QUANTITATIVE ESTIMATION OF PHYTO-CHEMICALS IN PATHADI GHRITA THROUGH HPLC METHOD

Abstract

Introduction: A traditional Ayurvedic remedy called Pathadi Ghrita is recommended for neurological conditions and Medhya (cognitive enhancement). For quality control and scientific validation, standardization and phytochemical characterisation of such polyherbal ghrita formulations are crucial. Objective: To evaluate the phytochemical profile of Pathadi Ghrita using HPLC Method. Methods: Pathadi Ghrita was subjected to solvent extraction using water:methanol:acetonitrile followed by RP-HPLC DAD analysis at 210 nm and 254 nm wavelengths. Chromatographic separation was performed on an ULTRASIL-AR (250 × 4.6 mm) column using water-acetonitrile gradient mobile phase. The chromatographic fingerprint and phytoconstituent distribution were analyzed. Results: RP-HPLC chromatograms demonstrated 62 peaks at 210 nm and 59 peaks at 254 nm, indicating the presence of multiple phytoconstituents. Terpenoids constituted the major class (58–60%), followed by alkaloids (approximately 30%), glycosides (5–6%), flavonoids (0.3%), phenolic acids (0.25%) and phytosterols (0.18%). Piperine was identified as the predominant alkaloid. Conclusion: RP-HPLC fingerprinting revealed a rich diversity of bioactive metabolites in Pathadi Ghrita, particularly lipid-soluble terpenoids and piperine. The findings support the therapeutic potential and provide a scientific basis for quality control and standardization of Pathadi Ghrita.