Standardization of Trikatu Powder and Comparative Analysis of the Quality Parameters of Its Constituent Drugs

Abstract

Trikatu is a classical polyherbal formulation consisting of Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Maricha (Piper nigrum), and Pippali (Piper longum) in equal proportions. Standardisation of herbal formulations is essential to ensure consistency and quality of raw materials and finished products. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the quality parameters of Trikatu powder and its individual constituent drugs through organoleptic, physicochemical, chromatographic, and analytical approaches. The collected samples were authenticated and processed individually before preparation of Trikatu powder. Organoleptic and macroscopic characteristics were evaluated, followed by assessment of moisture content, ash values, extractive values, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The physicochemical parameters showed moisture content of 7.6%, 9.36%, 8.36%, and 9.6%; total ash values of 4.6%, 4.45%, 6.45%, and 4.6%; water-soluble extractive values of 4.4%, 14.4%, 19.4%, and 19.4%; and alcohol-soluble extractive values of 7.4%, 15.44%, 13.44%, and 15.4% for Shunthi, Maricha, Pippali, and Trikatu powders, respectively, establishing comparative analytical profiles. TLC analysis demonstrated characteristic chromatographic patterns for individual ingredients and the combined formulation. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of Piperine as a marker compound in Trikatu powder, with a quantified content of 0.018 mg/mL (0.18%), indicating the presence of a key bioactive constituent. The findings provide analytical information regarding the quality characteristics and standardisation parameters of Trikatu powder. The study contributes baseline data for quality evaluation and supports further investigations related to the formulation.