Abstract

HPTLC PROFILING AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF VATSANABHA BEFORE AND AFTER SHODHANA

Ajay Malhotra*, Jyoti M. Ganer, Garima Sharma, Naveen Kumar Shakya and Neha Rawat

ABSTRACT

Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox) is a highly toxic yet therapeutically significant herb in Ayurveda, extensively used in various formulations after undergoing Shodhana (detoxification). The presence of potent alkaloids, particularly aconitine, necessitates its purification to reduce toxicity while retaining medicinal properties. This study aims to evaluate the impact of Shodhana on the phytochemical profile of Vatsanabha using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and Qualitative phytochemical tests. The research involves the comparative analysis of raw (Ashodhita) and purified (Shodhita) Vatsanabha samples processed through different classical detoxification methods, such as Swedana (boiling) in Aja Dugdha (goat’s milk) and Triphala Kwatha, along with other traditional media. The samples were subjected to HPTLC fingerprinting to identify the changes in chemical constituents before and after Shodhana by getting Rf valuse of each samples. Additionally, qualitative phytochemicalscreening was performed to assess the presence of key bioactive compounds. The results revealed significant alterations in the phytochemical composition post-Shodhana, with a notable reduction in toxic alkaloids, particularly aconitine, as evidenced by the changes in Rf values in HPTLC analysis. The detoxification process enhanced the safety profile of Vatsanabha. This study highlights the scientific validation of Ayurvedic purification techniques and their role in ensuring the safe usage of Vatsanabha in medicinal formulations. The findings support the importance of Shodhana as a crucial step in Ayurveda for transforming toxic herbs into beneficial therapeutic agents.

Keywords: Vatsanabha, Shodhana, HPTLC Analysis, Phytochemical Analysis, Aconitum ferox, Detoxification.