We certify that the above statement made by the candidate is true and that this thesis is suitable for submission to the University for the purpose of evaluation. ignature p1 0LAR'IR r UNUARACHC Pot9S0' ow i MflISVY Technology U JayaWd ' %",qo"4oLAnks Sigfr Abstract Almost all ayurvedic drugs are of herbal nature and make significant contribution in many fields including food technology. After harvesting, raw materials may undergo spoilage due to metabolic changes, mechanical injuries pest

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... ks etc. Spoilage can also be resulted soon afler the processing or due to exposure of products to the environment. Similarly decoctions can be spoiled after 2-3 days from the preparation date becoming sour in taste. These preparations can be of different quality and may be harmful for patients. Therefore, finding a method or a technique which can be used to extend the shelf life of these products is of primary significance. A study was carried out to investigate factors affecting the spoilage of thripala. one of the most pop1ar decoctions prescribed for many health complications. In this study, a special emphasis was given to shape of containers, cleanliness of raw materials and different heat treatments in order to minimize the spoilage. Hence, the decoction was prepared in good hygienic conditions and was hot filled into glass bottles which were subsequently sterilized by steam. The drug can be preserved for one-month period when the bottles were filled by hot filling method. The decoction is heated to 95 °C and filled into the sterilized narrow mouthed bottles keeping the temperature at 95 °C and sealed. Under proper sanitary storage conditions these bottles can be stored for more than two weeks. These sealed bottles subjected to steaming have extended the she]f life for one month.