0% READ
FULL TEXT
INTRODUCTION
Ayurveda, the traditional system of Indian medicine, has described numerous plant-based formulations for health promotion and disease management. Among these, Taila Kalpana (medicated oils) are considered highly significant due to their dual role in both therapeutic efficacy and drug delivery. The base oil not only acts as a vehicle but also facilitates deeper tissue penetration and enhances the bioavailability of active phytoconstituents (Sharma, 2001). Durva (Cynodon dactylon Linn.), commonly known as Bermuda grass, is widely mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for its stambhana (hemostatic), shothahara (anti-inflammatory), and vrana-ropaka (wound-healing) properties (Sharma, 2015). Modern studies have reported that Cynodon dactylon contains alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, sterols, and phenolic compounds, which exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing activities (Patel & Patel, 2012; Majdi, Dastan, & Maroofi, 2016).
Tila Taila (Sesamum indicum oil) is regarded as the best base (sneha dravya) for medicated oil preparation due to its stability, deep penetrative action, and ability to potentiate the therapeutic properties of the added drugs (Sharma, 2015). Durva Taila, prepared by processing the fresh juice of Durva with Tila Taila, is traditionally indicated in wounds, bleeding disorders, and inflammatory conditions (Sharma, 2015). Despite its classical importance, there is limited modern analytical data on its phytoconstituents.
Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) is a widely used analytical tool for identifying volatile and semi-volatile compounds in herbal formulations, providing valuable insights into the bioactive components responsible for therapeutic efficacy (Adams, 2007; Pandey, Tripathi, & Sharma, 2014).
The present study was designed to analyze the chemical composition of Durva Taila prepared in Tila Taila base using GC–MS. The study aims to identify phytoconstituents that may correlate with its traditional uses, thereby establishing a bridge between Ayurvedic knowledge and modern scientific validation.
Objectives
To evaluate the phytochemical composition of Durva Taila prepared in Tila Taila base through Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and to establish its possible pharmacological relevance.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Raw Materials
- Durva (Cynodon dactylon Linn.): Fresh whole plants were collected locally and authenticated by the Department of Dravyaguna.
- Tila Taila (Sesamum indicum Linn. oil): Cold-pressed sesame oil of pharmacopoeial grade was procured and authenticated as per standards.
- Other materials: Potable water was used as per classical method.
Preparation of Durva Taila
Durva Taila was prepared by classical Sneha Kalpana method.
Durva swarasa (fresh juice) was extracted, and Durva kalka (paste) was prepared.
Tila Taila was taken as the base oil. The ratio Taila: Kalka: Swarasa was maintained as 1: ¼: 4.
The mixture was subjected to mild heating with constant stirring until attainment of Madhyama paka lakshana.
The oil was filtered, stored in amber-colored bottles, and preserved at room temperature.
GC-MS Analysis
- Instrument: Shimadzu QP-2010 Ultra GC-MS.
- Column: RTX-5MS capillary column (30 m × 0.25 mm ID × 0.25 μm).
- Carrier gas: Helium, flow rate 1 mL/min.
- Sample preparation: Oil diluted with hexane (1:100 v/v); 1 μL injected in split mode (1:20).
- Temperature program: 60°C (2 min hold) → 280°C (10 min hold) at 10°C/min.
- MS conditions: 70 eV ionization energy; scan range m/z 40–600.
- Identification: Peaks were compared with NIST library.
Data Interpretation
Identified compounds were tabulated with retention time, molecular weight, and peak area. Pharmacological activities were compiled from available literature.
RESULTS
The GC-MS profiling of Durva Taila prepared in Tila Taila base revealed the presence of several compounds belonging to fatty acids, esters, hydrocarbons, alcohols, and sterols. Many of these phytoconstituents possess well-documented pharmacological activities, which support the traditional therapeutic applications of Durva Taila in Ayurveda. Chromatogram taila taila Base Durva taila mention in Figure 1, Retention time of compound of 2,4-Decadienal (C10H16O) mention in Figure 2, Retention time of compound of Decanoic Acid (C10H20O2) mentioned in Figure 3, Retention time of compound of Palmitic Acid (C16H32O2),1,10-Decanediol (C10H22O2) mentioned in Figure 4. Pharmacological Activity of GC-MS identified compounds of Durva Taila prepared in Tila Taila base mentioned in Table 1, GC-MS identified compounds of Durva Taila prepared in Tila Taila base mentioned in Table 2.
