Standardization and Surface Characterization Studies of a Siddha Formulation: Chandamarutha centhuram

Abstract

Chandamarutha centhuram is an important and popular metal-based Siddha preparation and mainly used for all types of arthritis, lupus erythematosus, gout, infections, parkinsonism, hemiplegia, delirium, throat infection and all types of fever. In present work, three batches of Chandamarutha centhuram were procured from the same manufacturer and subjected to standardization and surface characterization studies. Elemental analysis was performed using XRF and surface characterization studies were done employing sophisticated instrumentation techniques like XRD and SEM, which revealed the size of the particle ranging from 6.92 μm to 55.46 μm. The FTIR studies demonstrated peaks in the region at 3851.62 cm^-1 to 592.50 cm^-1. Particle size analysis and thermal stability studies were carried out using zeta sizer and TG-DTA. Data of physico-chemical analysis revealed the total ash content of the samples to be below 1.5%, which indicated purity of the sample. While Batch I of C. centhuram did not contain acid insoluble and water soluble ash, Batch II and III contained negligible amounts. The moisture content was below 3%. The XRF analysis showed the presence of mercury as the major constitutent (72.63-76.4%). The current information may prove helpful in establishing the physico-chemical criteria for the formulation and in deducing the surface characterisation of a chosen Siddha formulation, which hints at its nano-structure and nature.