GC - MS GC - MS is a very powerful state-of-the-art analytical equipment which selectively measures chemical constituents which are volatile or can be made volatile such as Fatty acids, Phytosterols, Terpenoids etc. A finger-print of test sample is generated to ensure that all the constituents are present in the proper ratio. The installation of GC-MS helps us to identify the chemical compounds present in a test sample. The equipment is very sensitive and hence even a very small amount of active component can be identified and quantified.
Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) To ensure quality and safe products, we have adopted the latest technology both in production as well as in quality control. Heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium & Mercury) are one such issue, which has been haunting the Ayurvedic Industry for last around 2-3 years. Therefore, assessment of Heavy metals in the raw material as well as finished product with adequate precision is the dire necessity. AAS is a very popular, state-of-the-art analytical instrument for the low level analysis of different Heavy metals/trace elements upto part per billion (ppb) level.
Standardization & Quality Control Of Herbal Ingredients An essential factor in the assembly of any herbal product is the availability of qualitatively standardised herbal ingredients. In herbal extracts the complex nature of the components and active ingredients present, with helper or synergistic compounds without an active role, make actual identification of the active ingredients difficult. This does not, however, preclude scientific standardisation of any particular preparation.
An outline of Quality Control Techniques employed by us is given below:
Identification and authentication of plant material All our herbal ingredients meet the Quality Control Standards, set for each particular ingredient. Our scientists select the best herbal materials from chosen locations, harvest at the optimum time and ensure quick and correct post-harvest treatment and storage.
We at Q.A. Laboratory preserve and maintain Specimen and Database containing full information on all plant species of our interest. Every herbal ingredient is authenticated by experts, involving macroscopic and biochemical examination of each plant material. Complete phytochemical fingerprinting is obtained and compared with the respective standards.
Clonal Selection Nature has fascinating diversities and plants are diversified phytochemical laboratories. Presence of quality and quantity of phytochemicals in plants is not only a morphological or taxonomical question, but existence of a chemical in a plant is biochemical, physiological and evolutionary, hence genetic in nature.
Moreover, not only do special compounds occur in a great variety of structures, but they are also often found in remarkably high or low concentrations.
To obtain a plant of optimum utility, single plant selection or clonal selection is done. Chasmogamous flowers (open pollinated) are more variable in comparison to cleistogamous. Clones of optimum utility are collected, very carefully, to avoid undesirable variations. Phytochemical fingerprinting is compared for every batch
Propagation
In the nursery, stable clones are propagated by seeds and their strict quality control is maintained. Clones prone to variablity are propagated by micro and macro tissue culture techniques.
We also induce in situ conservation by inducing awareness in local folk.
Cultivation is done in their natural habitat and plants are not induced to become pampered by using pesticides. Biological control of pathogens and organic manuring is practiced. Instead of using harmful weedicides, weeds are controlled through careful and frequent manual removal by experienced and trained workers
Safety measures
We have established procedures for ensuring that contaminants do not enter in the product during cultivation and processing, which are strictly followed at all levels.
We ensure that no adulterant is present in raw herbs. Material is stored in dry and clean conditions to avoid any fungal/bacterial infestation. Batches of herbs are checked for pesticidal residues and heavy metals, to avoid any possibility of their contamination from adjacent fields. Moreover selection of fields is done and other necessary measures are taken in such a manner that undesirable water from other fields does not enter our fields.