| Compound | Molecular Formula | Pharmacological Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 2,4-Decadienal | C10H16O | Nematicide and an apoptosis inducer, Vasoconstriction. |
| p-menthane-3,8-diol | C10H20O2 | Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial agent. |
| Palmitic Acid | C16H32O2 | prostaglandin-E2 9-reductase) inhibitor, fatty acid, thromboxane A2 synthesis. |
| Pentadecanoic Acid | C15H30O2 | Fatty acids. |
| Methyl Oleate | C19H36O2 | Fatty acids. |
| 1,10-Decanediol | C10H22O2 | Anti-inflammatory agent, an antioxidant and a human metabolite. |
| Nonanoyl chloride | C9H17ClO | Unknown. |
| Decanal | C10H20O | Antipruritic drug, an antitussive and an antispasmodic, Vasoconstriction. |
| pentacosane | C25H52 | Plant metabolite. |
| 10-Undecenoic acid | C19H36O2 | Antiproliferative agent. |
| N-decanal | C10H20O | Anti-inflammatory, analgesic or anesthetic effects |
| 2-Octanone | C8H16O | Metabolite antibiotics. |
| Lavandulyl | C10H22O | Antibacterial, antifungal, carminative (smooth muscle relaxing), sedative, antidepressive, Metabolite in cancer metabolism. |
| Octanal | C8H16O | Metabolite. |
| 2-Tridecanone | C15H30O | Flavouring agent. |
| Phytol | C20H40O | Antinociceptive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic effects. |
| 1-Nonadecanol | C19H40O | Antibacterial and antifungal. |
| 1-Hexacosanol | C26H54O | Anti microbial. |
| Palmitin | C19H38O4 | Algal metabolite, antimicrobial antioxidant antifungal. |
| 17-octadecynoic acid | C18H32O2 | Anti-inflammatory, acne reductive, skin-lightening and moisture retentive properties. |
| Erucic acid | C22H42O2 | Fatty acids, anti inflammatory, anti oxidant, thromboxane A2 synthesis. |
| β-Sitosterol acetate | C31H52O2 | Anti-inflammatory, promotes wound contraction, collagen synthesis, angiogenesis), immunomodulatory. |
| Peak # | R. Time (min) | Area | Area % | Height | CAS # | Compound Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10.966 | 2,196,968 | 0.15 | 859,668 | 25152-84-5 | 2,4-Decadienal, (E,E)- |
| 2 | 11.454 | 4,480,656 | 0.31 | 1,466,027 | 2363-88-4 | 2,4-Decadienal |
| 3 | 12.05 | 1,393,712 | 0.1 | 387,932 | 3564-95-2 | (1α,3β,4β)-p-Menthane-3,8-diol |
| 4 | 20.628 | 3,799,895 | 0.27 | 1,395,524 | 57-10-3 | n-Hexadecanoic acid |
| 5 | 21.92 | 5,949,515 | 0.42 | 2,023,634 | 765-4-8 | 1,11-Undecanediol |
| 6 | 21.961 | 10,620,421 | 0.74 | 2,214,906 | 28080-85-5 | 10-Undecenoic acid, octyl ester |
| 7 | 22.1 | 18,583,077 | 1.3 | 2,581,238 | 0-0-0 | Sulfurous acid, pentadecyl pentyl ester |
| 8 | 22.29 | 19,935,920 | 1.39 | 2,418,768 | 10573-35-0 | Ether, 6-methylheptyl vinyl |
| 9 | 22.361 | 11,276,461 | 0.79 | 2,928,006 | 0-0-0 | Sulfurous acid, pentyl undecyl ester |
| 10 | 22.435 | 24,769,480 | 1.73 | 3,578,329 | 157336-2-2 | Hexadecanoic acid, (3-bromoprop-2-ynyl) ester |
| 11 | 22.587 | 7,816,765 | 0.55 | 2,103,393 | 23470-0-0 | Hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) |
| 12 | 22.645 | 5,124,045 | 0.36 | 1,625,909 | 34450-18-5 | 17-Octadecynoic acid |
| 13 | 22.707 | 5,663,905 | 0.4 | 1,628,486 | 2938-55-8 | 1,5,9-Cyclododecanetriol |
| 14 | 22.814 | 9,169,002 | 0.64 | 1,458,105 | 213738-77-3 | Glycidyl palmitoleate |
| 15 | 22.916 | 55,463,698 | 3.87 | 19,903,924 | 7501-44-2 | Glycidyl palmitate |
| 16 | 23.935 | 4,106,972 | 0.29 | 1,508,468 | 7459-33-8 | 9,12-Octadecadienoyl chloride, (Z,Z)- |
| 17 | 24.395 | 259,250,590 | 18.11 | 67,638,816 | 7459-33-8 | 9,12-Octadecadienoyl chloride, (Z,Z)- |
| 18 | 24.589 | 8,185,689 | 0.57 | 2,826,306 | 7501-44-2 | Glycidyl palmitate |
