RP-HPLC method for the simultaneous quantitation of boeravinone E and boeravinone B in Boerhaavia diffusa extract and its formulation.

A high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitation of two major rotenoids, boeravinone E and boeravinone B, in Boerhaavia diffusa extract and its formulation. Chromatographic separation was carried out on an Inertsil ODS-3 column by using gradient mobile phase containing 0.1% v/v orthophosphoric acid in water and acetonitrile. The detection was carried out at 276 nm. The method was validated for specificity, precision, accuracy and robustness. The linearity (r(2) = 0.9989 and 0.9991) was found to be in the range of 7.26-35.75 µg mL(-1) and 2.20-11.00 µg mL(-1) for boeravinone E and B, respectively. The percent recovery observed from the extract sample was 95.22-95.83.

An open-label, prospective clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TLPL/AY/01/2008 in the management of functional constipation.

Functional constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms across the globe. Its high prevalence rate, economic burden, and adverse implications on the quality of life make constipation a major public health issue. Though various treatment options are available for the management of constipation, evidence for their efficacy and safety are limited. An open-label, prospective, interventional, and exploratory clinical trial was carried out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of "TLPL/AY/01/2008" in 34 patients suffering from functional constipation. "TLPL/AY/01/2008" is an Ayurvedic proprietary polyherbal formulation in powder form, containing Isabgol husk, Senna extract, and Triphala extract. Administration of "TLPL/AY/01/2008" for 14 days showed a significant increase in mean weekly bowel movements from 10.19 ± 05.64 to 18.29 ± 05.72 (P<0.05). The mean average time spent on toilet for bowel evacuation reduced significantly from 11.02 ± 05.43 minutes (baseline value) to 08.70 ± 04.72 minutes on day 14 (P<0.05). Mean stool form score assessed on Bristol stool form scale was improved from 02.97 ± 00.48 (baseline value) to 04.61 ± 00.84 (P<0.05) on day 14. A significant improvement (P<0.05) was also noted in straining during defecation, sensation of incomplete evacuation, sensation of anorectal blockage, and other associated symptoms of functional constipation. The significant improvement in most of the above symptoms was endured for a post-treatment observatory period of one week. All the study patients showed an excellent tolerability to the study drug. These findings suggest that "TLPL/AY/01/2008" is an effective, safe, and non-habit-forming herbal laxative formulation for the management of constipation. Comparative clinical studies with larger sample size would be able to confirm the above findings.

Validated TLC method for simultaneous quantitation of kutkoside and picroside-I from Kutki extract.

INTRODUCTION: The two iridoid glycosides kutkoside and picroside-I are the active hepatoprotective principles of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth (Scrophulariaceae), commonly known as Kutki. Quantitation of these phytoconstituents is important for the routine quality control of Kutki extract. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a simple, precise and rapid thin-layer chromatography (TLC) method for the simultaneous quantitation of kutkoside and picroside-I in Kutki extract. METHODOLOGY: The analysis was performed on a TLC precoated silica gel 60 F(254) plate with ethyl acetate:methanol:glacial acetic acid:formic acid (25:5:1:1, v/v/v/v) as mobile phase. Densitometric evaluation of kutkoside and picroside-I was carried out at 265 nm and the mobile phase showed good resolution with R(f) values 0.42 ± 0.03 and 0.61 ± 0.03 for kutkoside and picroside-I, respectively. The method was validated in terms of specificity, linearity, accuracy and precision. RESULTS: The content of kutkoside and picroside-I was found to be 2.18 and 1.90%, respectively, and was comparable with those obtained by HPLC. The linearity was found to be in the range of 80-480 ng/spot for both kutkoside and picroside-I. The average recovery values were found to be 96.5 and 96.0% for kutkoside and picroside-I, respectively. CONCLUSION: The developed method was found to be relatively simple, precise and reproducible for the simultaneous quantitation of kutkoside and picroside-I. The method does not employ any derivatisation procedure and can be used as a quality control tool for the routine analysis of commercial Kutki extracts.