Mass Spectrometry-Based Techniques for the Assessment of Pharmacological Responses of Ayurvedic Drugs

Ayurvedic drugs are multicomponent mixtures from the same chemical or different classes of chemical compounds. A detailed evaluation on the pharmacological responses of these multicomponent drugs is the key area for understanding their pharmacological and toxicological profiles. In a critical evaluation of pharmacological responses, it is essential that pathophysiological reversal of pathways and biomarker response assessment be studied. High-quality studies are necessary to evaluate and compare the value of traditional Indian drugs to modern medicine. Mass spectrometry has evolved tremendously in the past few decades in terms of scope and applicability in various fields of science. In comparison with all other analytical techniques, MS provides a better sensitivity, resolution, a wider range of covered metabolites, higher reproducibility, and short analysis time for confident identification. Thus, the aim of this chapter is to closely look at the upgraded features of mass spectrometry techniques for the chemical characterization of multicomponent Ayurvedic drugs/formulations and for the assessment of complex pharmacological responses of these interventions in various biological systems.