| 19 | 26.555 | 7,084,575 | 0.49 | 722,283 | 73285-35-5 | (7R,8S)-cis-anti-cis-7,8-Epoxytricyclo[7.3.0.0] |
| 20 | 26.745 | 8,800,596 | 0.61 | 1,698,663 | 0-0-0 | E,E-1,9,17-Docasatriene |
| 21 | 26.825 | 19,498,361 | 1.36 | 2,153,543 | 55038-30-7 | Guineensine |
| 22 | 27.024 | 6,351,293 | 0.44 | 1,125,009 | 7501-44-2 | Glycidyl palmitate |
| 23 | 27.725 | 53,863,587 | 3.76 | 7,022,974 | 931-35-1 | 1H-Imidazole, 2-ethyl-4,5-dihydro-4-methyl- |
| 24 | 27.76 | 17,405,754 | 1.22 | 7,557,317 | 1502-5-2 | Cyclodecanol |
| 25 | 27.84 | 87,277,145 | 6.1 | 8,026,818 | 41446-78-0 | 4-Tetradecene, (E)- |
| 26 | 28.588 | 96,131,321 | 6.71 | 4,823,276 | 818-44-0 | Vinyl caprylate |
| 27 | 30.309 | 6,619,734 | 0.46 | 838,695 | 213738-77-3 | Glycidyl palmitoleate |
| 28 | 31.031 | 56,822,522 | 3.97 | 1,706,011 | 0-0-0 | 9-Methyl-Z-10-pentadecen-1-ol |
| 29 | 31.61 | 23,310,651 | 1.63 | 1,110,287 | 0-0-0 | 3-Methylpent-2-ene-1,5-diol |
| 30 | 32.018 | 34,474,396 | 2.41 | 1,604,339 | 629-89-0 | 1-Octadecyne |
| 31 | 33.099 | 5,280,941 | 0.37 | 587,071 | 915-5-9 | β-Sitosterol acetate |
| 32 | 34.159 | 16,833,798 | 1.18 | 685,801 | 7390-81-0 | Oxirane, hexadecyl- |
| 33 | 37.158 | 13,381,142 | 0.93 | 1,336,787 | 915-5-9 | β-Sitosterol acetate |
| 34 | 42.071 | 321,497,934 | 22.46 | 10,237,551 | 177717-46-3 | 1-Hydroxy-3-(octanoyloxy)propan-2-yl decanoate |
| 35 | 42.861 | 199,290,750 | 13.92 | 8,044,326 | 55282-12-7 | Octadecane, 3-ethyl-5-(2-ethylbutyl)- |
DISCUSSION
2,4-Decadienal (C₁₀H₁₆O) exerts its nematicidal activity by disrupting the cellular membranes of nematodes, leading to impaired motility and cell death (National Centre for Biotechnology Information [NCBI], 2025). Its apoptosis-inducing effect involves activation of mitochondrial pathways, triggering caspase cascades that result in programmed cell death. Additionally, it causes vasoconstriction by enhancing calcium influx in vascular smooth muscle, increasing vascular tone (NCBI, 2025a).p-Menthane-3,8-diol (C₁₀H₂₀O₂) acts by disrupting microbial cell membranes, leading to bacterial lysis, while its anti-inflammatory effect is mediated via inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6. It also stabilizes cell membranes and reduces oxidative stress (NCBI, 2025b). Palmitic acid (C₁₆H₃₂O₂) inhibits prostaglandin-E₂ 9-reductase, reducing prostaglandin-mediated inflammation, while also modulating thromboxane A₂ synthesis, affecting platelet aggregation. Its fatty-acid nature integrates into membranes, influencing cellular signaling (NCBI, 2025c). Pentadecanoic acid (C₁₅H₃₀O₂) functions primarily as a fatty acid metabolite, incorporating into lipid bilayers to maintain membrane fluidity and participate in energy metabolism (NCBI, 2025d). Methyl oleate (C₁₉H₃₆O₂) serves as a fatty acid ester that modulates lipid metabolism and cell membrane composition, indirectly influencing inflammatory signalling and cellular energy processes (NCBI, 2025e). 1,10-Decanediol (C₁₀H₂₂O₂) exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators and acts as an antioxidant by scavenging reactive oxygen species. It also functions as a human metabolite, participating in normal cellular metabolic pathways (NCBI, 2025f). Nonanoyl chloride (C₉H₁₇ClO) has an uncharacterized mechanism of action but may react with nucleophilic sites in biomolecules, contributing to biological effects. Decanal (C₁₀H₂₀O) exerts vasoconstriction by promoting calcium influx in smooth muscle; antitussive and antispasmodic effects are mediated via modulation of neural reflex pathways. Its antipruritic effect involves inhibition of sensory nerve activation (NCBI, 2025g). Pentosane (C₂₅H₅₂) acts as a plant metabolite forming protective waxy layers and modulating cell membrane hydrophobicity, contributing to barrier and defense functions (National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences [NCATS], 2025). 