Pharmaceutico-analytical profile of Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera Linn.) Ksharodaka and Kshara

Introduction: Medicinal plants stand to be a major component of Ayurveda practices and traditional medicine as well. Achyranthes aspera Linn., commonly known as Apamarga in Ayurveda, has been described as a divine medicine. Kshara (~alkali) is a unique pharmaceutical preparation with wide therapeutic uses. The characteristic features and nature of Kshara and Ksharodaka (~alkaline water) depend on the manufacturing process. Aim: This study aims to analyze bioactive components in Ksharodaka and Kshara comparatively. Materials and Methods: Apamarga ksharodaka and Kshara were prepared from Apamarga panchanga using classical method. Attempts were made to evaluate the quality standards and variations in the organoleptic, physicochemical, and phytochemical parameters as well as the elements present in both Ksharodaka and Kshara using spectroscopic analysis, such as Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Results: After drying the collected Apamarga panchanga , 67.39% weight loss was observed, and 10.59% ash was obtained after ignition. 150 ml Ksharodaka was received from 4.140 kg fresh Apamarga panchanga (~whole plant) 2 g of Kshara was collected from 150 ml Ksharodaka. Apamarga ksharodaka is highly alkaline (pH 12.75) compared to Kshara (pH 11.57). The total ash value of Kshara is 98% w/w, acid-insoluble ash is 1.5% w/w, and water-soluble ash is 85%. Kshara yielded about 50.4% w/w water-soluble extractive and 0.52% w/w alcohol-soluble extractive. In UV-Vis spectroscopy, the Ksharodaka sample showed a higher absorbance value as compared to Kshara . The compounds absorb light at 195 nm and 192 nm, respectively. FTIR data of Ksharodaka spectra showed 5 peaks. In contrast, the Kshara showed 6 peaks. XRD confirmed minerals present in Kshara are calcium nitrate, calcium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium nitrite, magnesium chloride, sodium sulfate, and sodium chloride. Conclusion: This study clarified that the ash water of any herb also has an important bioactive mixture and components. This analysis produces authentic standards for Apamarga kshara and Ksharodaka .