Comparative Quality Assessment of Murchita Tila Taila Focusing on Market Samples

Abstract

Introduction: Sneha Kalpana is a vital Ayurvedic pharmaceutic process, wherein lipid-based formulations are prepared using medicinal herbs. Tila Taila (sesame oil) is frequently used, and Sneha Murchana is performed prior to detoxify the oil and enhance its stability. Materials and Methods: An in-house Murchita Tila Taila was prepared following classical Sneha Murchana procedures as per Ayurvedic Formulary of India. It was compared with three market samples from GMP-certified pharmacies. Physicochemical parameters—refractive index, specific gravity, saponification value, acid value, iodine value, and rancidity—were assessed per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India at a certified Drug Testing Laboratory. Results: All samples, including market and in-house Murchita Tila Taila, showed similar organoleptic properties and comparable refractive index (1.482–1.483), specific gravity (0.915–0.917), saponification (192.57–210.27), acid values (1.55–2.78), and tested negative for rancidity, indicating acceptable quality and shelf life. However, iodine values varied significantly, with market samples (107.85–123.11) showing higher unsaturation than the in-house sample (57.84), which may influence therapeutic efficacy. Discussion: The absence of standardized parameters for herbal formulations often leads to substandard products, affecting their efficacy. This study compared key physicochemical parameters of market-available Murchita Tila Taila with a genuine in-house sample. The following parameters were evaluated: specific gravity, rancidity, iodine value, acid value, refractive index, and saponification value. While most values were comparable and no rancidity was detected, market samples showed significantly higher iodine values, indicating greater unsaturation that may impact therapeutic effects. The traditional Sneha Murchana process enhances oil stability and quality, highlighting the need for standardization to ensure consistent safety and efficacy in herbal oils.

Keywords

Introduction

DISCUSSION:

The absence of standardized parameters for herbal formulations has led to frequent cases of substandard and adulterated crude drugs. Ensuring the quality of herbal crude drugs and their active components is crucial to maintaining therapeutic effectiveness. In Ayurveda, it is vital to standardize preparations to maintain consistent concentrations of active ingredients and preserve their efficacy through physicochemical stability. This study focused on evaluating the authenticity of market-available Murchita Tila Taila samples by comparing their physicochemical characteristics with that of a genuinely prepared in-house Murchita Tila Taila. The evaluation was carried out in two phases—physicochemical analysis of market samples followed by comparison with the in-house preparation. The following parameters were evaluated: specific gravity, rancidity, iodine value, acid value, refractive index, and saponification value.As per Ayurvedic principles, the Sneha Murchana process is performed to eliminate Ama Dosha (toxins or impurities) from the base oil and to improve the absorption potential of the medicinal formulation. The heat applied during this process helps in evaporating moisture, which in turn reduces the tendency of the oil to become rancid. From a modern perspective, this procedure is similar to the oil refinement process, which aims to eliminate impurities such as free fatty acids, phospholipids, moisture, and colorants that may adversely affect the oil’s physical and chemical properties. The concept of Ama Dosha can be scientifically associated with rancidity. Oxidation and hydrolysis are key processes that lead to rancidification, resulting in the formation of harmful compounds like aldehydes and peroxides. These degraded lipids not only have unpleasant taste and odor but are also linked to carcinogenic effects, aging, and increased cholesterol levels upon prolonged use⁵. By preventing lipid peroxidation and adding antioxidant qualities, the Murchana process raises the medicinal oil's overall therapeutic value. In the current study, the physicochemical parameters used for assessment included refractive index, specific gravity, saponification value, acid value, iodine value, and rancidity. Refractive index values were found to be 1.482, 1.482, 1.483 for the market samples, while the in-house sample showed 1.483—all within acceptable ranges. A lower refractive index may indicate decreased density, potentially caused by heating, which spreads the fat molecules and increases the volume. Specific gravity values ranged from 0.915 to 0.917 across all samples, including the in-house sample. This parameter depends on the composition of the oil; increased aromatic compounds and reduced saturated fats lead to higher specific gravity, which is beneficial for health⁶. The market samples had saponification values of 210.269, 192.572, and 197.166, whereas the in-house sample had values of 194.11. Lower saponification values suggest a higher presence of long-chain fatty acids, which are advantageous for cardiovascular health and inflammation regulation⁷. The acid values of the samples were 2.781, 1.551, and 2.237, while the in-house sample had a value of 2.231%. This parameter indicates the free fatty acid content. Lower values reflect fewer free fatty acids, which translates to higher oil stability⁸. All samples tested negative for rancidity, suggesting the absence of moisture and satisfactory shelf life. Higher rancidity would compromise therapeutic potential and shelf stability. Among all parameters, the only significant variation was observed in the iodine value. The in-house sample showed an iodine value of 57.835, whereas the market samples recorded higher values of 123.111, 107.848, and 119.060. The iodine value indicates the degree of unsaturation in fatty acids.. Oils with higher iodine values have more unsaturated fats, which contribute positively to heart health, cholesterol balance, and anti-inflammatory effects⁹.

CONCLUSION:

The study highlights the critical role of the Murchana process in enhancing oil stability and therapeutic efficacy through natural antioxidant activity. The in-house sample, prepared using traditional methods, met all standard parameters, unlike the minor deviations seen in market samples. This emphasizes the need for standardized processing and strict quality control to ensure the authenticity, safety, and effectiveness of Ayurvedic medicated oils.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my guide, Dr. R. S. Hiremath, for his invaluable guidance and support. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to my seniors and colleagues for their valuable inputs and encouragement throughout this work."

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