Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) is an analytical technique used for
the elemental analysis and chemical characterization of a sample. Many of the Ayurvedic formulations
contain salt and trace elements, which help to optimize the therapeutic efficacy of the main drugs.
The elements generally present are sodium, potassium, chlorine, mercury, sulphur, silver etc. EDX
not only helps to quantify the minerals or salts added as one of the ingredients but also helps to
quantify the presence of the elements of a formulation as well. It can be used as an important
measure for quality control of Ayurvedic formulation. Thus, it can be used for their quantification
even in minor amounts. In the present study quantification of different trace elements of two
different marketed formulations and in house formulation and a formulation without salt of
Avipattikar churna has been done by flame photometry and EDX. The result shows the presence
of sodium, potassium, chlorine, calcium, copper and zinc. Quantification of sodium, potassium has
been done by flame photometry but the results obtained by EDX showed better sensitivity,
precision and accuracy.
Key words: Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Flame photometry, Trace elements,
Quality control, Avipattikar churna, Ayurvedic drugs.
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