Progress in Applied Science and Technology

Analytical Evaluation of Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd. Heartwood Extract: Thin-Layer Chromatographic Profile and Physicochemical Characterization

2026-06-24T11:28:18+07:00

Black catechu, a solidified crude heartwood extract obtained from Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd., is a traditional herbal material widely used in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and functional products due to its high content of phenolic compounds. However, comprehensive analytical information for quality evaluation and standardization of commercially available black catechu remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the quality of black catechu through chemical identification, Thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) analysis, physicochemical characterization, and quantitative phytochemical analysis.

Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed using ferric chloride and gelatin precipitation tests. TLC was employed using catechin as a reference standard to establish a characteristic TLC profile. Physicochemical parameters, including macroscopic characteristics, loss on drying, and water- and ethanol-soluble extractive values, were determined according to pharmacognostic quality control procedures. These pharmacognostic parameters were subsequently used to support the evaluation of the identity and quality of the investigated commercial black catechu. Total phenolic content, total tannin content, and total flavonoid content were quantified using spectrophotometric methods.

The ferric chloride and gelatin precipitation tests confirmed the presence of tannins in the crude extract. TLC analysis demonstrated a characteristic catechin band at R_f 0.75, supporting the authenticity of the material. The crude extract exhibited a low loss on drying value (1.01 ± 0.01% w/w), water-soluble extractive value of 46.26 ± 3.76% w/w, and ethanol-soluble extractive value of 31.28 ± 1.29% w/w. Quantitative analysis revealed high levels of total phenolics (707.41 ± 0.59 mg CE/g crude extract), flavonoids (497.62 ± 1.85 mg CE/g crude extract), and tannins (161.45 ± 0.21 mg CE/g crude extract).

These findings provide comprehensive analytical data supporting the identity, quality, and phytochemical richness of black catechu. The proposed analytical parameters may serve as useful reference standards for authentication, quality control, and future standardization of black catechu raw materials and related herbal products.

Determination of Diclofenac Sodium in Microemulsions, Microemulsion-based Gels, and Samples of Pig-Ear Skin Permeation Study by HPLC Method

2026-04-01T15:06:33+07:00

This study was aimed to validate high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for determination of diclofenac sodium (DS) formulated in forms of microemulsions (MEs) as well as microemulsion-based gels (MBGs) and in samples of pig-ear skin permeation study. The HPLC technique was performed by a reverse-phase C18 column (5 μm particle size, 4.6×150 mm), mobile phase containing a mixture of acetonitrile and 0.5% acetic acid solution in the ratio of 60:40 v/v at flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelength was set at 276 nm. The method was validated according to the ICH Q2(R1) guideline. It was found that the retention time of DS was about 6.1 minutes. This method could analyze the prepared MEs and MBGs without interference of inactive ingredients. Additionally, no interfering peaks of components in receptor fluid and extraction of skin membrane were observed near DS peak. Hence, the specificity was established. The calibration plots showed a good linear relationship over the concentrations of DS standard solutions in the range of 2.5 to 80 μg/mL. The method showed accuracy with high recoveries (99.00% to 101.99%). The percent relative standard deviations (%RSD) were 0.0296 to 0.0920 for intra-day and 0.0536 to 1.3413 for inter-day precisions. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were low as 0.06 μg/mL and 0.18 μg/mL, respectively. The findings confirmed that the studied HPLC method was suitable for quantitative assay of DS in novel nano-formulations and in samples of pig-ear skin permeation study with the simple and time-saving process.

Validated Analytical Approach for Particle Size Distribution Measurement in Acyclovir Oral Suspension Using Laser Diffraction

2026-07-03T15:43:03+07:00

Particle size analysis is crucial for guaranteeing the quality and functionality of oral suspensions since it has a substantial impact on the dissolving profile and bioavailability of medicinal formulations. The current study used a laser diffraction particle size analyser to design and validate a straightforward, accurate, precise, and reliable Analytical technique for figuring out the particle size distribution in a 200 mg/5 mL oral solution of acyclovir. A Malvern Mastersizer 3000 fitted with a Hydro MV dispersion unit was used to examine the method, which was created utilising the wet dispersion approach using water as the dispersant. The developed technique was validated using the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) Q2(R1) standards for factors like method precision, intermediate precision, and robustness. Following the assessment of the Dv(10), Dv(50), and Dv(90) particle size distribution parameters, the obtained percentage of Relative Standard Deviation (%RSD) values were determined to be within acceptable bounds, indicating satisfactory repeatability and reproducibility of the approach. There was no discernible effect on the analytical performance in robustness tests conducted with different stirring speeds and obscuration settings. It was discovered that the established approach was robust, dependable, and appropriate for finding the acyclovir oral suspension's particle size distribution on a regular basis. Thus, quality control and formulation development studies of acyclovir oral suspension products can be successfully conducted using the established analytical approach.