GC PROFILING OF URTICA DIOICA FOR THE EFFICACY OF TRADITIONAL URTICATION THERAPY

Abstract

Urtication is an age-old homeopathic therapy used to eradicate or improve the condition of joints in patients suffering from Osteoarthritis and in paralysis. The present study aims in determining the phytochemical composition of the aerial part of the plant as well as the characterization of chemical present that imparts such anti-arthritic properties to the plant. The phytochemical analysis was done for characterization of compounds responsible for exhibiting the anti-arthritic effect in urtication therapy, using appropriate standard established protocols for GC-MS Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry analysis of aerial plant parts. The result of analysis showed presence of 58 compounds, of which 7 compounds were found to exhibit antiarthritic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. These compounds were phenolisc, flavonoids, alcohols and fatty acids in nature. 3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3- dihydro-4H-pyran-4-one was reported in highest concentration among the 7 compounds imparting potential properties for use in the traditional urtication process