Quality assessment of Mustadi Taila: An Ayurvedic oil as a remedy for Dental Caries (Krimi Danta)

Abstract

The disease “Krimi danta” has been described under the caption of Danta Roga which is one of the diseases of Mukha Roga. If not treated properly this oral disease may be gradually results in tooth loss. As the modern point of view, the disease, “Krimi danta” is known as “Dental Caries”. Mustadi Taila, is a medicated oil prescribed in Chakra Datta as a remedy for Dental Caries. In the present study, an attempt was taken to assess the quality of Mustadi Taila. Organoleptic properties (colour, smell, appearance, taste) and physico - chemical parameters (specific gravity, saponification value, peroxide value, acid value and iodine value) were determined in order to assess the quality of the medicated oil. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) fingerprint was developed for dichloromethane fraction of the oil using methanol: cyclohexane and dichloromethane in a ratio of 0.3:2.0:7.7. Further, phytochemical screening, microbiological and heavy metals limits were determined in the oil using standard protocols. According to the results, Mustadi Taila appeared to be brownish orange viscous oil with characteristic sesame oil odour and pleasant taste. In addition, specific gravity, saponification value, peroxide value, acid value and iodine value were 0.9225 ± 0.0003, 211.3±0.9 mg/g, 3.0±0.1milliequalents/kg, 3.8±0.1 mg KOH/g and 96.0±1.2 I2100/g respectively. TLC fingerprint profile consists of 10 prominent spots under UV light. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, tannins, saponins and flavonoids. Further, very few microbial counts were observed and heavy metals (Hg, As, Pb, Cd) were not detected in the oil. In conclusion, present study reveals the quality of Mustadi Taila for the first time.