Preliminary investigation of kshara powder of Erythrina variegata used in Ayurveda Treasurer

Abstract

Kshara, an alkaline caustic substance derived from ashes of medicinal plants and minerals, is a key component of indigenous Ayurvedic medicines. There are three main categories of kshara powders according to the potency as Tikshana, Madhya, and Mridu. Accordingly, the Erythrina variegata kshara was prepared as the method mentioned by Acharya Sushrutha Samhita in the 11th chapter of Sutra sthana. In this study, Kshara powder of Erythrina variegata was evaluated due to its medicinal value, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. The antioxidant property was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays, revealing potent radical scavenging and ferric reducing capacities; results in the EC50 for DPPH of Tikshana and Mridu were 161.1 ppm and 206.2 ppm, respectively, compared to an EC50 of 55.63 ppm obtained from BHT standard. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated using the HRBC membrane stabilization method, demonstrating IC50 of Tikshana - 443.1 ppm and IC50 of Mridu 240.3 ppm of inflammation. Further laboratory experiments were conducted under physicochemical parameters such as total ash value, pH value (around pH 11), acid insolubility, water solubility, moisture content, identification, and heavy metal analysis. Functional groups and heavy metal analysis were conducted by FTIR and ICPMS, respectively, ensuring some important functional groups and the unavailability of most heavy metals, which impact human health. It was also confirmed that Erythrina variegata Kshara powders have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Proteus mirabilis (inhibition zones ranging from 1.0 ± 1.20 cm to 3.5 ± 0.94 cm). Finally, it was confirmed that this product was successfully formulated and evaluated. It can be further developed for commercialization purposes. Continuous research is recommended to elucidate the mechanisms and clinical applications of Kshara powders of Erythrina variegata to ensure human usage.