What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to analyze the phytochemical composition and assess heavy metal safety in Jawarish Shahi, a Unani formulation.

March 27, 2026Open Access

Phytochemical profiling and heavy metal safety assessment of classical unani formulation Jawarish Shahi using advanced analytical techniques

Key Points

The study aims to analyze the phytochemical composition and assess heavy metal safety in Jawarish Shahi, a Unani formulation.
Performed phytochemical screening and organoleptic analysis
Determined heavy metal content using AAS
Employed FTIR, GC-MS, and HR-LCMS for chemical profiling
Assessed physicochemical properties of the formulation
Identified key phytochemicals including carbohydrates, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids
Found trace amounts of arsenic (mean 0.4495 ppb) and no detectable mercury
Characterized 28 substances via GC-MS; notable ones include n-Hexadecanoic acid
HR-LCMS revealed 51 compounds in positive mode, suggesting diverse pharmacological effects

Abstract

Usually recommended as a tonic for heart, nervous, digestive, and respiratory health, Jawarish Shahi (JS) is a well-respected polyherbal preparation in Unani medicine. It has been used therapeutically for a long time, there has been little scientific validation of its composition and safety using contemporary analytical methods. The aim of the current work was to offer a thorough physical, chemical, and safety analysis of a marketed JS medicine. Preliminary phytochemical screening as well as organoleptic and standard physical testing, were performed on the composition. Using AAS measured heavy metals like arsenic and mercury, particularly. FTIR, GC-MS, and HR-LCMS are among the advanced characterisation techniques used to generate a thorough chemical profile. While physicochemical criteria (alcohol soluble extractive: 68%) confirmed its rich extractable quality, organoleptic analysis showed the formulation to be a dark brown semisolid with a sweet taste. Phytochemical study revealed carbohydrates, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. AAS results indicated trace amounts of arsenic (mean 0.4495 ppb) and no detectable mercury inside safety limits. FTIR produced distinctive fingerprints; GCMS discovered 28 substances, including n-Hexadecanoic acid and Octadecanoic acid. HR-LCMS found 51 Compounds in positive mode (e.g., Chebulagic acid, Ellagic acid, Quercetin) and 21 in negative mode (e.g., Vescalin, Protobassic acid), implying a range of pharmacological possibilities such as Effects on antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetics. The discovery of Bacampicillin, a semisynthetic antibiotic, emphasises the need for rigorous quality control in conventional formulations. Finally, this study establishes a analytical profile of JS, confirming its safety and bioactive richness, offering a foundation for further pharmacological validation and standardisation.

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