Consequences of Gamma Irradiation on Triphala’s Phytochemical Compositions, Microbial Burden and Antioxidant Properties

Sucharat Limsitthichaikoon; Tiwatt Kuljanabhagavad; Arthimond Vutthipong; Wongvarit Panidthananon; Piyanut Thongphasuk

doi:10.59796/jcst.V14N2.2024.42

Authors

Sucharat Limsitthichaikoon Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, Rangsit University, Pathum Thani 12000, Thailand
Tiwatt Kuljanabhagavad Faculty of Science, Chandrakasem Rajabhat University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Arthimond Vutthipong Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Rangsit University, Pathum Thani 12000, Thailand
Wongvarit Panidthananon Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Rangsit University, Pathum Thani 12000, Thailand
Piyanut Thongphasuk 52/347 Phahonyothin Road, Lak Hok, Mueang Pathum Thani District, Pathum Thani 12000

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59796/jcst.V14N2.2024.42

Keywords:

Gamma (γ) radiation, irradiation effect, Triphala, microbial burden, phenolic compounds, antioxidant

Abstract

Triphala, a renowned polyherbal blend comprising three fruits, Phyllanthus emblica Linn., Terminalia chebula Retz., and Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., in equal proportions, holds a rich historical lineage in both Ayurvedic and Thai traditional medicine. Triphala has been reputed as the indigenous medicine in the Thailand National List of Essential Drugs: List of Herbal Medicinal Products which has been widely used as a natural remedy for relieving cough and phlegm. However, the inherent challenge of microbial contamination in herbal remedies necessitates effective interventions. Gamma ( $gif.latex?\gamma$ ) irradiation emerges as a pivotal method to mitigate the microbial burden in medicinal plants, albeit with potential repercussions on their chemical composition and biological properties. This study investigated the impact of $gif.latex?\gamma$ -irradiation doses of 5, 10, and 25 kGy exposed to Triphala and the microbial contamination along with antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), gallic acid (GA), and chebulagic acid (CA) contents. The TPC and antioxidant activity of non-irradiated and irradiated Triphala were determined by using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and DPPH assay, while the GA and CA contents were quantified by HPLC analysis. The results demonstrated the efficacy of $gif.latex?\gamma$ radiation doses (5-25 kGy) in diminishing microbial loads without significantly altering TPC or DPPH scavenging activity. Intriguingly, irradiation at 5 and 10 kGy, resulted in a notable increase in GA contents and CA contents (p< 0.05). Thus, the $gif.latex?\gamma$ -irradiation emerges as a promising avenue for preserving Triphala quality and antioxidant properties amidst microbial contamination challenges.

References

Ahmed, S. M., & Hassan, A. B. (2023). Validation of γ‐radiation and their effect on phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and microbial load of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds and cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) sticks. Food Science & Nutrition, 11(4), 1994-2001. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.3233

Amiri, M., Arab, M., Sadrabad, E. K., Mollakhalili-Meybodi, N., & Fallahzadeh, H. (2023). Effect of gamma irradiation treatment on the antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds and flavonoid content of common buckwheat. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 212, Article 111127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2023.111127

Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). (2003). Official Methods of Analysis (17th ed). AOAC, Arlington, VA.

Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). (2005). Official Methods of Analysis (18th ed). AOAC, Washington, DC.

Avula, B., Wang, Y. H., Wang, M., Shen, Y. H., & Khan, I. A. (2013). Simultaneous determination and characterization of tannins and triterpene saponins from the fruits of various species of Terminalia and Phyllantus emblica using a UHPLC-UV-MS method: application to triphala. Planta Medica, 29(02), 181-188. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0032-1328089

Baliga, M. S., Meera, S., Mathai, B., Rai, M. P., Pawar, V., & Palatty, P. L. (2012). Scientific validation of the ethnomedicinal properties of the Ayurvedic drug Triphala: a review. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 18(12), 946–954. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-012-1299-x

Baratakke, S. U., Raju, R., Kadanakuppe, S., Savanur, N. R., Gubbihal, R., & Kousalaya, P. S. (2017). Efficacy of triphala extract and chlorhexidine mouth rinse against plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation among female undergraduates: A randomized controlled trial. Indian Journal of Dental Research, 28(1), 49–54. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-9290.203622

