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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)

ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025

Qualitative Analysis of Siddha Formulation Nilavagai Chooranam by

Using Modern Analytical Techniques

Janani A M

Assistant professor, Department of Gunapadam- Marunthakaviyal, Nandha Siddha Medical college &

Hospital, Chennai, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.120800379

Received: 28 Sep 2025; Accepted: 04 Oct 2025; Published: 16 October 2025

ABSTRACT

Medicines derived from herbs possess a unique advantage due to their higher standard of well-being and

therapeutic properties. Simultaneously, herbal remedies are also cost-effective, making them accessible to a

wider population. Medicinal plants have long played a significant role in the ancient Siddha system, offering

natural solutions to various health concerns.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that herbal resources are susceptible to contamination, particularly from

bacterial or fungal infections during the stages of harvesting, processing, and storage of raw materials. When

these contaminated parts are utilized in medicinal preparations, their bioactive properties may diminish,

leading to a loss of potency and efficacy. Additionally, the use of pesticides to safeguard plants from infections

and insects introduces the risk of toxic pesticide residues infiltrating the medicinal components.

In light of these concerns, a comprehensive analysis of the Siddha herbal preparation Nilavagai chooranam

was conducted to assess pesticide residue, specific pathogens, and aflatoxins using modern techniques. The

analytical reports conclusively demonstrate that the drug is free from contamination and exhibits the absence

of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2. This substantiates the safety of the drug for use as medication.

This preliminary step in the herbal formulation process serves to uphold the quality and integrity of the herbal

drug before it is introduced to the market. It underscores the commitment to ensuring the safety and efficacy of

herbal medicines, thereby promoting confidence among consumers and healthcare practitioners.

In conclusion, the meticulous assessment of herbal preparations for potential contaminants is imperative in

safeguarding public health and upholding the credibility of herbal medicine. By adhering to stringent quality

control measures, we can continue to harness the benefits of herbal remedies while mitigating associated risks.

Keywords: Aflatoxins analysis, Medicinal plants, Pesticide residue, Quality of herbal drugs, Specific

pathogen.

INTRODUCTION

Herbal drugs are widely avail of for health care in the world. They have primary importance due to their

therapeutic values to various health issues. These drugs are important as traditional remedies and as trade

commodities that satisfy the needs of far-flung markets [1]. The current practices of harvesting, production,

transportation, and storage of herbal raw materials are significantly susceptible to contamination and the

proliferation of microorganisms. Consequently, these factors compromise the quality and sustainability of

herbal drugs. Moreover, the failure to control moisture levels during the production or storage process can lead

to degradation of the products.

Pesticides, which are chemical substances with varying levels of toxicity and modes of action, are utilized to

control target pests, often leaving behind residues in plant parts. This has raised concerns among consumers

about the presence of toxic chemicals in herbal products. In response to these concerns, national authorities

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rigorously evaluate the toxicity of pesticides before authorizing their use. The OECD guidelines for testing

chemicals comprise a comprehensive collection of internationally agreed testing methods utilized by

government, industry, and independent laboratories to ensure the safety of pesticides.

It is crucial to prioritize the protection of consumers and the environment by strictly adhering to these

guidelines and regulations. By doing so, we can mitigate the potential risks associated with pesticide residues

and uphold the quality and safety of herbal products (5). Each medicine should be testing the pesticide

analysis. If that medicine free from pesticides, then only allowed to consume.

Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 are fungal secondary toxic metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus

parasiticus and Aspergillus nomius. Aflatoxins are the strongest natural carcinogens and their main target organ

is liver. The International Agency for Research on cancer (IARC) has classified Aflatoxin B1 into group 1

human carcinogen and B2, G1, G2 are the possible carcinogens to humans [2].

The contamination of microorganisms and their toxic chemicals that deteriorate the active principles of drugs

and make them unsafe for consumption [1]. So, it is essential to identify the risks with their use as safety of

herbal medicines as an important public health issue [2]. This present study aimed to assess the safety

parameters including pesticide residue, Specific pathogen, Aflatoxins analysis through using modern analytical

techniques under the standard Ayush guidelines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Preparation of Nilavagai chooranam

Raw drug collection:

The herbal raw materials are collected in reputed raw drug store in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Authentication:

Before making of medicine preparation, the ingredients should authenticate to prevent the usage of adulterant

materials. The raw drugs are certified under Botanists of Gunapadam in Government Siddha Medical College,

Chennai.

Method of preparation:

Preparation of chooranam is made under the procedure mentioned in Agathiyar Vaithiya Rathina Surukkam-

360 [3]. Once chooranam is prepared, it will be purified by steam cooking [4].

