@article {1340, title = {Analytical Characterization of Achyranthes aspera L. Whole Plant}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {January 2025}, pages = {85-93}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {85}, abstract = {

Background: The therapeutic properties of Achyranthes aspera have long been acknowledged and integrated into diverse traditional healthcare like Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani and Naturopathic medicine for the management of various ailments. In ancient Indian systems of medicine such as Siddha and Ayurveda, the constituents found in this medicinal plant play a pivotal role in treating disorders. Both macro and micro elements are crucial components for plants to carry out their basic functions. Objectives: Consequently, the ash of Achyranthes aspera was analyzed chemically, with a focus on phytochemical and chromatographic analysis, along with spectral characterization of the entire plant, to determine the presence of inorganic constituents. Materials and Methods: Standard methods were followed for all physicochemical parameters. Chromatographic characterization was carried out using High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, elemental characterization was performed using different instruments such as Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to investigate the minerals present in the ash of Achyranthes aspera. Results: The HPTLC photo documentation revealed the presence of five spots at 254 nm and eight spots at 366 nm. Vanillin sulfuric acid reagent derivatization resulted in the appearance of 9 spots under white light. Furthermore, the HPLC chromatogram showed the separation of 13 peaks at 366 nm. The evaluation techniques also detected various elements such as Carbon (C), Oxygen (O), Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Aluminium (Al), Silicon (Si), Phosphorus (O), sulphur (S), Chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Manganese (Mn), Chromium (Cr), Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn). Conclusion: The analysis primarily focuses on quality control criteria and the mineral composition of the plant.

}, keywords = {Achyranthes aspera, ICP-OES, Nayurivi, PXRD, SEM-EDX, XPS, XRF}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20251928}, author = {Achintya Kumar Mandal and Saravanan Meenakshisundaram and Subashini Subramanian and Sujith Thatipelli and Rajesh Chandran and Shakila Ramachandran} } @article {1446, title = {Instrumental Characterization of Black Soot of Glycyrrhiza glabra: A Colouring Pigment for Eye Cosmetics}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {June 2025}, pages = {859-866}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {859}, abstract = {

Background: A{\~n}janaṃ (collyrium) in Ayurveda is predominantly centered around its role in maintaining eye health rather than cosmetic use. This aligns with the traditional kohl/kajal application, prepared using herbs rich in anti-microbial properties, thus offering ocular benefits. Such kajals incorporate burnt black soot from plants to achieve the desired dark color. Analyzing this carbonized form is essential to confirm its therapeutic contribution among other ingredients. In this study, black soot particles obtained from Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG), a potent Ayurvedic herb known for promoting vision and addressing conditions such as dry eye disease, Cataract and conjunctivitis, were examined. Materials and Methods: The traditional method of preparing black soot was employed, involving scraping it from a copper plate after burning a wick dipped in GG{\textquoteright}s decoction seven times. Results: Physico-chemical analysis of the raw GG and its decoction met the API (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India) standards. The GG decoction pH, total solids and specific gravity were 5.3, 14.636\% and 1.048 respectively. FT-IR analysis revealed four bands corresponding to GG{\textquoteright}s methylene and methane groups, while XRD indicated the presence of cupric and cuprous oxide. The SEM-EDX results showed that the black soot contained 68.29\% carbon, 14.62\% oxygen, and 17.09\% copper. Conclusion: These findings suggest that even in its carbon form, black soot derived from GG using traditional methods retains active ingredients from the combustion of plant biomass. This underscores its potential therapeutic benefits in addition to its cosmetic purposes. The use of black soot from herbs in kajals can offer both cosmetic enhancement and ocular health advantages.

}, keywords = {Black soot, FT-IR, Herbal cosmetic, Kajal, SEM-EDX, XRD, Yashtimadhu}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252172}, author = {Geeta Govindappa Gadad and Bhumika Sundar} }