Abstract
Background: Medicated oils are frequently utilized in Ayurveda therapeutics for internal administration as well as external application. Sesame oil and mustard oil indicated in many conditions along with skin diseases. However review of Ayurveda literature represents that mustard oil is specially indicated in skin diseases. A special processing of oil known as “Murchhana” is mentioned in classical text which is narrated to have positive effect of increasing stability and efficacy of medicated oil. Analytical studies are helpful quality control, quality assurance as well as in generating hypothesis for further experimental research. Hence present work was planned on comparative analytical evaluation of Ayurveda oil processing method on sesame and mustard oil to find the difference in analytical profile and hereby present hypothesis regarding to which preference may be given in treating skin diseases.
Material and Method: Murchhana of sesame and mustard oil was done as per mentioned in Bhaishajya Ratnavali. Physico-chemical analysis of unprocessed and processed sesame and mustard oil was done by performing Rancidity, Specific gravity at 250C, Refractive index, Iodine value, Saponification value, Acid value, Peroxide value, Free fatty acids and HPTLC.
Observation and results: Significant difference is observed in organoleptic characters of unprocessed sesame and mustard oil compared to processed sesame and mustard oil respectively. Analytical parameters, especially HPTLC showed considerable differences in all samples which are representing beneficial effect of processing.
Conclusions: Oil processing (Murchhana) is helpful is initiating new therapeutic attributes in processed oil. Based on analytical profile and previous research works it can be claimed that Mustard oil can be utilized at place of sesame oil in medicated oil formulations which are indicated in skin diseases only.

Key words: Sesame oil, Mustard oil, Murchhana, HPTLC