Forced Degradation Studies of Selected Marker Compounds Using Novel HPTLC Based Approach and Mass Spectrometric Characterization

The research is done systematically to investigates the stability and degradation profile of phytochemical Berberine, Botulin, Resveratrol, Piperine and Ellagic Acid to ensure the quality, efficacy, and safety profile of herbal medicines. In this study these compounds were applied as discrete spots on TLC plates coated with silica gel and forced to various conditions like thermal stress at 60°C and 80°C, acidic, basic, and oxidative environments for time interval of 2, 5, 8, and 24 hours to have an insight into compound’s stability, breakdown pathway and shelf life in real world scenario. The degraded product was observed as new spot on the TLC plates which was further quantified and analyzed with the help of analytical technique High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). To increasing the robustness and reliability of the findings mass spectrometry was performed which provided qualitative and structural confirmation of degraded products. The results demonstrate varying degrees of thermal stability among studied phytochemicals while some compounds have shown significant degradation under stressed condition. The study provides valuable insight for establishing shelf life, optimizing storage conditions, and improving formulation strategies of herbal products and emphasizes the importance of standardized, validated analytical methods in compliance with ICH guidelines for assessing the intrinsic stability of herbal constituents which will ultimately enhance therapeutic efficacy.