Comparative spectral analysis of Ferrum phosphoricum 6X with water: Insights by ultraviolet visible spectrophotometry

INTRODUCTION

Spectroscopy is a technique that measures the interaction of molecules with electromagnetic radiation. Light in the near-ultraviolet (UV) and visible (vis) ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum has an energy of approximately 150–400 kJ/mol. The energy of the light is used to promote electrons from the ground state to an excited state. A spectrum is obtained when the absorption of light is measured as a function of its frequency or wavelength. Molecules with electrons in delocalised aromatic systems often absorb light in the near-UV (150–400 nm) or the visible (400–800 nm) region.^[1]

Ferrum phosphoricum, also known as iron phosphate, is an important medicine in the homeopathic system. It is one of the twelve tissue remedies introduced by Dr. Wilhelm Schüssler. It is mainly used in the early stages of inflammation, fevers, infections, and conditions related to iron deficiency.^[2] Because it is used to treat many health problems, it is crucial to ensure that homoeopathic formulations contain the correct amount of Ferrum phosphoricum to be safe and effective. Inorganic medicinal chemistry explains the important role that minerals like iron phosphate play in the body, particularly in oxygen transport, enzyme function, and immunity.^[3] Traditional ways of testing such minerals are often complicated and time-consuming. To make this process easier and faster, UV-visible spectrophotometry has become a popular method for analysis.

UV-Visible spectrophotometry is one of the most frequently employed techniques in pharmaceutical analysis.^[4] It involves measuring the amount of UV or visible radiation absorbed by a substance in solution. An instrument that measures the ratio, or function of ratio, of the intensity of two beams of light in the UV-Visible region is called a UV-Visible spectrophotometer. In qualitative analysis, organic compounds can be identified using a spectrophotometer, provided that recorded data are available. Quantitative spectrophotometric analysis is then used to ascertain the quantity of molecular species absorbing the radiation. The spectrophotometric technique is simple, rapid, moderately specific and applicable to small quantities of compounds. The fundamental law governing quantitative spectrophotometric analysis is the Beer–Lambert law.^[5]

In recent years, UV-visible spectrophotometry has become increasingly utilized in homeopathy to assess the quality of various preparations. It has been successfully applied to study homoeopathic mother tinctures, dilutions and even products like homoeopathic hair oils at different temperatures.^[6] T hese studies demonstrate that UV-visible spectrophotometry is highly effective in ensuring that homeopathic medicines remain stable, potent, and effective.^[7] Today, there is a growing need to test and standardise homeopathic medicines scientifically. Using methods like visible spectrophotometry helps bridge the gap between traditional homoeopathic practice and modern science. It ensures that each product maintains its quality and works as intended, improving trust in homeopathy among patients and medical professionals. As Ferrum phosphoricum^[8] is such a widely used remedy in homoeopathy, and because of its quality control is necessary, this study aims necessary to develop and validate a simple, sensitive and reliable visible spectrophotometric method to measure the presence of particles of Ferrum phosphoricum in homoeopathic formulations. This will help improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of homeopathic medicines based on pharmacological evidence.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

RESULTS

Absorbance curve

The spectral analysis of Ferrum phosphoricum 6X and distilled water was performed using UV-Visible Spectrophotometry. The spectrum, spanning 300–800 nm, was noted and plotted in a graph. The graphs were plotted for both Ferrum phosphoricum and distilled water in the 300–800 nm range at 25 nm intervals. The readings were triplicated and averaged to improve reliability [See Table 1 and Graph 1].

Table 1: Absorbance value.

Wavelength (λmax)	Ferrum Phos 6X	Water
300	23.5	73.3
325	26.9	86
350	16.7	84.2
375	31	82.8
400	32.4	85.8
425	30.2	79.7
450	36.6	83.4
475	37.2	77.6
500	40.8	74.9
525	39.8	100
550	40.8	87.8
575	41.3	97.7
600	98.3	83.4
625	44	87.6
650	45	88
675	80.8	87.8
700	44.2	92.8
725	44.3	86.3
750	47.9	84.3
775	49.2	86.8
800	48.2	85.2

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Graph 1:

Absorbance curve.

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DISCUSSION

The UV-Visible spectrophotometric test identified clear differences in absorbance between Ferrum phosphoricum 6X and distilled water throughout the wavelength range of 300 nm to 800 nm. Distilled water consistently recorded high absorbance levels with minimal variations, whereas Ferrum phosphoricum 6X exhibited significant deviations, including notable peaks. For example, at 600 nm, Ferrum phosphoricum 6X exhibited a significant absorbance of 98.3, compared to water at 83.4. Furthermore, high absorbance values were observed at 675 nm (80.8) and in the range of 500–575 nm (ranging from 39.8 to 41.3) for the test solution. These fluctuations and peaks indicate the presence of optically active particles or structures in the Ferrum phosphoricum 6X sample, which are not found in the blank sample of distilled water. The spectral differences observed confirm the theory that Ferrum phosphoricum 6X contains particulate matter or molecular aggregates capable of absorbing the visible light spectrum, which may be due to the manufacturing process or the active ingredients in the medicine.

CONCLUSION

The UV-visible spectrophotometric analysis demonstrated distinct absorbance peaks in Ferrum phosphoricum 6X that were absent in distilled water. The spectral differences suggest the presence of particulate matter or molecular aggregates, validating the medicine’s physicochemical properties and offering a reliable method for its quality assessment. So many experiments are needed to verify and arrive at a conclusion.