Pharmaceutical Development and Pharmacogenetic Evaluation of Ghutika Prepared from Bombax Ceiba Flowers for Its Potential Anthelmintic Properties

Plants function as natural biosynthetic factories, producing a wide variety of biochemical constituents beyond carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids used as nutrition. They also synthesize secondary metabolites like glycosides, alkaloids, and tannins, which exert significant physiological and therapeutic effects. These bioactive compounds play a key role in the plant’s medicinal properties. Notably, extracts of Bombax ceiba have shown promising antidiabetic activity, especially through in-vitro inhibition of enzymes such as alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. Among the different solvent extracts, aqueous and ethanolic extracts (derived from both thalamus and flowers) demonstrated the highest inhibitory action^[1]. Historically, plants have played a vital role in the development of medicines and health supplements. Bombax ceiba (family: Bombacaceae) is a large deciduous tree that is native to tropical Asia, especially in regions like India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. It can grow up to 1500 meters above sea level and is known for its multiple therapeutic uses. Almost all parts of the tree including the root, bark, gum, flowers, leaves, fruits, and seeds are used in traditional healing practices, particularly among tribal and forest communities. Pharmacological investigations reveal that Bombax ceiba exhibits multiple therapeutic properties such as astringent, cooling, diuretic, aphrodisiac, and demulcent effects. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-HIV, anti-ulcer (anti-Helicobacter pylori), analgesic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial agent. Additionally, phytochemical screenings indicate the presence of compounds such as naphthol, napthoquinones, anthocyanins, polysaccharides, shamming, and lupeol^[5] One of the major health concerns globally is helminthic infections, caused by parasitic worms, which affect various organs in the human body. Conventional anthelmintic medications often result in adverse effects including abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Hence, there is growing interest in exploring herbal alternatives that are both safe and effective ^[2]. We selected Bombax ceiba for formulation because it is readily available, easy to prepare in traditional herbal forms, and possesses a wide spectrum of phytoconstituents with proven antibacterial and anthelmintic properties. The preparation method involves decoction and drying of the plant material to develop a ghutika dosage form^[3] Natural products have significantly influenced modern pharmaceutical research. Although there are over 250,000–400,000 plant species, only a small fraction has been studied for their therapeutic potential. Less than 6% have undergone biological evaluation and only 15% have been chemically screened. This highlights the urgent need to investigate underutilized plants like Bombax ceiba for their medicinal value and therapeutic applications. This study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of Bombax ceiba flower Ghutika for its ethnobotanical uses and pharmacological potential, particularly targeting helminthic infections.

Formulation of Ghutika: Ghutika is a solid oral dosage form traditionally prepared in pill form. It typically involves the use of herbal, mineral, or animal-derived ingredients, either individually or in combination.

Advantage of Using Bombax Ceiba in Ghutika:

Key Therapeutic Benefits:

• Cooling and Bitter Taste: The flower exhibits bitter and cooling properties, making it beneficial in reducing body heat.
• Management of Leucorrhea: It is traditionally used in treating abnormal vaginal discharge.
• Pain Relief: Various parts of the plant, especially the root and stem bark, demonstrate significant analgesic (pain-relieving) effects.

Additional Health Benefits of Bombax ceiba:

• Cardiovascular Support: Bombax ceiba is known to have heart-protective effects and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
• Antioxidant Activity: The plant is rich in natural antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals.
• Wound and Skin Healing: Traditionally used in managing boils, ulcers, burns, and other inflammatory skin conditions, as well as urinary issues like dysuria and urolithiasis.

Furthermore, Bombax ceiba has demonstrated cooling, demulcent, and antimicrobial activities according to Ayurvedic texts, supporting its inclusion in traditional medicine systems. Its high safety profile and therapeutic potential justify continued investigation into its use as an herbal alternative to conventional anthelmintic therapies.

