Physico-chemical analysis of Commiphora wightii and borax coated herbal seton

Abstract

Background Herbal seton (Kṣārasūtra) is a cost effective para-surgical technique employed in the management of anorectal conditions like fistula and hemorrhoids without causing much complications. Perennial non-availability raw materials, severe pain and allergic reactions are the major demerits of standard Kṣārasūtra demanding for its better options. Guggulu ( Commiphora wightii ) and Tankana (Borax) coated Kṣārasūtra ( GTK ) a modified variant of the standard is being used in the Anorectal Clinic under the Department of Shalyatantra (Surgery), Amrita School of Ayurveda since last 6 years. It has been observed for good patient tolerance, cutting and healing properties. Methods The physico-chemical evaluation of GTK was conducted in the Quality Control (QC) lab of Amrita School of Ayurveda. The parameters assessed were length, weight, thickness, tensile strength, loss on drying, water soluble extractive, sulphated ash, pH and macroscopic appearance following the methodology elaborated in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Those were compared with the corresponding values of standard Kṣārasūtra prescribed by Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR). Results The final results on each parameters were length – 39.44 cm, weight – 0.19934 g, thickness – 0.7147 mm, tensile strength – not less than 6.25 kg, loss on drying – 18.73%, water soluble extractive – 39.79%, sulphated ash – 12.89%, pH – 7.94 and macroscopic appearance – blackish brown. Conclusion GTK was found less alkaline, higher in tensile strength, more in moisture content and less brittle in nature suggesting it as a safe choice in anorectal practice compared to the ICMR standard.