B. Analytical methods:

Pesticide residue:

The chooranam were extracted with acetone, it is followed by homogenization. Further filtration was allowed.

Then, subsequent addition of acetone to the test mixture. Heating of sample was performed at a temperature

below 40ºC until the solvent has almost completely evaporated. To the residue add a few ml of toluene. Heat

again until the acetone is completely removed. Resultant residue will be dissolved using toluene and filtered.

Test for Specific Pathogen:

Test sample was directly inoculated in to the specific pathogen medium by pour plate method. Colour

characteristic in different media denotes the presence of specific pathogen. Table no. 1. expresses the different

medium for specific pathogen.

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)

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Table no. 1: Specific Medium for pathogens

Organism

Medium

E-coli

EMB Agar

Salmonella

Deoxycholate agar

Staphylococcus Aureus

Mannitol salt agar

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

Cetrimide Agar

Test for Aflatoxins

The assay done by TLC method under UV light at 365 nm. Identify the spots when compared to the standard.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Above analytical test was made under the AYUSH guidelines. From the pesticide residue report, the samples

showed low levels of organochlorines, organophosphorus, organo carbamates and pyrethroids and compared

with the limit of measurement of AYUSH. Thus, there is no traces of pesticides in the sample chooranam

(Table no.2, Table no.3, Table no.4). Hence, the ingredients of the drug were pesticides free and the drug safe

for consumption

Table no. 2: Organochlorine pesticides

S.no

Organo Chlorine

Pesticides

Sample

AYUSH Limit

(mg/kg)

Alpha BHC

BQL

0.1mg/kg

Beta BHC

BQL

0.1mg/kg

Gamma BHC

BQL

0.1mg/kg

Delta BHC

BQL

0.1mg/kg

DDT

BQL

1mg/kg

Endosulphan

BQL

3 mg/kg

Table no. 3: Organo phosphorus pesticides

S.no

Organo phosphorus

Pesticides

Sample

AYUSH Limit

(mg/kg)

Malathion

BQL

1mg/kg

Chlorpyriphos

BQL

0.2 mg/kg

Ichlorovos

BQL

1mg/kg

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Table no. 4: Organo carbamates and Pyrethroids

S.no

Pesticides residue

Sample

AYUSH Limit

(mg/kg)

Organo-carbamates:

Carbofuran

BQL

0.1 mg/kg

Pyrethroid: Pyrethroid

BQL

1mg/kg

BQL- Below Quantification Limit

Specific pathogen analysis reveals there is no colonies or growth observed in incubation period from the plates

inoculated with the test sample. Thus, there is absence of pathogens in chooranam (Table no.5). It ensures

sterile pharmaceuticals and substances are safe for use as medication.

Table no. 5: Specific Pathogen Test

S.no

Organism

Result

Method

E-coli

Absent

As per

AYUSH

specification

Salmonella

Absent

Staphylococcus

Aureus

Absent

Pseudomonas

Aeruginosa

Absent

Aflatoxins test reveals there is no spots in test sample when compared with standard. Accordingly, the

chooranam free from Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2 (Table no. 6). Aflatoxins are highly toxic, carcinogenic and

severe contamination to plant sources, leading to serious health consequences. In that way, the sample

Nilavagai chooranam is safe for use as medication.

Table no. 6: Aflatoxins Test

Aflatoxins

Sample

AYUSH Specification Limit

Not Detected – Absent

0.5 ppm (0.5mg/kg)

Not Detected - Absent

0.1 ppm (0.1mg/kg)

Not Detected - Absent

0.5 ppm (0.5mg/kg)

Not Detected - Absent

0.1 ppm (0.1mg/kg)

CONCLUSION

The internal medicines are important role in human health. So, the drug should responsible for protecting

public health by ensuring the safety and efficacy. The good manufacturing process only will ensure the safety

of the drug; thus, it is free from contaminations, pesticides and aflatoxins. Through this, the ingredients are

well processed, prepared, stored and safe. This preliminary study ensures the safety of Nilavagai chooranam.

Further analytical research should be conducted to assess its efficacy. It is important to thoroughly evaluate the

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potential benefits of Nilavagai chooranam through rigorous research. This will help to determine its

effectiveness in addressing specific health concerns. It is imperative to prioritize the safety and efficacy of any

medicinal product to ensure the well-being of consumers. Therefore, comprehensive research is essential in

order to make informed decisions about the use of Nilavagai chooranam.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The author conveys the sincere gratitude to family, friends, colleagues.

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3. Agathiyar vaithiya rathina surukkam-360, (B. Rathina nayakar and sons, Chennai-79), 2009, 48.

4. R. Thiyagarajan, Gunapadam Thathu-jeeva vaguppu (part 2& 3), (Indian medicine and Homeopathy

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