Comparative Study on Two Variants of Laghupanchamula (A Compound Ayurvedic Formulation) for Important Groups of Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activity

Introduction Laghupanchamula is a compound formulation prepared by combinations of roots of five herbs. Two variants of Laghupanchamula have been described in Ayurvedic classics where beside four common herbs fifth one is either Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris L.) or Eranda (Ricinus communis L.). The objective of the study is to make comparison between two variants of Laghupanchmula with respect to important group of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity to corroborate the science behind their therapeutic utility. Materials and methods Standard methods have been followed for quantitative determination of total quantity of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and flavonols, and in vitro antioxidant activity in variants of Laghupanchmula formulations. Qualitative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis has also been performed to establish presence/absence of important chemical constituents in formulations. Results Additional quantity of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and flavonols has been observed in Laghupanchamula variant containing Eranda than the variant containing Gokshura. Greater antioxidant activity has also been found in formulation containing Eranda. The HPLC analysis revealed the presence of shikimic acid, gallic acid, catechin in both formulations, but rutin has been found only in formulation containing Eranda. Conclusion From the results of experiments it has been observed that the formulation containing Eranda has more antioxidant activity as it contains more quantities of phenol, tannins, flavonoids, and flavonols than the formulation containing Gokshura. How to cite this article Ghildiyal S, Joshi A, Joshi VK. Comparative Study on Two Variants of Laghupanchamula (A Compound Ayurvedic Formulation) for Important Groups of Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activity. J Drug Res Ayurvedic Sci 2017;2(3):157-163.