Fourier Transform Infrared and Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopic Characterization of Biofield Treated Salicylic Acid and Sparfloxacin

What is it about?

Salicylic acid is a naturally occurring derivative of benzoic acid, and widely used in organic synthesis and as a plant hormone. Sparfloxacin is fluorinated quinolone antibiotic having broad spectrum antimicrobial property. The present study was aimed to evaluate the impact of biofield treatment on spectral properties of salicylic acid and sparfloxacin using FT-IR and UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques. The study was carried out in two groups, one was set to control, and another was subjected to biofield treatment. FT-IR spectrum of treated salicylic acid showed the upstream shifting in wavenumber of C-H stretching from 2999 to 3004 cm-1 and 2831 to 2837 cm-1 and C=O asymmetric stretching vibration from 1670 to 1683 cm-1 and 1652 to 1662 cm-1. The peak intensity in treated salicylic acid at 1558 cm-1 (aromatic C=C stretching) and 1501 cm-1 (C-C stretching) was increased as compared to control. FT-IR spectrum of treated sparfloxacin showed a downstream shifting in wavenumber of C-H stretching from 2961 to 2955 cm-1 and 2848 to 2818 cm-1, and upstream shifting in wavenumber of C=O (pyridone) stretching from 1641 to 1648 cm-1. Besides, increased intensity of peaks in treated sparfloxacin was found at 1628 cm-1 [C=C stretching (pyridone)] and 1507 cm-1 (N-H bending) as compared to control. UV spectrum of biofield treated salicylic acid exhibited a shifting of wavelength (λmax) from 295.8 to 302.4 nm and 231.2 to 234.4 nm, with respect to control. Likewise, biofield treated sparfloxacin showed the shifting in UV wavelength (λmax) from 373.8 to 380.6 nm and 224.2 to 209.2 nm. Over all, the results suggest that alteration in wavenumber of IR peaks in treated samples might be occurred due to biofield induced alteration in force constant and dipole moment of some bonds. The changes in UV wavelength (λmax) of treated sample also support the FT-IR results. Due to alteration in force constant and bond strength, the chemical stability of structure of treated drugs might also be increased, which could be beneficial for self-life of biofield treated drugs.

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Why is it important?

Salicylic acid is a mono-hydroxyl benzoic acid, and naturally occurring in the bark of willow tree (Salix alba) [1]. It is an important active metabolite of aspirin, which acts as a prodrug to salicylic acid. The salts and esters of salicylic acid are known as salicylates that are widely used as rubefacient and analgesic in several topical formulations. Salicylic acid alleviates peeling of intercellular cement and binds with scales in the stratum corneum, thereby loosening the keratin. This keratolytic effect also renders an antifungal effect as removal of the stratum corneum suppresses the fungal growth [1,2]. It exerts anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the cyclooxygenase (COX) activity that caused to inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators production. Therefore, it is widely used for the treatment of several skin diseases like acne, psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, calluses, keratosis pilaris, and warts due to its keratolytic, fungicidal, bacteriostatic, and photo-protective properties [3,4]. Salicylic acid is also a phytohormone and useful in growth and development of whole plant [5]. Sparfloxacin is a difluorinated quinolone antibiotic with broad spectrum antibacterial activity. Additionally, it also possesses a good in vitro activity against several unusual pathogens such as legionellae, chlamydia, rickettsiae, mycoplasmas, mycobacteria, etc. [6,7]. Sparfloxacin showed good topical absorption and had excellent penetration into upper and lower respiratory tissues; therefore it is extensively used in respiratory infections. It inhibits DNA replication and transcription in bacteria by inhibiting the DNA gyrase or topoisomerase IV enzyme [8]. The gastrointestinal discomfort and CNS effects are the most common adverse effects associated with sparfloxacin [9]. Chemical stability of pharmaceutical drugs or active ingredients is a matter of great concern as it affects the safety, efficacy, and shelf life of drugs or drug products [10]. Therefore, it is important to find out an alternate approach, which could enhance the stability of drugs by changing the structural (bond strength, bond length, dipole moment etc.) properties of these compounds. Recently, biofield treatment has been reported to alter the physical and structural properties of various living and non-living things [11,12]. Biofield is the electromagnetic field that permeates and surrounds the living organisms. It is the scientific term, used for biologically created electromagnetic energy, essential for regulation and communications within the organism [13]. As per Planck M, electrical current exists inside the human body in the form of vibratory energy particles like ions, protons, and electrons. These moving particles generates a magnetic field in the human body [14,15]. Mr. Trivedi has the ability to harness the energy from environment or universe and can transmit into any living or nonliving object around this Globe. The object(s) always receive the energy and responding into useful way, this process is known as biofield treatment. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine considered this biofield treatment (therapy) in subcategory of energy therapies [16]. Mr. Trivedi’s biofield treatment has substantially changed the antimicrobial susceptibility, biochemical reactions pattern and biotype number of different human pathogens [13,17]. It also showed a significant impact in the field of agriculture and biotechnology, with respect to yield, nutrient value, and quality of products [18-20]. Mr. Trivedi’s biofield treatment has also changed the various physicochemical and structural properties of metals and ceramics [12,21-23]. By conceiving the impact of biofield treatment on structural property of metals and ceramics, the present study was aimed to further explore the biofield treatment on two pharmaceutical drugs i.e., salicylic acid and sparfloxacin with respect to effects on their structural property. The effects were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopic techniques.

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