การศึกษาผลของการสะตุตามศาสตร์การแพทย์แผนไทยต่อสารระเหยง่ายในมหาหิงคุ์ด้วยเทคนิค GC-MS

Abstract

Introduction and Objective: Maha Hingu (asafoetida), the oleo-gum-resin derived from the root of the plant Ferula assa-foetida L., has been widely utilized in various traditional and folk medicine systems, including Thai Traditional Medicine, for diverse medical purposes. These uses include treating flatulence, acting as a carminative, alleviating symptoms of bronchitis, and managing nervous system disorders. In the context of Thai Traditional Medicine, prior to its incorporation into medicinal preparations, Maha Hingu is required to undergo a process known as Satu, which is intended to mitigate its toxicity or to purify the materia medica. The objective of this study was to compare the quantity of volatile oil components distilled from samples of Maha Hingu that had undergone different Satu processes with those of un-Satu Maha Hingu.

Materials and Methods: Maha Hingu (asafoetida) sample was ground into powder and divided into three distinct portions, each portion of powdered sample was subjected to different preparation methods: ST1 (Satu with Red Holy Basil Water): The sample was ‘Satu’ using water decocted from Red Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L., red cultivar) leaves. ST2 (Satu with Boiled Water): The sample was ‘Satu’ using plain boiled water, and ST3 (Un-Satu control): The sample was not subjected to a satu process. Each of the three processed Maha Hingu samples (ST1, ST2, and ST3) was then subjected to hydrodistillation to extract its volatile oil. The resulting volatile oil from each sample was later analyzed to determine its chemical composition using Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

Results: Chemical component analysis of the volatile oils distilled from three Maha Hingu samples—treated with boiled Red Holy Basil water (ST1), treated with boiled water (ST2), and the Un-Satu control (ST3)—revealed qualitative changes in the compound (Z)-1-(but-2-en-1-yl)-2-(sec-butyl)disulfane. This change indicates that the Satu toxicity reduction process successfully reduced potentially gastrointestinal-toxic compounds, such as those associated with side effects like nausea, vomiting, and irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Furthermore, the Satu process also decreased the quantity of (+)-4-carene and b-farnesene, compounds that could potentially cause adverse health effects if ingested in large amounts. The overall quantity of other chemical groups, including terpenoids, sulfur compounds, aldehydes, ketones, isothiocyanates, and cycloalkenes, was also observed to be lower following Satu process. While these compounds possess beneficial properties such as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity, high consumption levels can also lead to various side effects. In summary, the Satu toxicity reduction process, as prescribed by the principles of Thai Traditional Medicine, demonstrably resulted in a qualitative modification of the chemical constituents of Maha Hingu and was effective in reducing the quantity of potentially toxic compounds.

Discussion: The findings confirm that the Satu safety optimization process significantly influences the chemical profile of Maha Hingu, specifically by reducing the quantity of potentially harmful or toxic compounds. This result is highly consistent with the principles of Thai Traditional Medicine on the modification of poisonous herbal materials. The Satu process serves to moderate the potency and mitigate the inherent toxicity of the materia medica. Therefore, Satu acts as a crucial process that reduces the risk of adverse health effects when this potentially toxic herbal material is consumed in appropriate quantities, aligning traditional practice with observable chemical changes.

Conclusion and Recommendations: This study successfully validates that the Satu process induces a demonstrable change in the essential chemical composition of Maha Hingu (asafoetida), which supports the established theoretical basis for modifying toxic herbs in Thai Traditional Medicine. The Satu process is confirmed as an effective method for reducing the quantity of constituents that may cause adverse health effects, thereby enhancing the safety profile of the materia medica when prepared for consumption. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate the long-term effects of using Maha Hingu (asafoetida) prepared through Satu processing using red basil leaf decoction, particularly regarding its potential impacts on vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.