Introduction: In the Ayurvedic pharmaceutical system, the concept of shelf life is described as Saviryata Avadhi—the time period during which the potency (Virya) of a drug remains unaffected by environmental or microbial deterioration. While ancient texts like Sharangadhara Samhita established early parameters for expiration, the modern Ayurvedic industry faces rigorous regulatory demands for stability testing under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rule 1945. Aim: To evaluate traditional Ayurvedic preservation techniques against modern stability testing protocols and analyze the shelf life of classical formulations. Materials and Methods: This review analyzes classical Ayurvedic literature regarding preservation mechanisms (including Sandhana, Desiccation, and Rasaushadhi) and correlates them with modern stability parameters defined by the ICH and WHO guidelines. Data from accelerated stability studies on Rasayana Churna, Kailas Jeevan, and Triphala were reviewed. Results: Traditional preservatives such as Madhu (Honey), Guda (Jaggery), and Ghrita (Ghee) exhibit potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Modern accelerated stability studies confirm extended shelf lives for traditional formulations; specifically, Kailas Jeevan demonstrated a shelf life of 7.02 years , and Triphala tablets showed stability for 4 years and 3 months. Conclusion: Ayurveda possesses a sophisticated, inherent system of preservation. When combined with modern packaging and stability testing (Arrhenius equation), traditional formulations demonstrate significant longevity, often surpassing statutory minimums.
Dr. Disha Gupta*1, Dr. Vikram S.2, Dr. Suresh Janadri3 (2026) studied this question.