Phytochemical Fingerprinting of Polyherbal Oil and Its Topical Derivatives (Gel and Ointment) using LC-MS analysis.

Abstract

Background: Polyherbal formulations play a pivotal role in Ayurveda therapeutics; while their complex phytochemical composition demands analytical validation for their quality and safety. Pharmaceutical development of classical Ayurveda formulations to advanced dosage forms is the dire need for enhanced patient compliance. Aim: To develop a polyherbal oil and its topical derivatives (gel and ointment) and comparatively characterize their phytochemical fingerprints using LC–MS analysis. Methods: The Polyherbal oil was prepared by following the basic principles of Sneha kalpana(oil and ghee preparations) and its conversion to gel and ointment were done by the contemporary principles and their comparative analytical evaluation is carried out using Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) under identical chromatographic conditions. Results: LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic glycosides, sterols, and fatty acids across all formulations. Polyherbal oil demonstrated broader phytochemical diversity with compounds such as α-pinene, harmol, curdione, campesterol, and lupeol, while the ointment and gel retained selective phytoconstituents including glyasperine D, syringing, homoorientin, lupeol derivatives, flavonoids glycosides, and isoflavonoids. Comparative analysis showed partial retention of key phytochemical groups despite formulation modifications.  Conclusion: The study demonstrated retention of major phytochemical groups across all formulation dependent variations in LC-MS profiles. LC-MS fingerprinting was found useful for comparative phytochemical evaluation of topical dosage forms.