Botanical, Physiochemical and Biological standardization of Galcistic a polyherb formulation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48047/HM.V8.I1.2022.593-604Keywords:
Gallstone dissolution, Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Antihyperlipidemic activity, Hepatoprotective activityAbstract
Galcistic is a traditional polyherbal formulation widely prescribed for gallstone management, hepatoprotection, and gastrointestinal disorders. Despite its therapeutic use, limited scientific evidence exists regarding its pharmacognostic and physicochemical standardization. The present experimental study was designed to establish comprehensive botanical, physicochemical, and phytochemical standards for Galcistic using official and non-official quality control parameters. The formulation containing Murraya koenigii, Trachyspermum ammi, and Brassica nigra was subjected to macroscopic, microscopic, proximate, fluorescence, and phytochemical analyses. Physicochemical parameters, including total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble ash, sulfated ash, moisture content, swelling index, foaming index, and extractive values, were determined according to WHO guidelines. Biological evaluation demonstrated significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gallstone dissolution, antihyperlipidemic, and hypoglycemic activities. Among all extracts, the aqueous extract exhibited the highest gallstone dissolution potential and biological activity. Histopathological studies further confirmed hepatoprotective effects by reducing hepatic inflammation and degeneration in hyperlipidemic animals.The findings scientifically validate the traditional use of Galcistic in gallstone management and support its future pharmaceutical development as a standardized herbal formulation.
Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical evaluation demonstrated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, proteins, terpenoids, and glycosides. Total ash and moisture content were recorded as 7.75 ± 0.00% and 6.50 ± 0.03%, respectively, while saponins constituted the predominant phytochemical fraction (98.76 ± 0.00%). Microscopic evaluation revealed characteristic anisocytic stomata, calcium oxalate crystals, trichomes, and vascular tissues, confirming botanical authenticity. Fluorescence analysis demonstrated distinct color variations under ultraviolet radiation, indicating chemical diversity. The findings establish reliable identification and quality control parameters for Galcistic and support its standardization for pharmaceutical and herbal industries.
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