Abstract
PHELA is a herbal mixture of four African traditional medicinal plants that has been used for decades in wasting conditions and is now being developed by the Medical Research Council (MRC) as an immune booster for patients with compromised immune system. A chromatographic fingerprint of PHELA was needed for quality control purposes. Here, a comprehensive method for fingerprinting of PHELA using different chromatographic techniques is described. It involved extraction of the PHELA by either acidic or a simple 'salting-out' method, followed by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis and/or preparative Column Chromatography (CC). The products were thereafter analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV-detector (HPLC-UV), HPLC with fluorescence-detector (HPLC-FL) and Gas-Chromatography with a Mass Selective Detector spectrometer (GC-MSD). The fingerprints were successfully used to differentiate PHELA from another common herbal product made from Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort), thereby illustrating its high potential for use in fingerprinting of PHELA and in differentiating it from other herbal medicines. By validating the different chromatographic techniques on the standardized extraction methods, this approach will enable wide application in quality control of PHELA using acceptable procedures, thereby promoting effective monitoring of the finished product in all countries where it will be used.
Highlights
PHELA is a herbal mixture of four African traditional medicinal plants [Clerodendrum glabrum, Polianthes tuberosa, Rotheca myricoides and Senna occidentails] that has been used for decades in wasting conditions and for increasing energy in patients
The Gas-Chromatography with a Mass Selective Detector (GC-mass selective detector (MSD)) chromatogram of the salted extract of crude PHELA had marker peaks at 2.26, 6.3, 6.74, 7.25, 7.78 and 7.93 minutes (Fig. 2d), and the standard retention times were set at 2.23±0.04, 6.25±0.05, 6.74±0.07, 7.24±0.02, 7.77±0.05 and 8.01±0.09 minutes
A comprehensive method for identification of PHELA has been developed. It involved inspection and extraction of the product by simple salting-out and/or acidic extraction methods, followed by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis and preparative column chromatography that were supported by HPLC and GC analysis using UV, fluorescence and MSD detectors, respectively
Summary
PHELA is a herbal mixture of four African traditional medicinal plants [Clerodendrum glabrum, Polianthes tuberosa, Rotheca myricoides and Senna occidentails] that has been used for decades in wasting conditions and for increasing energy in patients. PHELA was reported to benefit immune compromised individuals due to its immune stimulant effects. Evidence of its efficacy was obtained from anecdotal reports of patients and traditional healers, and these were supported by the subsequent findings in observational studies involving medical doctors in the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces. The Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Lead Program of the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Department of Health of South Africa embarked on investigating these claims in scientifically organized studies and/or controlled clinical trials. At the MRC laboratories, PHELA was prepared to mimic traditional preparation but under strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). A chromatographic fingerprint of PHELA was required for quality control purposes
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
