Phytochemical Characterization of Udumbara Phala Churna (Ficus racemosa) and Krishnamrittika (Black Soil) Using FTIR and HR-LCMS: Implications in Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Abstract

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), or Asrigdara in Ayurvedic terminology, is a prevalent gynecological disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Conventional therapies, including hormonal interventions and surgical procedures, often carry side effects and limitations, which encourages the exploration of safe, effective, and natural alternatives. Ayurveda, the traditional system of Indian medicine, describes Udumbara (Ficus racemosa) and Krishnamrittika (black soil) as agents with rakta-stambhana (hemostatic) and shothahara (anti-inflammatory) properties. The present study aimed to establish the phytochemical profile of these two formulations using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HR-LCMS). FTIR analysis of Udumbara phala churna revealed peaks corresponding to hydroxyl, alkane, carbonyl, carboxylate, ether, ester, aromatic, and halogen functional groups, while Krishnamrittika exhibited characteristic O-H, N-H, C=O, C=C, and C-O stretching vibrations. These findings indicate the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, alcohols, esters, amines, and aromatic compounds. HR-LCMS analysis further confirmed the presence of 5472 compounds across both formulations (Udumbara: 5237; Krishnamrittika: 235). Identified phytoconstituents included flavonoids, alkaloids, fatty acids, triterpenoids, carotenoids, and amino acids. Importantly, several of these compounds demonstrated pharmacological activities directly relevant to HMB, such as vasoconstriction (solenopsin, 8-iso Prostaglandin F1), anti-inflammatory effects (epilumaflavanone B, neoenactin M2), antioxidant activity (decylubiquinone, homodimericin A), hormonal modulation (testosterone enanthate, 6?-hydroxy-castasterone), and hemostatic properties (pulcherriminic acid, 2-hydroxymethylserine). Collectively, these results provide a comprehensive chemical fingerprint supporting the traditional use of Udumbara and Krishnamrittika in Asrigdara. The polypharmacological properties of their bioactive compounds justify further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical validation to explore their potential as safe alternatives in menstrual health management.

Keywords

Introduction

3. RESULTS

Table 1: FTIR Functional Groups of Udumbara and Krishnamrittika

Table 2: HR-LCMS – Pharmacologically Relevant Compounds

4. DISCUSSION

The FTIR analysis demonstrated the presence of hydroxyl, carbonyl, aromatic, and ether groups, which are commonly associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities. The presence of halogenated groups in Udumbara may indicate natural defense compounds with antimicrobial properties.

The HR-LCMS profiling provided an extensive library of bioactives. Importantly, many of these compounds correspond to pharmacological pathways directly relevant to HMB:

• Vasoconstrictive agents (e.g., Solenopsin, 8-iso Prostaglandin F1) → reduce uterine blood flow and excessive bleeding.
• Anti-inflammatory molecules (Epilumaflavanone B, Lauric acid) → mitigate endometrial inflammation, a key contributor to abnormal bleeding.
• Antioxidants (Decylubiquinone, Homodimericin A) → reduce oxidative stress, protecting endometrial tissue from damage.
• Hormonal regulators (Testosterone enanthate, β-Muricholic acid) → stabilize estrogen-progesterone imbalance, which often underlies HMB.
• Hemostatic and astringent compounds (Pulcherriminic acid, 2-Hydroxymethylserine) → enhance platelet aggregation and clot stability.

Thus, both Udumbara and Krishnamrittika demonstrate multi-targeted actions, aligning with the Ayurvedic principle of yoga (synergistic polyherbal-mineral formulations).

5. CONCLUSION

This study provides the first comprehensive analytical validation of Udumbara phala churna and Krishnamrittika using FTIR and HR-LCMS. The findings highlight their phytochemical richness and reveal compounds with vasoconstrictive, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hormonal regulatory effects that can rationalize their traditional use in Asrigdara (heavy menstrual bleeding). The results underscore their polypharmacological potential and pave the way for future pre-clinical and clinical studies to establish dosage, safety, and efficacy. Standardization of these formulations can facilitate their integration into evidence-based gynecological therapeutics.

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