Belapurkar, P., Goyal, P., & Tiwari-Barua, P. (2014). Immunomodulatory effects of triphala and its individual constituents: a review. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 76(6), 467–475. https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-474X.147214

Brighente, I. M. C., Dias, M., Verdi, L. G., & Pizzolatti, M. G. (2007). Antioxidant Activity and Total Phenolic Content of Some Brazilian Species. Pharmaceutical Biology, 45(2), 156–161. https://doi.org/10.1080/13880200601113131

Bureau of Drug and Narcotic, Department of Medical Science. (2021). Appendix 10 Microbiological Test: Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://bdn.go.th/thp/home

Calucci, L., Pinzino, C., Zandomeneghi, M., Capocchi, A., Ghiringhelli, S., Saviozzi, F., ... & Galleschi, L. (2003). Effects of gamma-irradiation on the free radical and antioxidant contents in nine aromatic herbs and spices. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 51(4), 927–934. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf020739n

Cavin, A., Hostettmann, K., Dyatmyko, W., & Potterat, O. (1998). Antioxidant and lipophilic constituents of Tinospora crispa. Planta Medica, 64(05), 393-396. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-957466

Dhingra, A. K., Chopra, B., Grewal, A. S., & Guarve, K. (2022). Pharmacological properties of Chebulinic acid and related ellagitannins from nature: An emerging contemporary bioactive entity. Pharmacological Research-Modern Chinese Medicine, 5, Article 100163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prmcm.2022.100163

Ernawati, Suryadi, H., & Mun'im, A. (2021). Effect of gamma irradiation on the caffeoylquinic acid derivatives content, antioxidant activity, and microbial contamination of Pluchea indica leaves. Heliyon, 7(8), Article e07825. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07825

Food and Drug Administration. (2001). BAM Chapter 3: Aerobic Plate Count. Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://www.fda.gov/food/ laboratory-methods-food/bam-chapter-3-aerobic-plate-count

Food and Drug Administration. (2008). BAM Chapter 5: Salmonella. Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://www.fda.gov/food/laboratory-methods-food/bam-chapter-5-salmonella

Gupta, S. K., Kalaiselvan, V., Srivastava, S., Agrawal, S. S., & Saxena, R. (2010). Evaluation of anticataract potential of Triphala in selenite-induced cataract: In vitro and in vivo studies. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 1(4), 280–286. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.74425

Hadiati, S.W., Winarno, H., & Pramono, S. (2021). Gamma irradiation as suitable preservation method on herbal medicine: a review. Food Research, 5(5), 33–42. https://doi.org/10.26656/fr.2017.5(5).494

Harrison, K., & Were, L. M. (2007). Food Chemistry Effect of gamma irradiation on total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of Almond skin extracts. Food Chemistry, 102(3), 932–937. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2006.06.034

Heidarieh, M., Chakoli, A. N., Shahbazi, S., Shawrang, P., & Zhang, B. (2021). Effect of gamma irradiation processing on total phenol and antioxidant capacities of the Iranian extract of propolis. Radiochimica Acta, 109(8), 635-641. https://doi.org/10.1515/ract-2021-1042

Ito, V. C., Alberti, A., Avila, S., Spoto, M., Nogueira, A., & Wosiacki, G. (2016). Effects of gamma radiation on the phenolic compounds and in vitro antioxidant activity of apple pomace flour during storage using multivariate statistical techniques. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, 33, 251-259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifset.2015.12.015

Kalaiselvan, S., & Rasool, M. (2015). Triphala exhibits anti-arthritic effect by ameliorating bone and cartilage degradation in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. Immunological Investigations, 44(4), 411–426. https://doi.org/10.3109/08820139.2015.1017047

Khattak, K. F., & Simpson, T. J. (2010). Effect of gamma irradiation on the antimicrobial and free radical scavenging activities of Glycyrrhiza glabra root. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 79(4), 507-512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2009.10.005

Khattak, K. F., Simpson, T. J. (2008). Effect of gamma irradiation on the extraction yield, total phenolic content and free radical-scavenging activity of Nigella staiva seed. Food Chemistry, 110(4), 967–972. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2008.03.003

Koseki, P. M., Villavicencio, A. L. C., Brito, M. S., Nahme, L. C., Sebastião, K. I., Rela, P. R., ... & Freitas, P. C. (2002). Effects of irradiation in medicinal and eatable herbs. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 63(3-6), 681-684. https:// doi.org/10.1016/S0969-806X(01)00658-2

Kumar, S., Gautam, S., Powar, S., & Sharma, A. (2010). Microbial decontamination of medicinally important herbals using gamma radiation and their biochemical characterisation. Food Chemistry, 119(1), 328-335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2009.06.034

Lu, K., & Basu, S. (2015). The natural compound chebulagic acid inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor A mediated regulation of endothelial cell functions. Scientific Reports, 5, Article 9642. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep09642

Mahdihassan, S. (1978). Triphala and its Arabic and Chinese synonyms. Indian Journal of History of Science, 13(1), 50–55.

Monton, C., Wunnakup, T., Suksaeree, J., Charoenchai, L., & Chankana, N. (2020). Investigation of the Interaction of Herbal Ingredients Contained in Triphala Recipe Using Simplex Lattice Design: Chemical Analysis Point of View. International Journal of Food Science, Article e5104624. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/5104624

Mukherjee, P. K., Rai, S., Bhattachar, S., Kumar, D. P., Biswas, T. K., Jana, U., ... & Paul, P. K. (2006). Clinical study of ‘Triphala’–a well known phytomedicine from India. Iranian Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 5(1), 51–54.

National Essential Drug List Committee. (2023). Thailand National List of Essential Drugs: List of Herbal Medicinal Products. Retrieved December 24, 2023, https://herbal.fda.moph.go.th/drug-list/category/ann-drug01

Pawar, V., Lahorkar, P., & Narayana, D. A. (2009). Development of a RP-HPLC method for analysis of Triphala Curna and its applicability to test variations in Triphala Curna preparations. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 71(4), Article 382. https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-474X.57286

Pereira, E., Barros, L., Antonio, A. L., Cabo Verde, S., Santos-Buelga, C., Ferreira, I. C., & Rodrigues, P. (2017). Is gamma radiation suitable to preserve phenolic compounds and to decontaminate mycotoxins in aromatic plants? A case-study with Aloysia citrodora Paláu. Molecules, 22(3), Article 347. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22030347

Peterson, C. T., Denniston, K., & Chopra, D. (2017). Therapeutic uses of triphala in ayurvedic medicine. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(8), 607-614. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0083

Russell, L. H., Mazzio, E., Badisa, R. B., Zhu, Z. P., Agharahimi, M., Millington, D. J., & Goodman, C. B. (2011). Differential cytotoxicity of triphala and its phenolic constituent gallic acid on human prostate cancer LNCap and normal cells. Anticancer Research, 31(11), 3739-3745.

Shanmuganathan, S., & Angayarkanni, N. (2018). Chebulagic acid Chebulinic acid and Gallic acid, the active principles of Triphala, inhibit TNFα induced pro-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory activities in retinal capillary endothelial cells by inhibiting p38, ERK and NFkB phosphorylation. Vascular Pharmacology, 108, 23–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vph.2018.04.005

Thongphasuk, P., & Thongphasuk, J. (2012). Effects of irradiation on active components of medicinal plants: A review. Journal of Current Science and Technology, 2(1), 57–71.

Thongphasuk, P., & Thongphasuk J. (2013). Effects of -irradiation on free radicals, active components and toxicity of Turmeric rhizomes. Journal of Current Science and Technology, 3(2), 169–177.

Thongphasuk, P., & Limsitthichaikoon, S. (2023). Feasibility Study of Neptunia javanica Miq. Extract as an Alternative Medicine for Wound Healing. Journal of Current Science and Technology, 13(3), 672-682. https://doi.org/10.59796/jcst.V13N3.2023.691

Thongphasuk, P., Thongphasuk, J., Bavovada, R., & Chamulitrat, W. (2014). Effects of gamma irradiation on active components, free radicals and toxicity of cassumunar ginger rhizomes. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 6(7), 432–436.

U.S. Pharmacopeia 40 (USP40). (2019). General Chapter <62> Microbiological Examination of Nonsterile Products: Tests for Specified Microorganisms. Rockville, MD, USA

Yang, Y., Xiu, J., Liu, J., Zhang, L., Li, X., Xu, Y., ... & Zhang, L. (2013). Chebulagic acid, a hydrolyzable tannin, exhibited antiviral activity in vitro and in vivo against human enterovirus 71. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 14(5), 9618-9627. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms14059618