Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Marichyadi Taila is a widely used Ayurvedic oil formulation, traditionally employed for topical applications. Standardizing Ayurvedic formulations is crucial for ensuring therapeutic efficacy, safety, and batch-to-batch consistency. Aims: This study aimed to establish comprehensive physico-chemical reference standards and develop a High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprint profile for the finished product, Marichyadi Taila. Methods: Three independent batches of Marichyadi Taila (Batch Nos. 3698, 3718, and 3736) were analyzed for various parameters including description, refractive index, weight per ml, specific gravity, loss on drying, acid value, saponification value, iodine value, and the absence of mineral oil, heavy metals, and aflatoxins. HPTLC fingerprinting was performed on Silica Gel 60 F F??? plates at 254 nm to characterize the chemical constituents and compare batch homogeneity. Results: All batches exhibited consistent physico-chemical profiles and complied with limits for purity parameters. Descriptive statistics confirmed low variability in refractive index. HPTLC analysis demonstrated a distinct chromatographic profile with 7 to 9 characteristic peaks across the batches. Major bioactive peaks were consistently observed in the Rf ranges of 0.24-0.34 (approximately 24-29% area) and 0.32-0.59 (approximately 19-42% area). No heavy metals or aflatoxins were detected. Conclusion: The established physico-chemical values and the detailed HPTLC fingerprint serve as robust analytical standards for the quality control and standardization of Marichyadi Taila, ensuring its quality and therapeutic potential for industrial production.