Plant Profile

Plant Name: Bombax ceiba

Scientific Name: Ceiba pentandra Linn

Common Name: Red Silk Cotton Tree

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Malvales

Family: Malvaceae

Genus: Bombax                                                       

Species: B. ceiba

Botanical Name: Bombax ceiba Linn.,

Synonym: Salmalia Malabarica ^[4]

Fig. 01: Bombax Ceiba Flowers

Description of Plant

Bombax ceiba is a tall deciduous tree that typically grows up to 20 meters in height, although older trees can reach as much as 60 meters. It thrives in tropical climates. In its younger stages, the trunk and branches bear sharp conical spines which gradually wear off with age. The leaves are compound and palmate, generally made up of six leaflets that radiate from the tip of the petiole. These leaflets range in size from 7–10 cm in width and 13–15 cm in length, with smaller ones ranging from 5 to 6 cm. Its petiole (leaf stalk) can extend up to 20 cm (8 inches), while the tree’s flowers, either solitary or in small clusters, appear at the tips or sides of the branches. When in bloom, the tree sheds its leaves, showcasing bright red flowers. The petals, which can reach up to 12 cm in length, are cup-shaped with three to five lobes. Each lobe measures approximately 3–5 cm in diameter. The stamens are grouped into five clusters, each containing more than 60 stamens. The style measures about 9 cm long, and the stigma is deep red. The ovary is pink in color, measuring about 1.5–2 cm in length and covered with fine white hairs. Fruits are elongated, oval-shaped capsules containing numerous seeds enveloped in a silky white fiber. Each fruit grows to about 13 cm in length. The unripe fruit is greenish, turning brown as it matures. This species is commonly found in countries across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. It is frequently planted along roadsides and in public gardens due to its vibrant red flowers, which bloom from March to April^[4].

Phytoconstituents

Bombax ceiba is rich in a variety of phytochemicals that contribute to its medicinal properties. These include: Polyphenols, Flavonoids, Carotenoids, Coumarins, Saponins, Tannins, Phenolic acids, Isoflavones, Lignans, Anthraquinones, Procyanidins, Stilbenoids, Ginsenosides, and others. These compounds exhibit several pharmacological actions such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective effects, making the plant highly beneficial for herbal drug formulations.

Phytochemicals in the Leaves: Preliminary screening of Bombax ceiba leaves confirms the presence of glycosides, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, and proteins. Specifically, the leaves have been found to contain flavonol C-glycoside and shamimin, a known bioactive constituent ^[6].

Phytochemicals in the Flowers: The flowers of Bombax ceiba contain complex polysaccharides. These include chains of β(1→4)-linked D-galactopyranose and β(1→3)-linked L-arabinopyranose units, which are further connected to terminal sugars like α-linked D-galactose, α-linked L-rhamnose, and L-arabinose. These sugar chains are considered valuable for their biological functions^[7,8]

Phytochemicals in the Seeds: Seeds of Bombax ceiba yield significant bioactive compounds such as N-hexacosanol and palmitic acid. In addition, the seed oil has been found to contain phytosterols, stearic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and enzymes like lipase^[9].

Ethnobotanical Uses

1. Traditionally used to reduce symptoms of nausea, hyperacidity, dyspepsia, flatulence, and vomiting.

2. Possesses anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) activity, particularly effective against intestinal worms.

3. Applied in the treatment of skin-related conditions and infections.

4. The bark is boiled and consumed as a decoction to manage fever.

5. Widely used in managing diseases such as cholera, tuberculosis, urinary infections, nocturnal emissions, and impotency.

6. Decoction of the bark is also used as a natural remedy for constipation^[10]

METHODOLOGY

• pH Determination

   The pH of the Ghutika was measured using a benchtop digital pH meter.

• Raw Material Testing

Ash Value: Refers to the inorganic residue left after ignition of the sample is called as ash. For Ghutika preparations, this should not exceed 2% as per Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia standards^..

Loss on Drying: This test determines the moisture content by heating the sample until a constant weight is achieved. It reflects the percentage of water and volatile matter present in the sample^[14].

Extractive Values

1. Alcoholic Extract Procedure: The powdered plant material is soaked in ethanol. After 24 hours, the mixture is filtered using standard filtration methods (filter paper and funnel). The clear filtrate is then separated and used for analysis ^[14]

    Fig 02: Bombax ceiba in alcoholic extract

2. Aqueous Extract Procedure:100 ml of distilled water is mixed with 2 g of Bombax ceiba powder. The mixture is heated for 30 minutes in a water bath. After cooling, it is filtered and used for further tests^[14]

Fig 03: Bombax ceiba in Water extract

TLC Value: After determination of extractive value of a different value of different sample of Ghutica this extract were further dissolved in  0.5 ml of their respective solvents and 10microliter of each sample was applied on thin layer chromatography plates manually. with the help of TLC chamber, the TLC pattern were observed in the solvent system(a) toluene: ethylene: acetate: methanol 80:20:10 and solvent system (b) methanol, 12 the chromatograms were visualized under 254 nm and 365nm ^[12].

