Chloral hydrate detection in toddy by headspace gas chromatography

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Detection of chloral hydrate adulteration in traditional alcoholic beverage toddy by head spacegas chromatography
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

A.T. Pandhare, Dr. V. B. Gaikwad, Dr. R. B. Toche, Dr. V. B. Patil, B.B. Doundkar


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Detection of chloral hydrate adulteration in traditional alcoholic beverage toddy by head spacegas chromatography

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The article discusses the development of a head space gas chromatography (HSGC) method to detect and quantify chloral hydrate adulteration in traditional alcoholic beverage, toddy. Toddy is widely consumed in regions like Asia, particularly India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, and is made from the fermented sap of palm or coconut trees. Due to increasing demand and shortages of raw materials, the beverage is often diluted and adulterated with substances such as chloral hydrate, which poses significant health risks when consumed with alcohol.

Chloral Hydrate Adulteration

Chloral hydrate is a psychotropic substance known for its sedative properties, and its illegal addition to toddy to enhance potency has been a point of concern. Consumption of chloral hydrate, particularly in combination with alcohol, can lead to dangerous consequences, including fatal poisoning. The article mentions that females might be at a higher risk of abuse when it comes to benzodiazepines, which is a related class of drugs. Due to the risks associated with chloral hydrate, there is a need for effective analytical methods to detect its presence in alcoholic beverages.

The Development of Analytical Methods

The authors highlight the inadequacies of existing identification methods for chloral hydrate in beverages, such as the Fujiwara test, which lacks specificity and can yield false positives for other substances. They introduce an HSGC method that is simpler, more rapid, and reliable for detecting the presence of chloral hydrate in toddy. The methodology utilizes a specific column and flame ionization detector, allowing for accurate separation and identification of chloral hydrate from other components in the beverage.

Chromatographic Analysis and Results

In their experimental approach, the researchers describe the use of a head space gas chromatograph with distinct conditions to optimally separate chloral hydrate from other compounds, specifically ethanol. They note that the retention times for chloral hydrate and ethanol suggest effective resolution for the analytical process. The calibration curve established from various concentrations has shown a high degree of linearity, ensuring reliability in determining the level of adulteration in different toddy samples, which ranged from 0.01 mg% to 1 mg%.

Conclusion

The study concludes that the HSGC method developed offers a quick, efficient, and dependable means of assessing chloral hydrate adulteration in toddy, making it an ideal tool for forensic analysis. This new approach could potentially safeguard public health by providing definitive measures to control and detect the illicit addition of harmful substances in traditional alcoholic beverages. The importance of stringent monitoring is underscored, emphasizing the need for reliable methods to protect consumers from the dangers posed by adulterated products.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is chloral hydrate and why is it added to toddy?

Chloral hydrate is a psychotropic substance with sedative effects. It is often illicitly added to toddy to enhance its potency, which can pose significant health risks when consumed with alcohol.

What method was developed to detect chloral hydrate in toddy?

A simple and reliable head space gas chromatography (HSGC) method was developed for the separation and determination of chloral hydrate in traditional alcoholic beverages like toddy.

What are the potential dangers of consuming chloral hydrate in toddy?

Consuming chloral hydrate mixed with alcohol can lead to fatal poisoning and various health issues, including increased risks of dependence, especially among female drinkers.

What were the chromatographic conditions used for the analysis?

The analysis used an Elite-WAX column with a column temperature of 50°C, and a flame ionization detector at 230°C, with nitrogen as the carrier gas.

How was the reliability of the method validated?

The reliability was validated by analyzing different toddy samples spiked with known chloral hydrate concentrations, with a calibration curve plotted for accurate quantification.

What concentration ranges of chloral hydrate were found in the samples?

The study found that the levels of chloral hydrate in different toddy samples ranged from 0.01 mg% to 1 mg%, indicating varying degrees of adulteration.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Chloral hydrate detection in toddy by headspace gas chromatography”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Substance:
In the context of the study, 'substance' refers to chloral hydrate, a psychotropic compound identified as an adulterant in toddy. Its presence in alcoholic beverages poses significant health risks, and understanding its properties and effects is crucial for developing effective detection methods and ensuring public safety.

2) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses the systematic study of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. In this paper, forensic science is applied to analyze and understand the adulteration of toddy with chloral hydrate, contributing to the safe consumption of traditional beverages and regulatory compliance.

3) Nashik:
Nashik is a city in Maharashtra, India, where the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory is located. This laboratory conducts crucial research and analyses, such as the detection of chloral hydrate in toddy, emphasizing Nashik's role in forensic science and toxicology within the region.

4) Road:
In this document, 'road' refers to Dindori Road in Nashik, Maharashtra, which is significant as the location of the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory. This setting is vital for conducting scientific research and analysis related to public safety and the detection of harmful substances.

5) Maharashtra (Maharastra, Maha-rashtra):
Maharashtra is a state in western India where the research was conducted. It plays a critical role in the study as it is home to various traditional beverages like toddy, making it essential to investigate potential adulterations and their health implications for the local population.

