Phytochemical, Physicochemical and Chromatographic Profiling in Quality Control Systems for Select Herbal Medicines (Conavir and Niprd-AM1)

Abstract

Background: Conavir, an immunostimulant from aerial parts of Andrographis paniculata (AP) and Niprd-AM1, an antimalarial from roots of Nauclea latifolia (NL), are dry water extracts for capsulation. AP and NL have been in use in Asia and Africa for centuries. Purpose: The study aimed to ascertain the criteria for quality assured production of Conavir and Niprd-AM1. Experimental Details: Procedures of World Health Organization (WHO) were applied to evaluate quality parameters of AP/Conavir and NL/Niprd-AM1. Results and Discussion: Conavir is granular, greenish brown, intensely bitter and practically odourless. Tests on AP and Conavir revealed alkaloids, saponins, tannins and terpenoids, but cardiac and cyanogenic glycosides (considered toxic) were not detected. Normal phase TLC of AP and Conavir yielded 5 principal spots each, while the reverse phase TLC yielded 6. HPLC fingerprints of AP, Conavir and a reference standard were reproducible but differed from each other. The GC-MS data of Conavir were consistent with the phytochemical profile of AP. Effect of storage suggested that both AP and Conavir were stable for up to 21 months or more. Niprd-AM1 is granular, yellowish brown and faintly aromatic, with an exciting bitter taste. Both NL and Niprd-AM1 contained alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and terpenoids, but cardiac and cyanogenic glycosides were not detected. Normal phase TLC of NL yielded 9 principal spots, while Niprd-AM1 yielded 5, but the reverse phase TLC yielded 9 for each. HPLC fingerprints of NL, Niprd-AM1 and a reference standard were reproducible but differed from each other. The GC-MS data of Niprd-AM1 were consistent with the phytochemical profile of NL. Most of the quality variables of NL and Niprd-AM1 remained unchanged up to the 39th month of storage. Conclusion: The results are consistent with NIPRD’s intention to file for the registration of Conavir and Niprd-AM1 for use in Nigeria.