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INTRODUCTION
In Contemporary science, various anti-pityriasis formulations, such as 2% ketoconazole, salicylic acid, sulphur suspension creams, gels and emulsions are used. However, these treatments are associated with several side effects, including hair loss, paraesthesia, rashes, and gynecomastia.[1] In contrast, Ayurvedic medicines generally have minimal side effects or no side effects. Topical applications play a crucial role in Ayurvedic therapeutics, as highlighted in classical texts. When Ardra or Suskha Dravya are thoroughly ground with water to form a semi-solid medicament or paste for topical use, it is referred to as lepa.[2] Lepa is a Bahirparimarjana chikitsa, which helps alleviate localized imbalances of Dosha, and Dhushya. From a pharmaceutical perspective, lepa kalpana is considered a type of Kalka Kalpana.[3] Several types of lepas are mentioned in Ayurveda for treating Darunaka,[4] among which the Madanphala valkal lepa is described by Acharya Vrinda Madhava in the context of Kshudra Roga.[5] Madanphala fruit is either globose or broadly ovoid. Its pulp possesses anthelmintic properties and has been used as a folklore remedy for abortificant effects.[6] Madanphala valkal lepa follows traditional methods of lepa preparation, and its unique physical and chemical properties make it an effective anti-dandruff treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Sample collection
The Madanphala Valkal Lepa is made using a single ingredient, Madanphala Valkal. The raw material was obtained from KLE Ayurveda Pharmacy, a GMP-certified unit located in Khasbag, Belagavi, Karnataka Table 1.
| Sanskrit name | Latin name | Family | Part | Rasa | Guna | Veerya | Vipaka | Karma |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madanphala | Randia Dumetorm Lam | Rubiaceae | Phala Valkal (perica- rp) | Madhur, Tikta | Lagh, Ruksha | Ushna | Katu | Lekhniye, Kusthagna, Sothahara |
Authentification of raw Drug
Madanphala valkal was verified at the ASU Drug Testing Laboratory, a part of the Central Research Facility (CRF) at Shri B.M.K Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Belagavi, Karnataka.
Preparation of Drug
The process starts with the collection of Madanphala, which is then dried under sunlight. The Valkal is extracted and subsequently dried in a herbal medicine dryer for 1 hr to decrease its moisture content. Finally, the dried material is processed in a pulveriser, where it is ground into a fine powder with an 80 mesh size Table 2.
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Collection of Raw ingredients | Ripe Madanphala was collected from a natural source and dried under sunlight. |
| Extraction of valkal (pericarp) | Manually, Valkal (pericarp) separation was done from seed of Madanphala. |
| Herbal drier machine | Dried in a herbal medicine drier for 1 hr in order to reduce its moisture content ensuring better preservation. |
| Grinding into coarse powder | Dried material was ground into a coarse powder of 80 mesh size. |
Pharmaceutical Study
A range of physico-chemical properties, such as colour, odour, taste, foreign matter, ash value, acid insoluble ash, water-soluble extractive, and alcohol-soluble extractive were analyzed. The results are presented in Tables 3 and 4.
| Tests | Results |
|---|---|
| Part | Fruit Pericarp |
| Colour | Brown |
| Taste | Characteristic |
| Odour | Characteristic |
| Tests | Results |
|---|---|
| Foreign Matter | Nil |
| Ash Value | 4.915% |
| Acid Insoluble Ash | 4.021% |
| Water Soluble Extractive | 18.370% |
| Alcohol Soluble Extractive | 7.882% |
Description Microscopic
The transverse section of the fruit reveals an epicarp consisting of a single-layered epidermis, which is sometimes indistinct. The mesocarp is made up of thin-walled parenchymatous cells, some of which contain a reddish-brown substance. Several vascular bundles are embedded within this layer. The endocarp is stony and composed of light yellow polygonal, sclerenchymatous cells of varying shapes and sizes.[7]
Chemical constituents
Triterpene saponins
Two new triterpene saponins were isolated from the fruits of the plants. These were characterized as: 3-O-[B-D-glucosyl (1-4)-B-D-glucosyl (1-3)-B-D-glucuronosyl] oleanolic acid.
