Pharmacognostic Identification of Adulterated Marketed Samples of Maranta arundinacea L. Starch: A Case Study

Pharmacognosy Research,2024,16,3,662-670.DOI:10.5530/pres.16.3.77Published:June 2024Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Brindha Sundaramoorthy, Vinayak Soman, Sunil Kumar Koppala Narayana, Murugammal Shanmugam, Rajesh Allu, Shree Devi Munusamy Sampangiramalu, Susikumar Sundharamoorthy, Shakila Ramachandran, and Elankani Poovan Author(s) affiliations:Brindha Sundaramoorthy1, Vinayak Soman2,*, Sunil Kumar Koppala Narayana1, Murugammal Shanmugam3, Rajesh Allu3, Shree Devi Munusamy Sampangiramalu2, Susikumar Sundharamoorthy1, Shakila Ramachandran3, Elankani Poovan4 1Department of Pharmacognosy, Siddha Central Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA. 2Department of Pharmacy-R&D, Siddha Central Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA. 3Department of Chemistry, Siddha Central Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA. 4Siddha Central Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA. Abstract:Introduction: Maranta arundinacea L. (arrowroot) starch is readily available in the market owing to its soaring demand in the pharma and food industry. Despite its cost in extraction methods and minimal yield, it is marketed at cheaper rates. The unclear picture of its authenticity, quality and the high chances of adulteration are still unexplored. This case study is planned to identify and authenticate genuine and adulterated samples of Maranta Starch (MS) procured from various vendors in comparison with a Botanical Reference Standard (BRS) and In-House preparation (IH). Materials and Methods: The BRS, IH and nine commercial samples (labeled as MS 1 to 9) were subjected to a systematic approach of powder microscopy, preliminary physiochemical assays and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Results: On gross examination, the texture, color, odor and taste of samples showed minute differences, however, the powder microscopy and iodine test demonstrated significant differences. The samples which reported more deviation were tested and confirmed for the presence of inorganic matter through an ash test. This was further studied for XRD analysis, which reported major adulterants in the samples like dolomite (CaMg (CO3)2), cordierite (Al4Mg2Si5O18), quartz (SiO2) and Zinc Sulphide (ZnS). Conclusion: This case study reveals the extensive adulteration of marketed MS in the South Indian market, particularly Chennai. Keywords:Herbal drug analysis, kūkai nīru, Siddha drug, X-ray diffractionView:PDF (667.89 KB)