Comprehensive Instrumental Characterization of Gandhaga Rasayanam Through Spectroscopic and Microscopic Techniques

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to establish the analytical profile of Gandhaga Rasayanam, a traditional Siddha poly herbomineral formulation mentioned in Anuboga Vaidya Navaneetham part 6, through physicochemical characterization using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP- OES). Methods: FTIR analysis was used to identify the characteristic functional groups present in the formulation. Surface morphology and particle size distribution were assessed using SEM. Elemental composition was determined by EDAX, and the concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead were quantified through heavy metal analysis using ICP- OES. Results: FTIR spectra showed prominent absorption peaks corresponding to hydroxyl, aliphatic, carbonyl, and sulphur-associated functional groups, indicating the presence of organic moieties and mineral constituents. SEM micrographs revealed irregularly shaped, heterogeneous particles with sizes ranging from 1.265 to 4.297µm, suggesting effective particle size reduction during processing. EDAX analysis identified sulphur as the predominant elemental component (50.2 wt.%), followed by carbon (44.1 wt.%) and oxygen (5.7 wt.%), confirming the sulphur-rich nature of the formulation. Heavy metal analysis using ICP- OES detected arsenic at 2.6mg/kg and lead at 1.6mg/kg, while cadmium and mercury were below the limit of quantification. Conclusion: The analytical findings establish characteristic physicochemical and elemental parameters for Gandhaga Rasayanam, thereby contributing to its scientific standardization. The integration of FTIR, SEM, EDAX, and heavy metal analysis provides reference data to support quality assessment but future pharmacological evaluation is need to support its therapeutic efficacy.