Structural and elemental characterization of traditional Indian Siddha formulation: Thalagak karuppu.

BACKGROUND: The traditional Indian medicine 'Siddha' uses metals, metalloids and minerals including toxic ones with no proven toxicity. Thalagak karuppu (TK) is remarkably stable over a century and used for treating Suram (Fever), Kaasam (Cough), Elai (Tuberculosis) and Eraippu Erumal (Bronchial Asthma).

OBJECTIVE: The present study addresses elemental and morphological characterization of therapeutic Siddha formulation: Thalagak karuppu (TK).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: TK was purchased from the Indian Medical Practitioners Co-operative Pharmacy and Stores (IMCOPS) Ltd, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. The physicochemical properties were evaluated using UV-visible spectrophotometer, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Zeta sizer and X-ray diffractometer (XRD).

RESULTS: The mixed nature of arsenic was analyzed using UV-visible spectroscopy. The fingerprint region for arsenic derivatives was inferred from IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction patterns. The shape and size heterogeneity in the anisotropic mixture was observed in SEM images and the polydispersity was analyzed by Zeta sizer.

CONCLUSIONS: The structural, elemental and morphological analyses suggests that the arsenic may predominantly exist either as orpiment (As2 S2 ) or realgar (As2 S4 ) form. The possibility is less for the toxic arsenolite. Hence, the formulation may be considered safe.