Preparation and physicochemical characterization of ingredients of Indian traditional medicine, Mahamrutyunjaya Rasa

BACKGROUND Mahamrutyunjaya rasa is an ayurvedic formulation used in the treatment of cardiac disorders. It contains the purified roots of Visa (Aconitum ferox), Brihati (Solanum indicum), fruits of Pippali Kana (Piper longum), Marica (Piper nigrum), Gandhaka (Sulfur), Hingula (Cinnabar) and Tankana (Sodium metaborate) as per Bhaishajya Ratnavali. The purification (shodhana) process changes the physiochemical properties of the raw materials which need to be studied and understood. OBJECTIVE The present work aims to perform a comprehensive physicochemical characterization of raw materials, intermediates and the final product obtained during purification, using modern analytical techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS The standard methods as per traditional text were followed and the physicochemical changes were also investigated by collecting samples at different steps of purification. The samples were analysed using various techniques, viz. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopic (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) and High Performance thin Layer chromatography (HPTLC). RESULTS The FTIR and HPTLC analysis of the alkaloidal extracts of Visa showed loss of an ester group with shift in the peaks from 1720 cm-1 (CO stretching of esters) to 1676 cm-1 (CO stretching of Ketone) which signifies the conversion of alkaloid Aconitine (LD50 - 0.08 mg/kg) to Benzoylaconine (LD50 - 24 mg/kg) improving its safety. The analysis of gandhaka by XRD and DSC showed that purification brought about transformation of orthorhombic sulphur into monoclinic sulphur and it reverted back to original form with higher purity. The treatments given to gandhaka and hingula with organic compounds made them homologous to the body tissues. Analysis of purified tankana showed that the processing led to loss of water and slight change in the crystal structure with the shift in the endothermic peak from 110.6 °C to 104.2 °C. CONCLUSION Thus, the present study provides a scientific backing to the methodologies used by Ayurvedic practitioners. The study also provides physicochemical fingerprints for the standardization as well as characterization of raw materials and forms a technical platform for manufacturers to develop quality control standards.