Chemical analysis and anti-oxidant properties of Hutabhugadi Curna - A polyherbal Ayurveda formulation

Abstract

Introduction: Hutabhugadi curna (HC) is a polyherbal formulation in Ayurvedic formulary of India (AFI) for treatment of agnimandya (digestive impairment), pandu (anemia), sopha (oedema) and arsa (piles). The current paper is aimed to investigate physico-chemical properties, preliminary phytochemical and proximate composition, including its anti oxidant activity in-vitro. Methods: Estimation of physical parameter, proximate composition, phytochemical screening, total phenol content and antioxidant activity was done using standard methodology. Results: Physico-chemical and proximate analysis was done to access the composition of the formula. Preliminary phytochemical tests of extracts of HC were performed to find out the different chemical moieties in the formula. Total phenolic content of HC was determined using Folin-Ciocalteau’s reagent using tannic acid as a calibration standard. Reducing power assay (RPA) and DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl) radical scavenging capacity were carried out to evaluate antioxidant activity in vitro. Physical constants and quantity of total protein, carbohydrate, fat and fibre were estimated to obtain calorific value. Conclusion: Phyto chemical analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates, saponins, tannins, phenols and coumarins. Total phenolic content of HC was found to be 23.90 mg/g tannic acid equivalents. The classical multidrug formula showed good antioxidant activity.