A Comparative HPLC Quantification of Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox Wall ex Seringe.) Root Processed in Cow's Urine and Cow's Milk

Meghsham Anjankar,Gajanan Diliprao Chatuphale,Sonali Chalakh

doi:10.47552/ijam.v12i1.1740

Abstract

Vatsanabh mula (Aconitum ferox Wall ex Seringe root); is toxic due to its chief active principle an alkaloid named as Aconitine. According to Ayurveda and modern science; it is included in one of the most poisonous plants known till today to mankind. Despite it is used widely in Ayurvedic treatment in various diseases. So its use in medicinal preparation should be done only after proper processing termed as Shodhan (purification) procedures. These processings are done in specific media. Shodhan procedures enhance therapeutic properties of Vatsanabha, reduce its toxicity & convert it into medicine. In Ayurvedic literature, media like Gomutra (Cow’s urine), Godugdha (Cow’s milk) and Ajadugdha (Goat’s milk) has been mentioned for Shodhan procedures of Vatsanabha. This study focuses on effect of two Shodhan procedures of Vatsanabha Mula by using Gomutra (cow’s urine) and Godugdha (cow’s milk) on HPLC quantification of Aconitine while the raw roots were taken as control. Changes in HPLC chromatogram confirm the effect of Shodhan procedure on Vatsanabha. In HPLC analysis, peaks were observed at retention time 30.1. Areas under the curve were less in the samples after purification with cow’s urine compared to purification with cow’s milk, indicating denaturation of some component after purification. Hence, Vatsanabha mula purified by Gomutra (cow’s urine) may be regarded as better method of purification as far as toxic alkaloids are concerned.

Highlights

Aconite (Vatsanabha) is mentioned as Kanda Visha (Tuber Poison) and having four types as mentioned in Sushrutsamhita centuries back(1)
Shodhan procedures of Vatsanabha root which were supposed to reduce the toxic effects of the drug without compromising its pharmacological properties rather enhancing medicinal value was described in many ancient texts of Ayurveda Rasashastra(4)
Collection and selection of drug One kilogram of fully matured Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox Wall ex Seringe.) roots were collected from the local market of Uttarakhand in India and were botanically authenticated by pharmacognosists and sample specimens were kept for future reference

Summary

Introduction

Aconite (Vatsanabha) is mentioned as Kanda Visha (Tuber Poison) and having four types as mentioned in Sushrutsamhita centuries back(1). Shodhan procedures of Vatsanabha root which were supposed to reduce the toxic effects of the drug without compromising its pharmacological properties rather enhancing medicinal value was described in many ancient texts of Ayurveda Rasashastra(4). It is cited in the treatises of Ayurveda, the Visha (poison) becomes. If taken in the prescribed way, is an increaser of vitality and curer and preventer of diseases and senility. It is an increaser of the properties, good or evil, of a thing which is taken with it.

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