HR LC-MS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SYSTEMIC HYPERTENSION (RATHTHA KOTHIPPU NOI)

The delineation, characterization, and fingerprint profiling of metabolites derived from Siddha formulations are pivotal in advancing drug development and substantiating time-honored evidence-based medicinal practices. This study employs an untargeted metabolomics approach utilizing High Resolution Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HR-LCMS) to investigate the Siddha herbal formulation ‘Vaasathi kashayam,’ as documented in the classical text ‘Agasthiyar 2000,’ specifically indicated for Raththa kothippu noi (systemic hypertension). Among the 32 categories of internal medicines, Kashayam or Kudineer is a decoction characterized by a limited shelf life of merely three hours. Vaasathi kashayam is freshly prepared from equal proportions of Justicia adhatoda L. (Acanthaceae) leaves and Vitis vinifera (Vitaceae) dried fruits. Compounds isolated via Q-TOF liquid chromatography were analyzed through mass spectrometry, with their mass values confirmed through database searches. Approximately 20 metabolites were identified in both solvent A (0.1% formic acid aqueous solution) and solvent B (acetonitrile), including notable compounds such as Peganine (a vasicine-quinazoline alkaloid), Jatrophone (a macrocyclic diterpenoid), Kuwanon Z (a flavan), and Isoacteoside (a hydrocinnamic acid). The classification of these metabolites and their corresponding therapeutic properties was conducted through a comprehensive literature review utilizing databases such as PubChem, Google Scholar, and PubMed, revealing antihypertensive, antidepressant, and vasorelaxant activities mediated by PKC-dependent mechanisms, as well as properties such as ACE inhibition, reduction of oxidative stress, enhancement of coronary reserve, sedative-hypnotic effects, and antagonism of adrenergic receptors. In conclusion, the detailed metabolomic analysis of Vaasathi kashayam highlights its potential therapeutic applications in managing systemic hypertension and related disorders.