Chemical profiling of a polyherbal formulation by tandem mass spectroscopic analysis with multiple ionization techniques

Abstract Background Gugguluthiktham Kashayam (GTK) is the decoction form of Panchatikta Guggulu Ghrita, a classical Ayurvedic formulation used for treating various diseases like skin disorders, ulcers, sinus, asthma, cardiac diseases, arthritis, and cancer. Results Tandem mass spectroscopic analysis of GTK was carried out by different ionization techniques such as electro spray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) in both positive and negative modes using Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (Q-TOF) mass spectroscopy. Data processing of molecular ions obtained by ESI and APCI mass fragmentation led to the identification of several phytoconstituents belonging to various classes of compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, and coumarins. Conclusion The study concluded that GTK contains variety of phytochemicals with numerous biological properties that might be responsible for its various therapeutic effects.