COMPARATIVE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROFILE OF ‘VATSANABHA’ (Aconitum ferox, Ranunculaceae) MULA PROCESSED THROUGH COW'S URINE AND COW'S MILK

Toxic effects of Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox Wall.) Mula (root), a poisonous plant drug, are well noted in Ayurvedic texts. This may even be fatal and so is recommended to be used only in proper dose and after proper processing (Shodhana) with some specific media. The concept of Shodhana (purificatory measures) in Ayurveda is not only a process of detoxification but also a process to enhance the potency and efficacy of the drug. In Ayurvedic literature, media like Gomutra (Cow's urine) and Godugdha (Cow's milk) has been reported for processing of Vatsanabha. This study focuses on evaluation of these two Shodhana (purification) processes. Vatsanabha Mula was processed by using Gomutra (cow's urine) and Godugdha (cow's milk) and the raw roots were taken as control. Changes in every physicochemical parameter confirm the effect of purification on Vatsanabha. No change was observed in the pH value of two samples. In HPTLC analysis, spots detected under both 254nm and 366nm were less in number after purification with cow's urine compared to purification with cow's milk, indicating denaturation of some component after purification. Hence, Vatsanabha Mula purified by Gomutra (cow's urine) may be regarded as better method of purification as far as toxic alkaloids are concerned.