Abstract

In view of the wide usage of Triphala for large number of therapeutic indications, ethno medicinal practice of extract preparation viz. extracting the three plants together (sample A) and mixing the extracts of three plants prepared separately (sample B), were compared. Both the test samples were analyzed with respect to their physicochemical, phytochemical and pharmacological profiles. In case of physicochemical properties, ash values and moisture content of both samples were comparable. Sample A showed less acidic nature and high water soluble extractive (96.15±1.7) value which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Phytochemical estimation of gallic acid and ellagic acid by high-performance thin-layer chromatography showed higher content in sample B (-97.7 ng/μg) and sample A (-49.2 ng/μg) respectively. Pharmacological activity of both the samples was comparable for total phenol content, total antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. Although both samples inhibited the activities of acetylcholine esterase and lipase in a concentration dependent manner; sample B showed better activity. Usually, multi-plant extracts were proven more superior over single plant extracts. In our study extract prepared by mixing the extracts of 3 plants prepared separately showed better pharmacological activity profile than the extract prepared by extracting the three plants togethers.