Do common arishta preparations manufactured in Sri Lanka contain anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), stimulants or ethanol?

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The common arishta preparations which are available in the local market are .'Ashwagandharishta', 'Balarishta' and 'Dashamoolarishta'. These contain a wide range of chemical constituents including alkaloids and steroidal lactones. Moreover, fermented decoctions and infusions are also used in ayurveda therapeutics and the fermentation process as well generates alcohol. The possible presence of substances prohibited within the world anti-doping agency (WADA) code in the arishta preparations may threaten the careers of athletes who consume herbal supplements. The objective of this study is to analyse commonly available arishta samples for the presence of prohibited AAS, stimulants as per WADA code and determination of ethanol content. METHODS: Compounds were segregated by adjusting pH after dissolving in methanol. Organic layer was evaporated and residue was reconstituted with derivatizing agent. The derivatized solutions were utilized for gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. In addition to that ethanol content of arishta samples was quantified by using gas chromatography. RESULTS: The GC-MS studies showed the absence of prohibited AAS and stimulants in the arishta samples analysed. Moreover, glycerol and ethanol were identified to be present in all samples and ethanol content of the all arishta samples was (5.80 - 8.35 ±0.5) % (v/v) and the limit of detection was about 2 g/ml. CONCLUSION: This study showed the absence of any AAS or stimulants as per the WADA code in the arishta samples analysed. However, alcohol content below 8.35±0.5% (v/v) was detected. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study showing these findings.