Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of one ayurvedic oil, Ksheerabala Thailam.

Introduction: The present work deals with the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of Ksheerabala Thailam which is an Ayurvedic oil used for the treatment of Vata disorders such as neuromuscular pains, sciatica, spondylitis, paralysis, myalgia, for nerve regeneration, cataract, earache, and headache. Materials and Methods: Ksheerabala Thailam was bought from a standard Ayurvedic vendor at Chennai and subjected to GC–MS analysis by standard procedures. The medicinal roles of the biomolecules indicated in the GC–MS profile were screened for their various medicinal roles using Dr. Duke’s phytochemical and ethnobotanical data and other data. Results: GC–MS profile of the Ksheerabala Thailam indicated the presence of important biomolecules such as n-Hexadecanoic acid, 15-Hydroxypentadecanoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester, (3-Fluorophenyl)carbamic acid, 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenyl ester, Hexadecanoic acid, 1-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2-ethanediyl ester, Hexadecanoic acid, 2-(octadecyloxy)ethyl ester,. gamma.-Tocopherol, and gamma.-Sitosterol; these molecules do have medicinal roles which relate to that of Ksheerabala Thailam. Conclusions: It is concluded that Ksheerabala Thailam, which is an important Ayurvedic medicine, does contain some very important molecules showing its efficacy. Further research is required for a better understanding of the medicinal roles of Ksheerabala Thailam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]