3-O-[B-D-glucosyl (1-6)-B-D-glucosyl (1-6)-B-D-glucosyl (1-3)-B-D-glucosyl (1-3) -B-D-glucuronosyl] oleanolic acid. These compound are complex sugars (glycosides) attached to an oleanolic acid, a common triterpene compound, which may play a role in the plant’s biological activity.[8]
Fruits and seeds contain citric and tartaric acids, along with compounds such as randianin (a saponin), randia acid, ursosaponin, and duncoronins A, B, C, D, and F. Additionally, they include randoside A and various fatty acids, including arachidic, lignoceric, linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids.[6] According to API, dried fruit is recommended for treating chlorosis, the common cold rhinitis, and persistent skin disease. The therapeutic activity of the fruit is primarily attributed to its saponin content, which constitutes about 2-3% in fresh fruits and increase to approximately 10% in dried whole fruits. These saponins are predominantly concentrated in the pulp. A mixture of two saponins, identified as randialic (neutralsaponin), and randialic acid (acidic saponin), has been isolated from the pulp. Upon complete hydrolysis, both saponins yield oleanolic acid as their sapogenin. Ursosaponin, extracted from the ethanolic extract of dried whole fruit, produces ursolic acid and glucose. Additionally, randianin, isolated from the fruit, has been identified as a haemolytic triterpenoid saponin.[9]
Storage and packaging
The polyethylene Pouches used for storing Churna should be transparent and completely free from moisture. Dried in a herbal medicine drier for 1 hr in order to reduce its moisture content ensuring better preservation.
According to the Drug and Cosmetics Act, shelf life of Churna is two years.[10] Each pouch should contain 20 g of Churna and be securely sealed.
It should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, as excessive heat and moisture can cause oxidation and shorten the shelf life of the product.
RESULTS
Madanphala valkal churna was evaluated, and the analysis showed that the Churna is brown in colour, with the characteristic taste and odour of Madanphala valkal mentioned in Table 3. The Physiochemical standards of Madanphala valkal are provided in the Table 4. The total ash value, which indicates the amount of minerals and earthy materials present in the raw material, was found to be 4.915% w/w. The acid-insoluble ash content in the plant material was 4.021% w/w. Extractive values give insight into the quantity of chemical constituents present in the drug. The water-soluble extractive content was measured at 18.370% w/w, indicating the amount of soluble material in water. The alcohol-soluble extractive value, reflecting the presence of polar constituents, was recorded at 7.882% w/w.
DISCUSSION
Madanphala fruit has Oleanolic acid which possesses hepatoprotective activity, antiinflamatory potential, antioxidant activity, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties,[11] which may enhance its effectiveness in treating dandruff. Palmitic acid and stearic acid are saturated fatty acid which may work as emollient. Madanphala also have analgesics, free radical scavenging activity, anti-allergic, and antifungal properties.[12] Antifungal property of Madanphala may aid in treating dandruff, as dandruff is often caused by a fungal infection (Malessezia furfur).[13] It is characterized by both Madhur, and Tikta rasa and is valued for its carminative, purgative, aphrodisiac, emetic, and antipyretic properties. It is traditionally used to treat abscesses, ulcers, inflammation, wounds, tumors, and various skin diseases.[6] Madanphala has Ushna Virya and Katu Vipaka by virtue of it, Madanphala possesses Vata and Kaphahara properties,[7] which assist in reversing the samaprapti of Darunaka, as Darunaka also originates from the vitiation of Vata and Kapha.
Points to note during preparation
- During raw material collection, it is essential to carefully remove any foreign matter before preparing the coarse powder.
- Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial throughout the process.
- The raw material should be thoroughly dried, as moisture can lead to fungal growth and oxidation, ultimately reducing the shelf life of churna.
- A mask should be worn while separating the valkal from Madanphala, as it is having unpleasant odour.
CONCLUSION
Madanphala valkal churna lepa is a good quality monoherbal formulation. The preparation of Madanphala valkal churna lepa was carried out following the step-by-step method described in classical texts. Its organoleptic and physiochemical properties were stable and met the criteria for medicinal use. Its chemical constituent like Oleanolic acid which possesses hepatoprotective activity, antiinflamatory potential, antioxidant activity, antibacterial properties, and antimicrobial which may enhance its effectiveness in treating dandruff. Moreover, Madanphala has antifungal properties which may help in treating the dandruff, as dandruff also occurs due to fungal infection (Malessezia furfur). Microbial limit test can be further scope of study.