Sustainable and rapid ATR-FTIR fingerprinting coupled with a chemometric approach for quality-based batch differentiation of marketed septilin syrup formulations

Introduction Septilin syrup is a widely used Ayurvedic polyherbal product known for its role in supporting the immune system. Since it is prepared from plant-based ingredients, natural variation in raw materials can affect the consistency of different production batches. Maintaining uniform quality is therefore an ongoing challenge. This study aims to explore batch-to-batch variation from an analytical perspective, without linking it to clinical outcomes. For this purpose, attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy was used to generate characteristic chemical fingerprints of marketed samples. Methods Twelve samples from five different batches were examined, with each individual sample analysed in triplicate. ATR–FTIR, a quick and non-destructive technique, was employed to record spectral profiles. The collected data were then interpreted using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) to identify similarities, differences, and clustering patterns among the batches. Results The PCA and HCA results revealed distinct clustering trends, suggesting clear variability in spectral patterns across batches. These differences reflect underlying compositional changes, possibly due to variations in raw materials or manufacturing processes. Certain spectral regions were particularly important in distinguishing batches. Additionally, green assessment tools confirmed that the method is environmentally friendly, efficient, and resource conscious. Discussion Overall, ATR–FTIR combined with chemometric analysis provides a fast, reliable, and sustainable way to monitor batch consistency. While chemical differences were observed, further studies are needed to determine their impact on therapeutic performance.