Physicochemical, Phytochemical and HPTLC Evaluation of Siddha Herbal Formulation Chithiramoola Rasayanam

Abstract

Chithiramoola Rasayanam is a traditional Siddha polyherbal formulation commonly used in Siddha practice for improving general health and managing chronic illnesses. Even though the medicine has been used for many years in traditional practice, proper scientific standardization is necessary to ensure its quality, purity, and safety. The present study was carried out to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, phytochemical constituents, and HPTLC fingerprint profile of Chithiramoola Rasayanam. The formulation was prepared according to the procedures mentioned in the classical Siddha text Pulipani Vaidhiyam 500 and the purification methods described in Sarakugalin Suthi Sei Muraigal. Physicochemical parameters such as loss on drying, total ash, acid insoluble ash, extractive values, fat content, and pH were analysed using PLIM guidelines. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed using standard laboratory procedures. HPTLC fingerprint analysis was carried out using methanolic extract of the formulation with Toluene: Ethyl acetate: Acetic acid (8:2:0.5) as the solvent system. The results showed that the formulation possessed acceptable physicochemical properties. Loss on drying was found to be 5.59%, total ash 1.29%, acid insoluble ash 0.82%, water soluble extractive value 46.44%, alcohol soluble extractive value 30.15%, fat content 14.15%, and pH 4.94. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, and proteins. HPTLC fingerprint profiling performed at 520nm showed several characteristic peaks and distinct bands with Rf values ranging from 0.01 to 0.97, indicating the presence of multiple phytoconstituents in the formulation. The findings of the study provide preliminary standardization data for Chithiramoola Rasayanam and may be useful for future quality control studies and further pharmacological research.