Each spot has a retention factor which is expressed as (Rf)

• • Rf value=Distance travel by solute/Distance travel by solvent

Fig 04: TLC of Bombax ceiba

Methods Of Preparation:

Ghutika preparation involves preparing a decoction of herbs, firstly we have to collect a flower and wash them. after collection dry that flower for few days.

1.Drying and Pulverization: The dried Bombax ceiba flowers are powdered using a grinder or pulverized. The powder is sieved through mesh #80 to obtain a fine, uniform consistency.

2. Weighing of Ingredients:  Accurately weigh the required quantities of Bombax ceiba powder, jaggery, asafoetida  and cardamom according to the formulation batch size.

3. Preparation of Binding Syrup (Jaggery Solution): Jaggery is gently heated with minimal water to prepare a semi-thick syrup that acts as a binding agent.

4. Mixing: The herbal powders (Bombax ceiba, asafoetida, and cardamom) are mixed thoroughly in a mortar to ensure uniform blending. Gradually add the warm jaggery syrup to the powder mix and triturate to form a cohesive, semi-solid mass suitable for molding into pills.

5. Rolling and Shaping: The cohesive mass is divided into equal portions and hand-rolled into spherical pills (ghutika) of uniform size, typically weighing between 250 mg to 500 mg each.

6. Drying: The prepared ghutika are dried under shade or indirect sunlight for 1–2 days to ensure complete removal of moisture. After drying, the pills are stored in air-tight glass containers or blister packs.

7. Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture to preserve stability and effectiveness ^[13].

Table 1: Ingredient Data Contain

Pharmaceutical Evaluation:

• PH: It has a neutral PH
• Moisture content:20% We have considered water as lower the better ghutika. measurement most have a low moisture (e.g. circus peanuts with 8% moisture)

MC= W – d/w x 100

Where, MC = moisture content %

W = Weight of sample

d = Weight after drying.

Pharmaceutical Parameters

1)Hardness:

Hardness the measure of the mechanical integrity of the ghutika it is the force required to break the ghutika in a specific plan .the ghutika must have a specific strength and hardness to able the with stand mechanical shaking during manufacturing packaging and transport . Pfizer’s tablet hardness tester was use to independently test the randomly chosen tablet.

2)Friability test:

The friability is measured by the amount of weigh loss following tumbling .friability test is conducted in the Roche friability apparatus by taking 20 ghutika. tjis consist of plastic drum that revolves at 25rpm dropping the ghutika through 6 inches in a friabilator to undergo shock , which is then operated for a 100 revolutions the ghutika are reweighed . The ghutika lose less than 1.0 percent than the ghutika weight are consider as acceptable.

• Weight Variation Test
• The weight variation test performs with ghutika the desired amount of ghutika in number are taken weight variation test is perform were there is any variation in ghutika if its variation more than desired limit which is 5% should not cross. Weight 20 tablet and then its average weight is calculated.

3)Disintegration time

The state in which no residue of the ghutika remains on the remains on the screen of apparatus .This test will determine whether the ghutika disintergrates within a specified time when it is placed in liquid medium under the control prescribed experimental condition .

Disintegration weight of ghutika=15min

4)Dissolution time:

The time required for the dissolve ghutika in a sample solution is Dissolution time of ghutika is 14min^[14].

RESULT:

Pharmaceutical properties:

Table 2: organoleptic properties of formulations.

Table 3: physiochemical parameter of Bombax ceiba.

Table 4: Pharmaceutical parameter of inhouse F1and F2 parameter.

Table 5: Inhouse F1 parameter And Inhouse F2 parameter

Table 6: Pharmaceutical test

Table 7: TLC Table

Table 8: physiochemical Screening of bombax ceiba drug.

Sr. no.	Plant constituents	Test regent	Aqueous extract	Ethanolic Extract	Diagram
1.	Alkaloids	1)Dragendorff’s reagent 2)Wagner’s reagent 3)Mayer’s reagent 4)Hager’s reagent	+   + + +	+   + + +	1 2 3 4
2.	Carbohydrate	1)Molish’s test 2) Fehling’s test	+ +	+ +	2
3.	Tannins	Ferric chloride test Led acecate test	+ +	+ +	1               2
4)	Flavonoids	Shinoda test	+	+
5)	Proteins	Biuret reagent	+	+
6)	Ammonia	Ninhydrin	+	+

(+) Indicate presence (-) Indicate absence