International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, Vol 12 (1), 124-128 Published online in http://ijam.co.in ISSN No: 0976-5921 Research Article Key Words: Vatsanabha Mula, Alkaloids, Shodhan, HPLC, Aconitine, Visha. Introduction Aconite (Vatsanabha) is mentioned as Kanda Visha (Tuber Poison) and having four types as mentioned in Sushrutsamhita centuries back(1). The most common aconite-based medicinal plant Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox Wall ex Seringe.) is a therapeutically potent plant in Ayurveda and its roots are being used extensively in different classical formulations (2). The plant is mentioned under the Visha group (Highly poisonous inanimate or static poisons) in texts of Ayurveda Rasashastra(3). Shodhan procedures of Vatsanabha root which were supposed to reduce the toxic effects of the drug without compromising its pharmacological properties rather enhancing medicinal value was thus described in many ancient texts of Ayurveda Rasashastra(4). It is cited in the treatises of Ayurveda, the Visha (poison) becomes Amrita (nectar) after logical administration (5). Poison, if taken in the prescribed way, is an increaser of vitality and curer and preventer of diseases and senility. It is an increaser of the properties, good or evil, of a thing which is taken with it. It pacifies the three Doshas (basic elements of the body-Vata, Pitta, Kapha), is nutritious and increases semen(6). In one of the classical text books of Rasashastra, an action of Vatsanabha is explained as cardiac tonic and imparts strength. Vatsanabha is indicated in Fever, Ear ache, Skin diseases etc. (7). It is used as an ingredient in preparations of many formulations such as Mrityunjaya rasa, Hinguleshwara rasa, Anandabhairwa rasa (these are names of various formulations) (8). Aconite species contain diterpene (C20) and norditerpene (C19) alkaloids, the Nitrogen molecule of which is usually ethylated or methylated to make them alkamines. C20 diterpenes are relatively low in toxicity, but the esterified, nor diterpene bases have high toxicity. If the ester functions are hydrolysed, toxicity is reduced to that of ordinary diterpenes (9). Chief active principle of Vatsanabha root is an alkaloid named Aconitine. Other alkaloids like pseudo-aconitine, aconine are derived from aconitine (10). Aconitine (C34 N49 NO22) and related alkaloids are highly toxic to cardiovascular & nervous system. The cardiotoxic and neurotoxic effects A Comparative HPLC Quantification of Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox Wall ex Seringe.) Root Processed in Cow's Urine and Cow's Milk Gajanan Diliprao Chatuphale 1* , Sonali Chalakh 2 , Meghsham Anjankar 3 1. PhD Scholar, 2. HOD, Department of Agadtantra, 3. PhD Scholar, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital & Research Centre, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Science, Salod (H),Wardha. Abstract Vatsanabh mula (Aconitum ferox Wall ex Seringe root); is toxic due to its chief active principle an alkaloid named as Aconitine. According to Ayurveda and modern science; it is included in one of the most poisonous plants known till today to mankind. Despite it is used widely in Ayurvedic treatment in various diseases. So its use in medicinal preparation should be done only after proper processing termed as Shodhan (purification) procedures. These processings are done in specific media. Shodhan procedures enhance therapeutic properties of Vatsanabha, reduce its toxicity & convert it into medicine. In Ayurvedic literature, media like Gomutra (Cow’s urine), Godugdha (Cow’s milk) and Ajadugdha (Goat’s milk) has been mentioned for Shodhan procedures of Vatsanabha. This study focuses on effect of two Shodhan procedures of Vatsanabha Mula by using Gomutra (cow’s urine) and Godugdha (cow’s milk) on HPLC quantification of Aconitine while the raw roots were taken as control. Changes in HPLC chromatogram confirm the effect of Shodhan procedure on Vatsanabha. In HPLC analysis, peaks were observed at retention time 30.1. Areas under the curve were less in the samples after purification with cow’s urine compared to purification with cow’s milk, indicating denaturation of some component after purification. Hence, Vatsanabha mula purified by Gomutra (cow’s urine) may be regarded as better method of purification as far as toxic alkaloids are concerned. 124 * Corresponding Author: Gajanan Diliprao Chatuphale PhD Scholar, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital & Research Centre, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Science, Salod (H),Wardha. India. Email Id: gajananchatuphale@gmail.com