuta was subsequently subjected to dry-heat sterilization, following which freshly prepared Kwatha samples were evaluated. No bacterial or fungal growth was detected in the Kwatha samples throughout the 12-month observation period, despite seasonal variations in temperature and relative humidity. Repeated monthly microbiological assessments consistently demonstrated satisfactory microbiological quality. Conclusion: Desmodium triquetrum Panchanga Yavakuta demonstrated satisfactory microbiological stability under the studied storage conditions. Following dry-heat sterilization and preparation as fresh Kwatha, no detectable bacterial or fungal contamination was observed throughout the study period. These findings support the traditional practice of storing the drug in Yavakuta form and preparing Kwatha freshly before administration, thereby contributing to the maintenance of its microbiological quality and safety.

Desmodium triquetrum, Yavakuta, Kwatha, microbial stability, Saviryata Avadhi, quality control

"Evaluation of Microbial Stability of Desmodium triquetrum (L.) DC. Used in the Management of Kasa under Varying Temperature and Relative Humidity Conditions", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 9, page no.b12-b25, September-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2609102.pdf

"Evaluation of Microbial Stability of Desmodium triquetrum (L.) DC. Used in the Management of Kasa under Varying Temperature and Relative Humidity Conditions", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 9, page no. ppb12-b25, September-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2609102.pdf