GC-MS Phytochemical Profiling of Kaidarya Siddha Narikela Taila: Mechanistic Insights into Khalitya (Non-Specific Hairfall) Management

Background

Non-Specific Hairfall (NSHF), classified as Khalitya in Ayurveda (NAMC FA-3, ICD-11 TM2), has a significant global burden. Kaidarya siddha Narikela Taila (KNT) is a formulation prepared with Narikela Taila (Cocos nucifera) and Kaidarya kashaya (decoction of Murraya koenigii), widely utilised in the management of Khalitya.

Aim and Objectives

To identify and analyse the phytochemical profile of Kaidarya siddha Narikela Taila (KNT) by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and correlate it to relevant pathways in NSHF pathophysiology.

Materials and Methods

KNT was prepared as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Standards at GMP-certified KLE Ayurveda Pharmacy, Belagavi. GC-MS analysis was done using Shimadzu QP2020 (hexane extract, 1 µL injection, helium carrier 1.0 mL/min, oven: 70-280ºC) at Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), Kerala, India, with compound identification against the NIST20 spectral library. The mapping of bioactivity was based on indexed scientific literature.

Results

27 compounds were detected, with dominance of Dodecanoic acid (Lauric acid, 19.33%), Rac-glycerol-1,3-dilaurate (15.21%), 1-Hydroxy-3-(octanoyloxy)propan-2-yl decanoate (combined isomers, 21.71%), 1-Decanoyl-3-dodecanoylglycerol (combined isomers, 13.03%), and 2-(Decanoyloxy)propane-1,3-diyl dioctanoate (9.65%). 12 distinct pharmacological activities, directly relevant to hair fall, were identified, spanning from antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-androgenic, hair follicle protection and promotion and scalp penetration enhancement.

Conclusion

GC-MS analysis reveals potential mechanisms of KNT in Khalitya and suggests mechanistic hypotheses that need further experimental validation for therapeutic applications.