STUDIES ON DEVIL’S CLAW ROOTS AND RELATED PHYTO-PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS USING NIR-FT-RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY

Abstract: This paper reports on NIR-FT-Raman analysis of harpagoside in devil’s claw roots and related phytopharmaceutical products (ethanolic extracts, tablets). Raman mappings of root samples and tablets reveal spatial distribution of this valuable iridoid glycoside within samples. Spectral data and reference HPLC values of harpagoside demonstrate a possibility for developing a multivariate calibration based model of useful prediction ability. Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens, Pedaliaceae), also known as "grapple plant " because of its claw-like dried seedpods, is a herb from the Kalahari desert region of south western Africa. The tubers from the plant have been used in traditional African medicine for a variety of disorders [1,2]. Recent research in Europe has shown that it reduces inflammation and pain in rheumatic conditions and can stimulate appetite. Devil's claw contains iridoid glycosides, such as harpagoside, which are believed to have strong anti- inflammatory effects [3,4]. Harpagoside is highly concentrated in the secondary roots of the plant. Usually ground devil's claw roots are processed into capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, and topical ointments, but teas (infusions) are also prepared from dried devil's claw root. Standard analytical methods like HPLC are time-consuming and need special preparation of the samples. Therefore the aim of this study was to develop a fast and non-destructive Rama