Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

Introduction

Ayurveda emphasizes the entire process of drug utility, including collection, preservation, purification, and formulation. To achieve the desired medicinal effects, it is essential to gather plants according to Ayurvedic principles, focusing on their optimum properties. Experts indicate the importance of Desha, Kala, Rutu and suitable Bhoomi for collecting specific plant parts.^[1]

The timing of collection is crucial for maximizing drug potency, ensuring formulations meet quality standards. Each Ayurvedic texts outlines when to collect various plant parts such as roots, stems, bark, leaves, fruits, flowers. In Charaka Samhita, for Kaanda Twak, Sharad Rutu is the proper time of collection.^[2]

This research examines the significance of the collection timing of Kaanda Twak of Vata (Ficus benghalensis Linn.) across all six seasons to establish its superior potency. Due to high demand for raw herbal drugs, collection often ignore optimal timings, negatively impacting product quality and leading to inconsistent effects in patients.

This study aims across this issue through experimental analysis of Kaanda Twak of Vata (Ficus benghalensis Linn.). Vata having Kashaya Rasa, Guru Guna, Sheeta Virya, Kapha Pitta Nashaka, helpful in Visarpa, Daha and Yoni Dosha.^[3]

Materials and Methods

Source of data

The study was conducted in the Research and Development department of Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences,Manipal, Karnataka, India.

Method of collection of data

Twak of Vata (Ficus benghalensis Linn.) was collected from the garden. Bark was collected in 6 different Rutus. Rutus were followed according to Hindu calendar (Panchanga). The bark is collected from same tree throughout the study. The time of collection of bark as per Acharya Charaka is followed i.e., Sharad Rutu. The time of collection of bark of Vata (Ficus benghalensis Linn.) is according to table. [Table 1]

The materials were left in FAA for more than 48 hours. The preserved specimens were cut into thin transverse section using a sharp blade and sections were stained with saffranine. The slides were also stained with iodine in potassium iodide for detection of starch. Transverse sections were photographed using Zeiss AXIO trinocular microscope attached with Zeiss AxioCam camera under bright field light. Magnifications of figures are indicated by scale-bars.

Powder microscopy

Pinch of bark powder previously sieved was put on slide and mounted in glycerine and powder characters were observed under Zeiss AXIO trinocular microscope attached with Zeiss Axio Cam camera under bright field light.

Phytochemical Study^[4]

Loss on drying

Weigh approximately 5 gm of powdered sample and place it in a tared petridish. Dry sample at 105°C for 5 hours in a hot air oven. Remove petridish, cool it in a desiccator, and weigh it. Repeat drying for 30 minutes, cool and weigh again. Continue this process until two consecutive weights are constant. Calculate moisture content percentage using the appropriate formula.
% of loss on drying = (W1+W2) – W3/W2 X 100
Where, W1 – Weight of petridish, W2 – Weight of sample, W3 – Weight of dried sample with dish.

pH value

Prior to measuring pH, electrodes of pH meter were soaked in distilled water for 24 hours. Buffer solution of pH 4, 7 and 9 were prepared by dissolving buffer tablet in 100 ml of distilled water. The pH meter was calibrated using these buffer solutions at 25⁰C. One gram of each coarsely powdered drug was added to 100 ml of distilled water, stirred for 5 minutes, and then filtered separately. After calibration, electrodes were washed with distilled water and wiped, then immersed in test drug solution to record pH. This washing and measuring process was repeated until difference between consecutive readings was less than 0.5.

Determination of total ash value

The clean and dry silica crucible was weighed in which 2 gms of each drugs were taken.

Determination of the alcohol soluble extractive value

Accurately weighed 10gm of coarsely powdered drug was placed in a glass Stoppard conical flask. Flask was filled with 100ml alcohol and macerate. The lid was closed for 24 hours. Frequently shaking was done during first 6 hours and allowed to stand for 18 more hours without shaking. After 24 hours, it was filtered to remove insoluble matter. 25 ml of the filtrate was taken in a weighed silica dish and kept on water bath for evaporation. It is taken out and cooled in a desiccator and weighed. Percentage of alcohol soluble extractive value was calculated.
Water soluble extractive = [(W2 – W1) x 100/ W x 25] x 100
Where, W – wt. of drug powder, W1 – wt. of crucible, W2 – Constant weight

Determination of Organic Chemical Constituents

Tests for detection of alkaloid
Mayer’s test

Mayer’s reagent was used for this test. The test filtrate was treated with few drops of this reagent. Formation of cream colour precipitates indicate the presence of alkaloids.

Tests for detection of flavanoids
Alkaline reagent test

To the test filtrate, add few drops of dilute Sodium hydroxide solution. Appearance of Dark yellow colour which turns colourless on addition of few drops of dil. Hydrochloric acid indicates the presence of flavonoids.

