Phytochemical Profiling of Athimathura Chooranam a Polyherbal Formulation: A GC-MS Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Athimathura Choornam, a traditional Siddha formulation, has been employed for centuries to treat various ailments. Aim: This study is aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile of Athimathura Choornam by using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was conducted on a Nexis GC 2030 MS AP 2020 NX instrument, by utilizing reagents including ethanol, concentrated sulfuric acid, concentrated nitric acid, and water. Sample preparation involved diluting 1g of sample in 50ml ethanol, followed by filtration using   helium gas as the carrier."  Results: The GC-MS chromatogram revealed 10 bioactive compounds, including squalene compounds. The identified compunds are Alpha. Terpinyl acetate,(Terpenoid)1,3 Cyclohexadine, Benzene propanoic acid (belongs to Aromatic carboxylic acids),Butan 2 one(Ketones),2,4- decadienamide (amide group),2-[4-methyl-6(2,6,6-trimethyl cyclohex-1enyl)hexa-1,3,5-trienyl](belongs to Terpenoids,Sesquiterpenes),1-(4-hydroxy-3methoxyphenyl)dec-4-en-3one(Phenylalkanones), Retrofractamide-A (Belongs to alkaloids, amides and Peptides),5-hydroxy-1-(-4-hydroxy-3-methoxy phenyl)decan-3one (Phenylalkanones), squalene (Terpenes group). The compounds were identified by quantifying using peak area and internal standard methods. The results revealed the presence of therapeutically relevant compounds, by substantiating the traditional uses of Athimathura Choornam. Conclusion: This study provides a capacious phytochemical profile of Athimathura Choornam, paving the way for further pharmacological and clinical investigations.