Analytical Characterization of Achyranthes aspera L. Whole Plant

Background

The therapeutic properties of Achyranthes aspera have long been acknowledged and integrated into diverse traditional healthcare like Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani and Naturopathic medicine for the management of various ailments. In ancient Indian systems of medicine such as Siddha and Ayurveda, the constituents found in this medicinal plant play a pivotal role in treating disorders. Both macro and micro elements are crucial components for plants to carry out their basic functions.

Objectives

Consequently, the ash of Achyranthes aspera was analyzed chemically, with a focus on phytochemical and chromatographic analysis, along with spectral characterization of the entire plant, to determine the presence of inorganic constituents.

Materials and Methods

Standard methods were followed for all physicochemical parameters. Chromatographic characterization was carried out using High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, elemental characterization was performed using different instruments such as Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to investigate the minerals present in the ash of Achyranthes aspera.

Results

The HPTLC photo documentation revealed the presence of five spots at 254 nm and eight spots at 366 nm. Vanillin sulfuric acid reagent derivatization resulted in the appearance of 9 spots under white light. Furthermore, the HPLC chromatogram showed the separation of 13 peaks at 366 nm. The evaluation techniques also detected various elements such as Carbon (C), Oxygen (O), Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Aluminium (Al), Silicon (Si), Phosphorus (O), sulphur (S), Chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Manganese (Mn), Chromium (Cr), Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn).

Conclusion

The analysis primarily focuses on quality control criteria and the mineral composition of the plant.