Phytochemical Characterization of Udumbara Phala Churna (Ficus racemosa) and Krishnamrittika (Black Soil) Using FTIR and HR-LCMS: Implications in Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), or Asrigdara in Ayurvedic terminology, is a prevalent gynecological disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Conventional therapies, including hormonal interventions and surgical procedures, often carry side effects and limitations, which encourages the exploration of safe, effective, and natural alternatives. Ayurveda, the traditional system of Indian medicine, describes Udumbara (Ficus racemosa) and Krishnamrittika (black soil) as agents with rakta-stambhana (hemostatic) and shothahara (anti-inflammatory) properties. The present study aimed to establish the phytochemical profile of these two formulations using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HR-LCMS). FTIR analysis of Udumbara phala churna revealed peaks corresponding to hydroxyl, alkane, carbonyl, carboxylate, ether, ester, aromatic, and halogen functional groups, while Krishnamrittika exhibited characteristic O-H, N-H, C=O, C=C, and C-O stretching vibrations. These findings indicate the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, alcohols, esters, amines, and aromatic compounds. HR-LCMS analysis further confirmed the presence of 5472 compounds across both formulations (Udumbara: 5237; Krishnamrittika: 235). Identified phytoconstituents included flavonoids, alkaloids, fatty acids, triterpenoids, carotenoids, and amino acids. Importantly, several of these compounds demonstrated pharmacological activities directly relevant to HMB, such as vasoconstriction (solenopsin, 8-iso Prostaglandin F1), anti-inflammatory effects (epilumaflavanone B, neoenactin M2), antioxidant activity (decylubiquinone, homodimericin A), hormonal modulation (testosterone enanthate, 6α-hydroxy-castasterone), and hemostatic properties (pulcherriminic acid, 2-hydroxymethylserine). Collectively, these results provide a comprehensive chemical fingerprint supporting the traditional use of Udumbara and Krishnamrittika in Asrigdara. The polypharmacological properties of their bioactive compounds justify further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical validation to explore their potential as safe alternatives in menstrual health management.