PHYSICOCHEMICAL EVALUATION AND HPTLC FINGERPRINTING OF VIPAREETA MALLA TAILA AND ITS OINTMENT FORMULATION

Abstract

Background: Vipareeta Malla Taila, a classical Ayurvedic oil-based formulation described in Chakradatta under Vrana Shotha Adhikara, is traditionally indicated for the management of Vrana. Modification of traditional dosage forms into patient-friendly formulations, such as ointments, may enhance therapeutic applicability, ease of administration, and patient compliance while preserving the inherent therapeutic potential of the formulation. Aim: To prepare Vipareeta Malla Taila, develop an ointment from the classical formulation, and evaluate its physicochemical, microbiological, and HPTLC characteristics. Methods: Vipareeta Malla Taila was prepared according to the classical taila paka procedure. The medicated oil was converted into an ointment using a suitable ointment base. Both the oil and ointment were subjected to physicochemical evaluation, microbiological analysis, and HPTLC fingerprint profiling using standard analytical procedures. Results: The prepared Vipareeta Malla Taila showed a pH of 4.2, specific gravity of 0.94, refractive index of 1.462, iodine value of 103.68, acid value of 3.10, peroxide value of 63.18, and saponification value of 184.90. The developed ointment exhibited a pH of 4.9, spreadability of 30 g cm/s, viscosity of 3629 cP, total fat content of 80.72% w/w, and total acidity of 0.82%. Microbial analysis showed counts within permissible limits, with the absence of specified pathogenic organisms. HPTLC analysis revealed a characteristic fingerprint profile at 254 nm and 366 nm, which may serve as a reference marker for quality control. Conclusion: The study established preliminary pharmaceutical and analytical standards for Vipareeta Malla Taila and its ointment form. The findings provide valuable reference data for quality assessment, standardization, and maintaining batch-to-batch consistency of the formulation.