Analytical Evaluation of Processed and Unprocessed Castor Oil

Background: Medicated oils and Clarified butter are often utilized in the Traditional System of Indian Medicine for internal and external use. To improve the durability and efficacy of therapeutic oil unique processing is advocated known as Murchhana. Specific ingredients are mentioned for each oil. The current work seeks to conduct a comparative analytical evaluation of processed and unprocessed castor oil. Materials and Methods: Both the oils were analyzed for rancidity, specific gravity at 25ºC, refractive index, iodine value, saponification value, acid value, peroxide value, free fatty acids, and HPTLC. Results: There was a significant difference between unprocessed and processed castor oil. Physicochemical and HPTLC analysis revealed significant differences in all samples, indicating that extra active chemicals were obtained in the processed oil. Saponification Value was increased in processed oil, however, iodine value, and acid value were found to decrease indicating the enhancement of the shelf life. Thus, utilizing adopting processing techniques the shelf life of the oil can be improved. Conclusion: Based on the results of analytical criteria, it implies the significance of processing the castor oil as mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts.