A Comparative Physicochemical and Phytochemical Analysis of Churna and Sodhita Churna of The Rhizome of Zingiber officinale Rosc.

Zingiber officinale Rosc. (Nagara) is a widely used medicinal rhizome in Ayurvedic formulations, valued for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. The present investigation undertakes a comprehensive comparative phytochemical and physicochemical evaluation of Churna (powder) and Sodhita Churna (purified powder) prepared from the dried rhizome of Zingiber officinale Rosc. Physicochemical parameters including ash values, moisture content, pH, fibre content, volatile oil content, tannins, phenols, total sugars and reducing sugars were systematically determined for both samples. Extractive values (cold water and alcohol soluble) and successive solvent extractives (petroleum ether, cyclohexane, acetone, alcohol) were quantitatively assessed. Preliminary phytochemical screening of cold-water extracts and solvent fractions was performed to characterize major secondary metabolites and identify differences induced by purification. Sodhana (purification) produced notable quantitative modifications in Nagara (Zingiber officinale Rosc.). Sodhita Churna exhibited reduced total ash, water-insoluble ash, crude fibre, tannins, phenols, and sugar content, suggesting removal of non-essential or extraneous components during purification. Volatile oil was present only in Churna, indicating partial loss of thermo-labile constituents. Ash analysis demonstrated similar mineral radical profiles in both samples. Phytochemical tests confirmed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, carbohydrates, proteins, steroids, and tannins in both samples, with selective reduction of phenolic constituents in Sodhita Churna. The findings demonstrate that the Sodhana process significantly modulates the physicochemical and phytochemical characteristics of Nagara (Zingiber officinale Rosc.), enhancing purity while altering certain bioactive fractions.