6) Coconut (Cocoanut):
Coconut trees are significant for toddy production, as the sap collected from their flowers is fermented to create this traditional alcoholic drink. Understanding the source of toddy highlights its cultural importance and the impact of adulteration on local customs and health.

7) India:
India is the country of focus in the study, where toddy is a popular beverage. This research is vital to public health in India, aiming to address issues related to alcohol consumption and the dangers of harmful adulterants like chloral hydrate in traditional drinks.

8) Pune:
Pune is a city in Maharashtra, India, where one of the authors, Dr. V. B. Gaikwad, works as the BCUD Director at Savitribai Phule Pune University. The collaboration between various institutions in Pune and Nashik highlights the interdisciplinary approach to forensic research in the region.

9) Tree:
The term 'tree' pertains to the coconut and palm trees from which the sap used in toddy is collected. Understanding the biological source helps contextualize the drink's production process and emphasizes the importance of these trees in traditional alcoholic beverage crafting.

10) Discussion:
The 'discussion' section in scientific research allows for interpretation of results, implications of findings, and comparison with previous studies. It is crucial for understanding the significance of the detected substances in tody and for suggesting further research directions.

11) Relative:
In this context, 'relative' refers to the relationship between chloral hydrate levels and health risks. Understanding relative risks is key for evaluating the severity of adulteration effects, contributing to discussions on regulatory measures and consumer safety.

12) Nature:
Nature in the study implies the inherent characteristics of chloral hydrate and its effects as a psychotropic substance. Grasping its biological and chemical nature is vital for developing detection methodologies and understanding its health ramifications when consumed in adulterated drinks.

13) Patil:
Dr. V. B. Patil is one of the authors associated with the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory in Nashik. His contributions to the study underscore the collaborative nature of forensic research and highlight the role of qualified professionals in ensuring consumer safety.

14) Glass:
The term 'glass' appears in the context of the lab equipment used for analysis, specifically in reference to glass-distilled water. The purity of the water is vital for achieving accurate results in chemical analyses, reinforcing the importance of high-quality reagents in scientific research.

15) Water:
Water, particularly glass-distilled water, is crucial in laboratory settings for preparing solutions and cleaning equipment. In the context of this study, using high-quality water ensures that no contaminants interfere with the detection of chloral hydrate in toddy.

16) Pulse:
The word 'pulse' relates to the differential pulse polarograms mentioned in the paper, which are analytical techniques used to detect substances like chloral hydrate. Understanding pulse techniques expands the methodologies available for forensic analysis, improving the detection of harmful substances in traditional drinks.

17) Study (Studying):
The 'study' refers to the research conducted on chloral hydrate adulteration in toddy using headspace gas chromatography. Its importance lies in enhancing adulterant detection methods, thus contributing to consumer safety and regulatory standards in alcoholic beverage production.

18) Hair:
Hair is referenced in discussions of detection methods for benzodiazepines in psychiatric patients, indirectly connecting to the broader context of substance detection. The understanding of such methods can inform similar approaches for identifying psychotropic substances like chloral hydrate in different matrices.

19) Drug:
The term 'drug' encompasses chloral hydrate, recognized as a psychotropic drug. It underscores the public health concerns associated with its illicit addition to alcohol and the need for vigilant monitoring and effective detection methods in traditional beverages to prevent harm.

20) Male:
The term 'male' refers to gender differences in substance abuse patterns. The study highlights that female drinkers may be more at risk for benzodiazepine abuse than males, emphasizing the need for gender-sensitive approaches in public health strategies related to alcohol and drug consumption.

Other Science Concepts:

[back to top]

Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Chloral hydrate detection in toddy by headspace gas chromatography’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Analytical method, Toxicological evaluation, Sample analysis, Chemical structure, Health risk, Calibration curve, Quantitative determination, Peak Area, Liquid Chromatographic Method, Head space gas chromatography, Flame ionization detector, Chloral hydrate adulteration, Traditional alcoholic beverage, Elite-WAX column, Psychotropic substance, Adulterated toddy, Toddies suspected to be adulterated, Forensic analysis, Diluted and adulterated, Female drinkers, Genotoxic properties, Micellar liquid chromatographic procedure, Reverse phase and union exchange mechanisms, Authentic compounds, Sedative action, Analytical grade reagent, Excise laws, J.E. Romero, J. Chromatorgr. B., Anal. Technol Biomed, T. ToyookG, Y. Kumaki, M. Kanbori, M. Kato, Y. Nakahara, R. Kronstrand, I Nustrom, M. Josefsson, S. Hodgins, J. Ahal. Toxicol, Phase Fig-2, Phase Fig-3.

Let's grow together!

I humbly request your help to keep doing what I do best: provide the world with unbiased sources, definitions and images. Your donation direclty influences the quality and quantity of knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight the world is exposed to.

Let's make the world a better place together!

Like what you read? Help to become even better: