Comparison of the two extraction methods of fruit pulp of Aragvadha (Cassia fistula Linn.) by HPTLC

Abstract

Background: The existence of significant bioactive compounds in herbs makes them pharmacologically treasured. Aragvadha (Cassia fistula Linn.), generally known as 'golden shower tree' is popular for its medicinal properties in Ayurveda. The fruit pulp of it owns medicinal values. Each plant has certain bioactive important compounds. For the extraction of different vital compounds, there is a need of specific method of extraction, which are known as ‘panchavidha kashaya kalpana’ (five varieties of extraction) in Ayurveda. These are - Svarasa (expressed juice), Kalka (paste), Kvatha (decoction), Hima (cold infusion) and Phanta (hot infusion). From centuries, Ayurvedic physicians are using extraction method, called as 'phanta' (hot infusion) for the fruit pulp of Aragvadha as a conventional technique; Ayurvedic scriptures also recommend the 'kvatha' (decoction) extraction process. To assess the superiority of these two extraction procedures, the present work used high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis of Aragvadha (Cassia fistula Linn.) fruit pulp methanolic extract for phytochemical profiling. Results: The HPTLC analysis of Aragvadha (Cassia fistula Linn.) fruit pulp methanolic extract was carried out using winCATS Planar Chromatography Manager system, and the outcomes, which were obtained as chromatograms (scanned at the wavelength of 254 nm and 366 nm) representing multiple peaks. The plant's phytochemical profile of both samples were established, and tables indicating the total count of peaks with the height, area, percent area of peaks, and Rf values. Conclusion: The study revealed that the 'kadha' (decoction) of Aragvadha (Cassia fistula Linn.) fruit pulp methanolic extract contains a rich variety of phytochemicals as compare to 'phanta' (hot infusion) which might be accountable for its therapeutic value and thus justifies superiority of the 'kadha' (decoction) extraction method.