Abstract

THE DETERMINATION OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF MARUTHAMPATTAI CHOORANAM

Nesanthine D.* and Manoharan A.

Abstract

Introduction: As per WHO guidelines, the herbal products are needed to be standardized before releasing into the market. MARUTHAMPATTAI CHOORANAM (MC) is a classical Siddha herbal formulation chosen from “GUNAPADAM - MOOLIGAI VAGUPU “text book for the management of Lumbosacral spondylitis (THANDAGA VATHAM). As well as the drug is indicated for systemic hypertension, Hyperlipidaemia and diabetes. This study is to evaluate the physico-chemical properties of the MC. Aim and objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the physico-chemical properties of the drug MC. Materials and Methods: Department of Medicinal Botany authenticated the ingredient. The MC was dried well in shadow and made into micronized powder (Table no 1). The Percentage of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble ash, and sulphated ash were calculated by the standard methods. The different extracts of the formulation were prepared for the study of extractive value such as alcohol, water-soluble extract and for the estimation of pH values. Further estimation such as Loss on drying, total fat, swelling index and foaming index were carried out as per WHO guidelines. Results and Discussion: Organoleptic characters: Colour – mild pinkish brown, Odour- Typical, Taste - astringent and Consistency- powder (Chooranam). The physico-chemical parameters were determined, Loss on drying of MC indicates 8.95 moisture content was present. Ash values are helpful in determining the quality and purity of the crude drugs in powder form. High ash content explains its unsuitable nature to be used as drug. In this study, the Ash content of a crude drug are determined by Total- Ash 20.71%, Sulphated ash 10, 21%, Acid- Insoluble ash 0.96% and Water- soluble ash 2.03%. Extractive values of crude drugs, water-soluble extractive 17.14% and alcohol-soluble extractive 14.14% are useful for their evaluation; these values indicate the nature of the constituents present in a crude drug. The pH conventionally represents the acidity and alkalinity, samples had shown 5.3 %pH value, which is slightly acidic. Swelling Index (4.5 ml), foaming index(100), volatile oil (0.5 %) and total fat (3.97%) of MC were determined. Conclusion: The drug MC is physico-chemically standardized should take into consideration most of aspects contributing to the quality of the drugs.

Keywords: Physico-chemical, vatha diisorders, Thandagavaham, Herbal drug.