GC-MS Analysis of Indrakeeladri Native Medicine used in the Treatment of Stroke

Context: A stroke or cerebrovascular disease is an abrupt onset of neurological deficit that is attributable to a focal vascular cause. Antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants and thrombolytics are used in ischemic stroke. Indrakeeladri, is a village in Andhra Pradesh in India where traditional local practitioners prescription has long been practiced for treatment of stroke by using unknown and undisclosed formulation (gulikalu) without any name and labeling. Patients who have taken treatment at Indrakeeladri have noticed improvement in their symptoms particularly in speech. Aims: We endeavoured to analyze the formulation to know its composition as this analysis might help us in preparation of newer drugs for stroke. Settings and Design: GC MS analysis. Methods and Material: The sample was powdered and tested for its solubility in different solvents of increased polarity strength and then subjected to Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) analysis in order to know its chemical components. Results: The sample was soluble only in water. The GC-MS analysis of the test sample revealed the presence of methyl tetradecanoate, dodecanoic acid methyl ester and methyl 10-methyl undecanoate as the major constituents. These substances are known to have inhibitory effect on blood coagulation. Conclusions: Further studies need to be carried out to find out whether these components of native medicine have a role in the treatment of stroke or not.