Abstract
Background: Vidangadi Yoga is a classical Ayurveda herbo-mineral formulation described in the Charaka Samhita for the management of Ati-Sthaulya (obesity). Despite its traditional use in metabolic disorders, systematic analytical standardisation of this formulation remains limited. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical parameters and establish the analytical fingerprint of Vidangadi Yoga using advanced instrumental techniques for quality control, standardisation, and mechanistic insight. Methods: Vidangadi Yoga was prepared according to classical Ayurveda pharmaceutical procedures using authenticated raw materials. Physicochemical evaluation included loss on drying, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, extractive values, and pH determination performed in triplicate. Instrumental analyses were conducted using High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), Xray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to assess phytochemical profile, crystalline nature, functional groups, and micro-structural characteristics. Results: Physicochemical parameters were within acceptable limits, including loss on drying (3.75%), total ash (20.95%), acid-insoluble ash (14%), and pH (4.4). HPTLC revealed a characteristic polyherbal-metallic fingerprint with prominent bands corresponding to embelin, flavonoids, polyphenols, triterpenoids, and iron-based complexes. XRD demonstrated a polycrystalline structure with well-defined diffraction peaks, confirming stable inorganic crystalline phases derived from mineral components. FTIR indicated diverse plantderived functional groups along with mineral-bound vibrations, confirming organic–inorganic integration. SEM showed heterogeneous, agglomerated micron-sized particles with rough surface morphology. Conclusion: The integrated physicochemical and instrumental evaluation confirms the quality, stability, and complex Herbo-mineral architecture of Vidangadi Yoga and provides a reliable reference for standardisation and future research in metabolic disorders.