Physical characterization of the tinctures of ficus racemosa l.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Physical characterization of the tinctures of ficus racemosa l.
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Subhash C. Mandal, Pulok K. Mukherjee, M. Pal, B.P. Saha
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Physical characterization of the tinctures of ficus racemosa l.
Year: 1997
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study focuses on the physical characterization of tinctures made from Ficus racemosa Linn leaves, a plant known for its medicinal properties in treating various ailments such as dysentery, diabetes, and other gastrointestinal issues. The research aimed to determine the optimal strength of alcohol needed to extract maximum soluble constituents from the plant material through a maceration process over different time periods. The leaves were collected, dried, and processed for tincture preparation using various concentrations of alcohol (from 10% to dehydrated alcohol) over 7, 14, and 21 days.
Optimal Alcohol Strength for Maximum Extractives
A crucial finding of the investigation is that a 70% v/v alcohol solution yielded the highest total solid content from the tinctures after 21 days of maceration, producing a total solid yield of 2.07% (w/w). In contrast, dehydrated alcohol produced only 1/39% (w/v), emphasizing that higher concentrations of alcohol can limit the extraction of soluble constituents. Additionally, the study recorded variations in color and pH of the tinctures corresponding to both the alcohol strength and duration of maceration, indicating the dynamic nature of the extraction process and the chemical changes occurring within the tinctures.
Conclusion
The results of this investigation underscore the importance of selecting the appropriate alcohol concentration for maceration when preparing tinctures from plant materials. The study demonstrates that 70% alcohol is most effective in extracting phytochemicals from Ficus racemosa leaves, achieving significant total solid content and favorable color attributes. These findings not only contribute to the understanding of the extraction processes involved in herbal medicine but also provide a foundation for further research into optimizing tincture formulations for therapeutic application. The recognition of the relationship between alcohol strength, maceration duration, and the resultant tincture characteristics can enhance the preparation of medicinal extracts in pharmaceutical practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What type of tinctures were studied in this research?
The study focused on tinctures prepared from the leaves of Ficus racemosa Linn, using maceration with various strengths of alcohol.
What was the maximum total solid content found?
The tincture prepared with 70% alcohol after 21 days of maceration showed the highest total solid content, yielding 2.07%.
How does the alcohol strength affect the tincture's properties?
The strength of alcohol influenced both the color and pH of the tinctures, with varying colors observed at different alcohol concentrations during the maceration period.
What were the pH levels of the tinctures?
The pH levels of the tinctures ranged from 6.0 to 7.8, decreasing as the strength of alcohol increased and as the maceration duration extended.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Physical characterization of the tinctures of ficus racemosa l.”. 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) Drug:
The term 'Drug' refers to the medicinal properties of the Ficus racemosa. In the context of the research, the study focuses on the extraction of bioactive constituents from the leaves, which are utilized in traditional medicine for treating conditions like dysentery and diabetes, demonstrating the medicinal significance of the plant.
2) Discussion:
The 'Discussion' section elaborates on the results obtained from the tinctures prepared with varying alcohol strengths and maceration durations. It provides an analysis of the outcomes, such as the variation of pH and total solid content, which helps in understanding the efficiency of the extraction process and evaluating the tincture's characteristics.
3) Science (Scientific):
'Science' in this context represents the systematic study and application of knowledge regarding the physical characterization of tinctures. This scientific investigation seeks to clarify the relationship between extraction methods and the resultant medicinal properties of the plant, contributing to the knowledge base of herbal pharmacology and phytotherapy.
4) Glass:
'Glass' relates to the equipment used, specifically the G-4 sinter glass crucible utilized for filtering the tinctures. It's relevant due to its role in ensuring a clear and precise separation of liquid extracts from the solid plant material, thereby maintaining the quality and integrity of the tincture during analysis.
5) Saha (Sāha, Shaha):
'Saha' refers to B.P. Saha, one of the authors of the research study. His contributions, alongside co-authors, are crucial for the credibility and collaborative effort behind the research. Authorial input ensures that various perspectives and expertise guide the methodology and interpretation of results in the scientific inquiry.