Phytochemical Analysis and GC-MS Profiling of Bioactive Compounds in Prasarnyadi Taila

Herbal formulations are composed of a wide range of phytochemicals many of which are responsible for their therapeutic benefits. Although without advanced analytical studies the precise bioactive components often remain unidentified. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) is valuable technique in this regard as it enables separation, detection as well as characterization of volatile and semi-volatile compounds in such preparations. It is also helpful in connecting pharmacological activity of herbal formulation to its bioactive compounds hence combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific evidence. One such classical preparation is Prasaranyadi Taila a traditional Ayurvedic herbal oil described in the classical Ayurvedic literature in Chakradatta. Traditionally the oil is used in the management of Vata-Vyadhi (Pathological conditions due to Vata vitiation) for both therapeutic and preventive purpose. Additionally, it demonstrates anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-rheumatic and nerve tonic properties making it especially beneficial in conditions involving musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders. Objective of current study to analyze Prasaranyadi Taila through Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) for the identification of its bioactive compounds and to correlate their pharmacological actions with those described in classics thereby supporting evidence-based Ayurveda. The analysis was performed following standard protocol with Thermo GC Trace Ultra Version 5.0 and Thermo MS DSQ II equipment. This revealed 43 compounds including Phytol, Hexadecanoic acid(Palmitic acid), Oleic acid, Squalene, Linoleic acid, 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid diethyl ester (Diethyl phthalate) and Stigmasterol. These phytochemicals suggest that the formulation may possess properties such as pain relief associated with nerve disorders, anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant, antimicrobial and inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators.