Abstract:
Andrographis paniculata has been used for centuries in Asia to treat GI (Gastro-
Intestinal) tract and upper respiratory infections, fevers, and chronic and infectious
diseases. This paper studied the extraction technology of an active ingredient from A.
paniculata by thin layer chromatography and HPLC (High Performance Liquid
Chromatography), and investigated the alteration of the active constituent
(andrographolide) after treatment with Co-60 irradiation to destroy microorganisms
that cause spoilage and decomposition. Furthermore, changes in the contents of
andrographolide after an irradiation dose of 5, 10 and 25 kGy were examined and
compared with the control samples throughout a 50 day storage period. The active
compound was identified by co-chromatography with a reference standard on TLC
(Thin Layer Chromatography). Quantitative analysis was undertaken by HPLC with
UV detection wavelength at 228 nm. HPLC was shown to be a suitable method with
respect to separation efficiency and repeatability. Good separation was achieved using
chloroform extract with a mobile phase containing acetonitrile and 0.1% phosphoric
acid in water. The yield of crude andrographolide isolated was found to be 1.43 ±
0.02%, 1.52 ± 0.02% and 2.17 ± 0.06% for sample A, B and C respectively. The
coefficient of variation (%CV) was between 0.63% and 2.57%. Irradiation doses of 5,
10 and 25 kGy did not exhibit any difference in the content of andrographolide as
compared to the control samples. The stability of andrographolide was found to be
highly stable over the period of 50 days. No significant change in the content was
observed. It could be concluded that the content of andrographolide was not affected
either by an irradiation dose up to 25 kGy or storage period up to 50 days.