Tests for detection of tannins and phenolic compounds
Ferric chloride reagent

A 5 percent w/v solution of ferric chloride in 90 percent alcohol was prepared. Few drops of this solution were added to a little of the above filtrate. Appearance of dark green or dark blue indicate the presence of tannins.

Tests for detection of glycosides
Kellar-killani test

The solution was dissolved in 1 ml of glacial acetic acid containing traces of ferric chloride and transferred to 1 ml of concentrated sulphuric acid,

Result

Macroscopic study of Vata

Fresh bark is typically smooth and light gray to greenish in colour. The bark is rough with fissures and relatively thick. Fresh cut surface exudates plenty of latex. Dried Outer surface of bark is brown in colour while the inner surface is cream in colour with lot of fibres. [Fig. 2-3]

Fig. 2: Fresh bark of Vata

Fig. 3: Dried bark of Vata

Fig. 4: Stem bark

Ck - cork; ltt - laticiferous tubes; SC - stone cell; Scl - sclereids; SC and stc - stone cell and starch

Fig. 7: Phloem region

Fig. 8: Medullary rays

Fig. 12: Rhytidoma in surface view

Fig. 13: Sclereids

Fig. 14: Sclereids, stone cells, prismatic crystal

Fig. 15: Stone cells

Result of Physico-Chemical Parameters

Values of loss on drying, total ash, acid insoluble ash and extractive value of bark of Vata (Ficus benghalensis Linn.) showed varied values in different Rutu. [Table 2]

Total Phenolic Content Estimation

Estimation of Total Phenolic Content (TPC) shows highest concentration of Vata (Ficus benghalensis Linn.) in Shishira Rutu and lowest concentration in Greeshma Rutu. [Table 4]

Discussion

Phytochemical study

Loss on drying

This is the test designed to determine the moisture content and number of volatile substances in the sample. If the moisture content of the sample was within the acceptable range, suggesting that the sample can be stored for a longer period and is less likely to be affected by microbes. Moisture content of Vata (Ficus benghalensis Linn.) was highest in Vasantha Rutu and lowest in Varsha Rutu. These values fluctuate based on local conditions and harvesting methods. Highest value may be because of seasonal humidity levels.

pH

Bark samples of Vata (Ficus benghalensis Linn.) of six Rutu having acidic pH i.e., < 7. This variation in pH may indicate the presence of certain organic acids which may influence the chemical properties of the bark or seasonal changes like temperature, humidity and rainfall which can affect the metabolic processes of the trees, leading to variations in pH.

Ash value

The ash value of crude drugs is a measure of the inorganic residue remaining after the drug is incinerated. It indicates the total amount of minerals or impurities present in the drug. All the values of Vata (Ficus benghalensis Linn.) are within the normal range i.e., not more than 8% but in Greeshma Rutu it exceeds normal limit i.e., 11.98. It may be due to several factors. During this season, environmental stressors such as high temperatures and reduced moisture can influence the plants metabolic processes. This can lead to increased mineral accumulation in plant tissues, resulting in a higher ash content. If the plant absorbs more minerals to cope with the heat, this can further raise the total ash content. For acid insoluble ash value of Vata (Ficus benghalensis Linn.), the observations found were within the normal limit i.e., not more than 3%.

Conclusion

All samples were subjected to thorough pharmacognostic, phytochemical and quantitative studies. The results were analysed and compared and following conclusions were drawn. Physiochemical and phytochemical study of Vata (Ficus benghalensis Linn.) were carried out and some of the results are as per standards. In physiochemical analysis, total ash value of Vata (Ficus benghalensis Linn.) is more than normal limit in Greeshma Rutu but values are within normal limit in shard Rutu and that of acid insoluble ash, all values are within normal limit. In water and alcohol soluble extractive, values in each Rutu showed normal limit even in Sharad Rutu. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, steroids, carbohydrates, proteins, saponin. Total phenolic content estimation on aqueous extract of Vata (Ficus benghalensis Linn.) was done which quantifies the gallic acid which shows the higher results in Shishira Rutu. There is difference in total phenolic content in each Rutu but significance of collection of bark at Sharad Rutu according to Acharya Charaka is not met. However, Sushruta claim of Soumya Dravya in Sowmya Rutu has fulfilled satisfactorily.

References

1. Lucas DS. Dravyaguna Vijnana, Volume 1. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Vishvabharati; 2012. p. 321-326, p. 455.

2. Acharya Jadavaji Trikamji, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Chakrapanidatta’s Ayurveda Deepika. Kalpa Sthana, Madana Kalpa 5/10. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia; p. 857, p. 940.