Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026

Profiling the Triacylglyceride Contents in Bat Integumentary Lipids by Preparative Thin Layer Chromatography and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Published on: September 5, 2013
Chemical composition of patikaraparpam
A Saraswathy1, M G Rani, T Susan
1Drug Standardization Research Unit (Siddha), Captain Srinivasa Murti Drug Research Institute of Ayurveda, Madras - 600 106, India.
This study found that most Patikaraparpam Siddha formulations lack potassium, despite its diuretic properties. Ensuring the correct raw material, potash alum, is crucial for this medicine's efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Traditional Indian Medicine
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Material Analysis
Background:
- Patikaraparpam is a Siddha medicine prepared using potash alum and egg albumin.
- It is indicated for urinary inflammations, obstructions, and as a diuretic.
- Potassium salts are known for their diuretic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the chemical composition of Patikaraparpam samples.
- To identify the type of alum used in its preparation.
- To ensure the correct raw material is used for therapeutic efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of three authentic and six commercial Patikaraparpam samples.
- Chemical composition examination using analytical techniques.
- Testing for the presence of potassium.
Main Results:
- Seven out of nine examined parpams contained only aluminium sulphate.
- These samples did not respond to tests for potassium.
- Market samples of 'patikaram' (alum) included both potash alum and ammonia alum, with incorrect usage.
Conclusions:
- The incorrect use of ammonia alum instead of potash alum compromises the diuretic properties of Patikaraparpam.
- There is a need for quality control in the procurement of raw materials.
- Raw drug sellers, manufacturers, and physicians must ensure the exclusive use of potash alum in Siddha medicine.
Related Concept Videos
Organic Compounds
Physical Properties of Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
Among the carboxylic acid derivatives, the boiling points of acid chlorides and esters are very similar and are the lowest in the series. Acid anhydrides have slightly higher boiling...
Characteristics and Nomenclature of Copolymers
Relative Reactivity of Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
A key factor in assessing the reactivity of the acid derivatives is the basicity of the substituent or the leaving group. The lower the basicity of the leaving group, the higher the reactivity of the derivative. The basicity of the leaving group follows this order:
Halide ions < Acyloxy ions < Alkoxy ions < Amine ions
Composition of Polyprotic Acid Solutions as a Function of pH
A graph with the alpha values is plotted against the volume of base added during titration. Here, a...
Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: Overview

