Exploring the Logic Behind the Usage of Fresh Drugs in Ayurvedic Formulations through Preliminary Phytochemistry and HPTLC Analysis

Background: Ayurvedic principles provide guidelines for medicinal herb usage, emphasizing differences in fresh and dried forms. Emphasis is given to the use of doubled quantities of raw drugs when taken in fresh form, focusing on some exceptions like Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia Linn.), where double quantity is not required even if taken in fresh form. Despite this, practical challenges often favour the prevalent use of dried forms. Objectives: To validate the Ayurvedic principle for drug selection in formulations through preliminary phytochemistry and HPTLC analysis of Tinospora cordifolia Linn., stems and the decoction prepared with fresh and dry samples in different amounts. Materials and Methods: Fresh and dried Tinospora cordifolia Linn., stems were separately extracted with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol using a Soxhlet continuous extraction apparatus. Guduchi decoctions were prepared with dry and fresh drugs in the required quantities and double quantities. Chromatographic studies of these samples were analyzed using HPTLC with specific mobile phases. Results: Preliminary physicochemical analysis provided similar results for fresh and dry samples. HPTLC analysis revealed the presence of more spots in decoction prepared with new samples and the spots were practically identical irrespective of the quantity taken. Analysis of dry Guduchi samples suggests that taking double the required amount in dry form is better. Further, the methanol extracts exhibited more spots, indicating the prevalence of polar compounds. Conclusion: This study enhances our understanding of Ayurvedic drug usage, suggesting using fresh Guduchi samples in decoctions. For dry samples, doubling the quantity is advised for optimal efficacy. It also provides a foundation for further exploration of its medicinal efficacy.