ABSTRACT

The present study was proposed for assessing the variation in quality of some hepatoprotective polyherbal products that are widely available in the market. Different brands of marketed hepatoprotective formulations were evaluated in the present investigation with respect to qualitative analysis by HPTLC, phytochemical evaluation and heavy-metal detection. Among all formulations, it was observed that formulation of Brand C showed maximum amount of phenolic content, tannin content, and flavonoid content. In HPTLC chromatograms of formulations of various brands, spots with RF values (0.46 ±0.3 and 0.86±0.3, respectively) were found, which confirmed the presence of andrographolide and phyllanthin in them. The increased risk of harmful side effects to the patients was indicated by the presence of heavy metals in some formulations above the permissible limits. The present study gives an insight into the fact that there is a requirement to prepare stricter quality control procedures and parameters for formulations for consumer safety.