Analytical Evaluation of Kshara (Alkaline Preparation) of Tala pushpa (Borassus flabellifer L. Inflorescence): A Unique Pharmaceutical Preparation in Ayurveda

Introduction:The inflorescence of Borassus flabellifer L. (BF) is ethnomedically important and in Ayurvedic formulary the Kshara (alkaline preparation) of the inflorescence is utilized in formulations such as Panaviraladi and Aviltoladi bhasma for the management of different diseases. In Āyurvedic Pharmacoepia of India, standards for the inflorescence of the drug are available, however, standards for its alkaline preparation are unenlightened. The present study was designed to evaluate in detail the physicochemical, quantitative inorganic estimation, phytochemical, high profile thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) profile as well as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) analysis of Kshara (alkaline preparation) of BF inflorescence. Methods:After identification of inflorescence of BF, Kshara of the inflorescence was prepared and subjected to physicochemical, quantitative inorganic estimation, phytochemical, HPTLC analysis, and LCMS-MS quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) analysis of as per standard protocol. Results:The loss on drying was found to be 3.75 (%w/w), total ash 90.25 (%w/w), acid insoluble ash 0.72 (%w/w), water soluble ash 83.89 (%w/w), and pH (1% aqueous extract) 11.60. Quantitative inorganic estimation of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sulfate, chloride, phosphate, and iron was found to be 8.11%, 39.60%, 277.63 mg/100 g, 0.13%, 11.99%, 12.36%, 0.10 mg/kg, and 12.54 mg/100 g, respectively. The HPTLC analysis revealed the presence of peaks at 254 nm and elicited eight compounds on LCMS-MS QTOF analysis. Conclusion:Thus, the present study evaluated in detail the physicochemical, quantitative inorganic estimation, phytochemical, HPTLC profile as well as LCMS Analysis of Kshara of BF inflorescence.