Phytochemical Analysis of Ayurvedic Herbs Used in Yoga Based Detox Protocols: A Chromatographic Approach

Abstract

Background: Ayurvedic herbs have been integral to traditional detoxification practices in yoga for millennia, yet their phytochemical compositions remain inadequately characterized using modern analytical techniques. This study employed chromatographic methods to analyze the bioactive compounds in commonly used Ayurvedic herbs for detoxification protocols.

Methods: Ten commonly used Ayurvedic herbs in yoga-based detox programs were analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Quantitative analysis of major phytochemical classes including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids was performed.

Results: Significant variations in phytochemical profiles were observed across species. Terminalia chebula demonstrated the highest total phenolic content (156.4 ± 4.2 mg GAE/g), while Withania somnifera showed maximum alkaloid content (2.8 ± 0.3%). HPLC analysis revealed 47 distinct bioactive compounds across all samples, with curcumin, withanoside IV, and chebulic acid being the most abundant markers.

Conclusions: The chromatographic analysis provides scientific validation for the traditional use of these herbs in detoxification protocols. The identified phytochemical profiles support the synergistic mechanisms underlying Ayurvedic detox formulations used in yoga practices.