Comparative Evaluation of Manjisthadi Taila and Its Novel Serum Formulation Through Pharmaceutico-Analytical and Cell Line Study

Background: Manjisthadi Taila is a classical Ayurvedic medicated oil traditionally used in skin disorders. Although classical Sneha Kalpana provides an effective lipid-based dosage form, its oily nature may limit cosmetic acceptability and ease of application. The present study explored the development of Manjisthadi Taila into a novel serum dosage form. Aim: To prepare Manjisthadi Taila, develop its novel serum formulation, and evaluate both formulations through pharmaceutico-analytical and cell-line studies. Materials and Methods: Sarshapa Taila was first subjected to Murcchana and was then used for the preparation of Manjisthadi Taila by the classical method. The prepared Taila was evaluated for physicochemical parameters. A novel oil-in-water serum was prepared and optimized for consistency, spreadability, and stability. Both Taila and serum were further evaluated by physicochemical analysis, HPTLC fingerprinting, microbial analysis, heavy-metal analysis, and cell-line study. Results: Murcchana and preparation of Manjisthadi Taila were successfully completed with attainment of Taila Siddhi Lakshanas. The physicochemical evaluation provided quality-control and standardization data for the formulation. The developed oil-in-water serum showed a homogeneous appearance, improved spreadability, reduced greasiness and better cosmetic acceptability compared with the classical Taila. HPTLC produced characteristic chromatographic profiles suitable for comparative quality assessment. Microbial and heavy-metal evaluation supported the quality and safety of the formulations. Cell-line evaluation demonstrated satisfactory cellular compatibility under the conditions studied. Conclusion: The study showed that Manjisthadi Taila can be successfully converted into a serum dosage form with improved spreadability, reduced greasiness, and better cosmetic acceptability. The serum showed satisfactory physicochemical, analytical, microbial, heavy-metal, and cellular findings. This formulation may be further evaluated for its use as a topical dosage form in skin disorders.