INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS OF SIDDHA POLYHERBAL FORMULATION - SAARANAI MOOLI KUZHAMBU

Abstract

Saaranai Mooli Kuzhambu (SMK) is a polyherbal formulation described in classical Siddha literature for Paandu Noi (Anemia).  Standardizing Siddha polyherbal formulation is necessary to ensure the quality of medicines for their safe usage.The study aims to standardize the SMK by modern instrumental analytical techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), and ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry). The SMK had been prepared as per the reference text “Pathinen Siddharkal Vaithiya Sillaraik Kovai Part II” and screened for particle size, identification of functional groups, and detection of heavy metal contamination. SEM analysis was carried out at IIT-Madras, Chennai. The SEM analysis of the sample showed the presence of nano-and micro particles. The FT-IR spectroscopy and ICP-OES were performed at CCRAS, Chennai. FT-IR has revealed the presence of functional groups like alcohol, carbonyl, amines, and Ethers. ICP-OES indicated that heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead are detected below the limit of quantification. This study shows how modern standardization methods can improve the reliability and acceptance of polyherbal formulations at the global level.The results show that SMK is preferably nontoxic when used at the recommended dose.