10-Undecenoic acid (C₁₉H₃₆O₂) exhibits antiproliferative activity by inducing apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in abnormal or pathogenic cells-Decanal (C₁₀H₂₀O) shows anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and modulating peripheral sensory neurons (NCBI, 2025h). 2-Octanone (C₈H₁₆O) acts as a microbial metabolite with antibacterial properties, possibly by disrupting microbial energy metabolism or cell membrane integrity (NCBI, 2025i). Lavandulyl (C₁₀H₂₂O) provides antibacterial and antifungal effects by disrupting microbial membranes; its carminative and sedative effects involve modulation of smooth muscle and central nervous system signalling (Betlej et al., 2023). Octanal (C₈H₁₆O) functions as a metabolite in biological pathways, contributing to energy production and cellular signalling (Human Metabolome Database, n.d.). 2-Tridecanone (C₁₅H₃₀O) acts mainly as a flavouring agent and may modulate sensory receptors or serve as a metabolic intermediate (NCBI, 2025j). Phytol (C₂₀H₄₀O) exerts antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects via inhibition of COX enzymes, scavenging free radicals, and modulating pain pathways (NCBI, 2025k). 1-Nonadecanol (C₁₉H₄₀O) shows antibacterial and antifungal effects through disruption of microbial cell membranes and inhibition of essential enzymes (NCBI, 2025l). 1-Hexacosanol (C₂₆H₅₄O) exhibits antimicrobial activity by integrating into microbial membranes and disturbing their integrity (Ontosight, n.d.). Palmitin (C₁₉H₃₈O₄) acts as an algal metabolite with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties by disrupting microbial membranes and scavenging reactive species (Frazzini et al., 2022) 17-Octadecynoic acid (C₁₈H₃₂O₂) provides anti-inflammatory and skin benefits via inhibition of inflammatory mediators, reduction of sebum production, and enhancement of skin-barrier function (Wikipedia contributors, 2025). Erucic acid (C₂₂H₄₂O₂) functions as a fatty acid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity; it inhibits thromboxane A₂ synthesis, influencing platelet function and vascular homeostasis (Chanioti, Katsouli, & Tzia, 2021). β-Sitosterol acetate (C₃₁H₅₂O₂) promotes wound healing by enhancing collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and immunomodulation; its anti-inflammatory effects occur via suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Chanioti et al., 2021). These findings align with earlier pharmacological studies of Cynodon dactylon, which demonstrated hemostatic and wound-healing properties in experimental models (Kumar, Kumar, & Prakash, 2010; Patil & Jalalpure, 2004). Similarly, sesame oil has been reported to enhance drug delivery, protect against oxidative damage, and accelerate tissue repair (Anitha & Ramasamy, 2016). The synergy of these components explains the therapeutic potential of Durva Taila (Saxena, Saxena, & Rajput, 2014).
CONCLUSION
Durva Taila prepared in Tila Taila base contains multiple bioactive compounds with reported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. The findings provide scientific support for its traditional uses in Ayurveda and encourage further pharmacological and clinical evaluation.
