RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Nayopayam kwatha (NK) is a well-known polyherbal formulation widely used to cure respiratory ailments, heart problems, and postnatal difficulties. Literature suggests that so far no standardization protocol was developed for NK to validate its quality and purity. OBJECTIVE(S): To develop a standardization protocol for NK based on the marker phytoconstituents present in the individual herbs of the formulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The roots of bala [Sida cordifolia (B1) and Sida retusa (B2)], seeds of jeeraka (Cuminum cyminum), and rhizomes of nagara (Zingiber officinale) were the ingredients of NK. Since there were two source plants for bala, two sets of NK (NKB1 and NKB2) were prepared in the ratio 3:2:1 as per Vaidya Manorama and 10:1:1 as per Arogyaraksha Kalpadruma along with 1:1:1 as per the general way of Ayurvedic polyherbal decoctions. Both the individual herbs and the kwatha (decoction) prepared were analyzed in terms of pharmacognostical, organoleptic, and physcicochemical parameters as per the standard methods. Phytochemical analysis of the individual herbs resulted in the isolation of major phytoconstituents and the kwatha was quantified in terms of marker compounds with the aid of HPLC. RESULTS: HPLC quantification suggests that appreciable amount of marker phytoconstituents of individual herbs are present in the kwatha. Thus, the isolated compounds luteolin (C. cyminum), 6-gingerol (Z. officinale), ß-sitosterol (S. retusa), and ecdysterone (S.cordifolia) can be used as markers to standardize NK. CONCLUSION: Characteristics of NK, as well as its individual drugs, were well-established. The present study of NK with respect to its phytochemistry revealed that the classical drug ratios of the polyherbal formulation are of utmost importance rather than the ingredients in equal proportion. The characterization parameters of individual herbs and kwatha described in this study may serve as a standard reference for quality control analysis of NK and the method developed in this study can be used as a reliable technique for standardization of NK to ensure the purity and quality of raw drugs used.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Guggulu is an oleo gum resin obtained from the plant Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhand., used in Ayurved ic medicines for various ailments like anti-inflammatory conditions, hyperlipidemia, thyroid disorders etc. Guggulsterones E & Z are responsible for these broad ranges of pharmacological actions. It is recommended to do Shodhana (purification) before incorporating it into medicinal formulations. Sahasrayoga, an Ayurvedic text, emphasizes the purification of Guggulu in a particular media, which is a long run practice in Kerala. OBJECTIVES: To compare the physicochemical and phytochemical parameters, quantitative estimation of Guggulsterone E & Z using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and qualitative gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of Guggulu before and after purification. METHODS: Shodhana of Guggulu was performed in Water boiled with crushed fresh leaves of Neem (Azadirachta indica) and fresh rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa) using a special equipment (Dolayantra). Preliminary physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation, quantification of Guggulsterones E & Z using HPTLC and GC-MS analysis of raw and purified Guggulu were performed. RESULTS: Phytochemical evaluation of metabolites revealed marked variations. The mean concentrations of Guggulsterone E & Z showed significant differences before and after purification (p<0.01). On GC-MS analysis, it was found that few new compounds were added in the purified Guggulu. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic efficacy of Guggulu might have enhanced after traditional purification.
