Author(s): Shanmugapriya P, Anoop Austin, Thamodharan S, Jiji Mol VC, Jeeva Gladys R, Ramamurthy M and Christian GJ

Abstract: Modern analytical equipment’s offers a tremendous advantage among validation of drugs from herbal origin. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is one such instrumental method that can be utilized for quantitative and qualitative identification of biologically active phytocomponents present in various herbs and its extracts. Croton tiglium (CT) seeds are widely used in the traditional system of Indian medicine like Siddha, Ayurveda and Chinese medicine as a Purgative. Seeds of CT possess certain toxic principles which have to be detoxified and purified before inclusion of the same for therapeutic ailments. Siddha system of medicine has unique method of purification without compromising the biologically active components present in the drugs. To evaluate the chemical changes being which occur due to the detoxification process to elucidate the changes which would help us to understand the difference and the scientific rationale involved in such traditional practice. Hence the main aim of the present investigation is to carry out the detailed phytochemical and sophisticated instrumental analysis of the croton seeds with HPLC and GC-MS incorporating all the stages of purification procedures as listed in the Vedic literature. The results of the study has revealed that there was a significant reduction of Phorbol, a toxic organic compound from 5.18 to 3.86% and also the saturated fatty acids like, Arachidic acid, Behenic acid, Stearic acid and Palmitic acid whereas all the un saturated fatty acids like Oleic acid, Linoleic acid seems unaltered. In conclusion the present research finding would be highly beneficial for the researchers to understand the compositional verification that happens in the process of purification and its impact on biological activity.