Ursolic acid marker based standardization of polyherbal formulation by HPTLC fingerprinting analysis

Abstract

Background and aim: In this research, ursolic acid from hydroalcoholic extracts of the entire plants of Boerhavia diffusa, Eclipta prostrata, Phyllanthus amarus, and Solanum nigrum has been quantified using the HPTLC densitometric method that has been developed and validated. Methods: A silica gel 60 F254 precoated was used to conduct the separation on HPTLC aluminium plates. Using a toluene: ethyl acetate ratio of 7:3v/v, good separation was obtained in the mobile phase. Through densitometric scanning at 254 and 366 nm, determination and measurement were carried out. Results: This technique produced dense spots at Rf 0.43±0.01, which correlate to ursolic acid. The method's precision and accuracy were verified using ICH guidelines. Ursolic acid had a linearity range of 100–500 µg/ml and a correlation value of R2 of 0.999. Discussion: The results showed that the LOD and LOQ were, respectively, 22.21 and 67.32 µg/ml. The percentage RSD value was found to be less than 2. Conclusion: The use of the HPTLC method for determining the assay study for tablets containing ursolic acid as the active ingredient was demonstrated by the fact that all evaluated parameters fulfilled the acceptance requirements. The technique can therefore be used for regular quality control of the polyherbal composition.