Effect of purification (Sodhana) on phytochemicals, toxicity and pharmacological properties of some medicinal plants

Abstract

Objective:The study was designed to evaluate the effect of purification (shodhana) on phytochemicals, toxicity and pharmacological properties of Strychnos nux-vomica seeds, Commiphora mukul (guggul) oleo-gum-resin and Datura metel var. fastuosa seeds. Introduction: Ancient literature classifies Strychnos nux-vomica L. and Datura metel var. fastuosa L. as upa-visha (moderately poison), and Commiphora mukul Burg. (guggul) as mild toxic drug. Several Ayurvedic texts clearly state that these drugs have to be used only after subjecting them to various shodhana (purification/detoxification/potentiating) processes. Methodology :In the present study the nux-vomica seeds were detoxified by shodhana. Further the seed coat and embryo were removed, roasted with cow?s ghee. The unprocessed seeds and the products after each step of shodhana were studied to assess the influence of shodhana (detoxification) on various pharmacognostic, pharmacological activities including acute toxicity were used to assess the influence of shodhana. newlineThe guggul oleo-gum resin and datura seeds were similarly processed as per ancient literature and were taken to assess the influence of them on various pharmacognostic, phytochemicals, acute toxicity and pharmacological activities. Results: Shodhana process on nux-vomica seeds altered the pharmacognostic standards and reduced the total alkaloids, strychnine and brucine contents. In addition to these, loganic acid was removed. The acute toxicity (LD50) revealed the reduction in toxicity in processed products significantly (about 1/10th) when compared to unprocessed seed powder. It was further observed that there was a significant increase in various pharmacological activities and tissue anti-oxidant activities of shodhana processed and shodhana processed formulation when compared to unprocessed seeds. The completely shodhana processed and formulation showed more therapeutic efficacy when compared with partially shodhana processed products (1st and 2nd steps of processed seeds).