Determination and Quantification of Sodium and Potassium Levels in Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) Extract by Flame Emission Spectroscopy

INTRODUCTION

Flame photometry is a rapid, cost-effective analytical chemistry method that uses a flame for the identification and quantification of particular metallic elements, mainly alkali and alkaline earth metals such as Na, K, Ca, and Li. The measurement of the light intensity released when a metal is added to a flame is the foundation of flame photometry (Khushal Tirele et al., 2025). The colour's intensity indicates how much of the element is present, while the colour's wavelength indicates what the element is. The intensity of this light is measured by a detector and is proportional to the concentration of a specific element in that particular sample (Dadi and Yasir, 2022). It develops a distinct spectral fingerprint for both qualitative and quantitative analysis by utilizing the thermal energy of the flame to evaporate, atomise, and excite the metal atoms. These atoms subsequently release energy as light, and then they return to their stable ground state(Bhupathyraaj et al., 2024; Ramírez-Muñoz, 1966).

Atoms are stimulated by the heat energy when a sample is placed in a flame; when these atoms return to their ground state, they emit radiation at various wavelengths (for example, 589 nm for Na and 766 nm for K). The concentration of the element in the sample is directly proportional to the intensity of this radiation (Garcia et al., 2018). The primary cations in intracellular and extracellular fluids are potassium and sodium, respectively. Sodium is essential for blood volume, body fluids, heart function, and neural impulse transmission. Potassium is necessary for maintaining membrane potential via the Na+/K+ ATPase pump. The primary cation present in cells is potassium (K) (Udensi and Tchounwou, 2017). Normal cell function depends on the right amount of potassium. Potassium levels that are too high (hyperkalaemia) or low (hypokalaemia) can have a significant impact on the heart and neurological system and, in severe cases, be lethal. 3.5 to 5.0 millimoles/litre (mmol/l) is the typical range for blood potassium levels. The primary extracellular cation, sodium (Na), is involved in the transport of bodily fluids. The extracellular sodium ion concentration in plasma is 130-145 mmol/l. Hypernatremia and hyponatraemia are terms used to describe higher and lower amounts, respectively (Fan et al., 2024). The solvent evaporates, and the ions are transformed into atomic states when a solution containing sodium and potassium cations is exposed to a flame. A tiny percentage of the atoms are energized by the flame's heat, which is approximately 1800ºC. Light (photons) with distinctive wavelengths (Na: 589 nm, K: 766 nm) is released as the excited atoms relax to a lower energy level. The concentration of specific atoms in the flame determines the light's intensity (Contreras et al., 2024). For diseases like hyponatremia, hypernatremia, and hypokalaemia, precise monitoring of these ions is an essential diagnostic tool. Determining these levels in plant tissue is important to studies on salt tolerance in agriculture Davis and Overman, 1947. The Application of Flame Photometry to Sodium and otassium Determinations in Biological Fluids. Fed Proc 1947;6:94. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/S00219258(17)30923-7.-Google Search, n.d.). The Indian Ayurvedic medical system makes extensive use of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), which is thought to be advantageous as a health supplement and for strengthening the immune system. The significant phytochemistry, therapeutic benefits, and clinical assessment of Bacopa monnieri (BM) are covered in this article. Since the Brahmi herb has been used for thousands of years to treat both minor and chronic illnesses, India has become a major player in Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medicine. The plant is marketed commercially in India under the name Brahmi, which is derived from Brahma, the Hindu pantheon's fabled creator. Brahmi possesses anti-epileptic, wound-healing, anti-cancer, anti-anxiety, and brain-healing properties (Sendri and Bhandari, 2023). A patient's energy and mood can be improved, and stress, anxiety, and depression can be decreased by taking Brahmi every day for two months. Southern and eastern India, Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia, North and South America, and Sri Lanka are among the regions where Bacopa monnieri is grown. Brahmi synonyms include Indian pennywort, thyme-leafed gracile, hyssop, Brahmi, and plant of grace. The majority of Bacopa monnieri trials used assessment instruments that weren't always comparable to identify healthy and unwell individuals from various diagnostic and symptom groups. The Ayurvedic system uses the medicinal plant Bacopa monnieri to enhance brain growth and memory. Each brahmi extract contains five distinct compounds: bacopaside A, bacopaside B, bacopaside C isomer, and bacopa saponin C. Bacopa saponin-I was identified using the HPLC method. When given to animals, several Bacopa monnieri extracts have demonstrated beneficial effects on cognition in preclinical research. Research on animal behaviour has demonstrated that giving Bacopa monnieri to animals enhances their motor abilities (Stough et al., 2001).

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), a significant Ayurvedic plant, contains minerals including Potassium (K) and Sodium (Na) that have nootropic, neuroprotective, and adaptogenic qualities. Flame photometry, which uses distinctive emissions from thermal excitation (589 nm Na, 766 nm K) to correlate intensity with concentration, is used to quantify them. Through NaK ATPase activity, Brahmi's high K (up to 45,000 μg/g) and varied Na (239-926 μg/g) support electrolyte balance, brain signalling, and enhanced cognition. Potassium aids in muscular relaxation and has anti-stress properties, whereas sodium supports neuronal transmission and fluid balance. This study validates flame photometry for standardized Brahmi extracts in pharmaceutical research, therefore connecting minerals to medicinal efficacy (Ayilara and Owoyele, 2025; Lopresti and Smith, 2025; Mishra et al., 2018).

Instrumentation

The instrument used in the study was a set of flame spectrophotometer models: 672, serial no. 2024-12-561 [Labtronic microcontroller flame photometer] shown in Figure 2, and an air compressor. The instrument consists of the following: Nebulizer and Mixing Chamber (converts the liquid sample into a fine spray aerosol and mixes it with fuel and oxidant for steady introduction into the flame); Flame Atomizer/Burner (provides a constant temperature flame to desolvate, vaporize, and atomize the sample); Optical system (isolates the specific wavelength of light emitted by the target element while eliminating background radiation); Photodetector (detects the emitted light and converts the intensity into an electrical signal); Readout Device/Amplifier (amplifies the electrical signal and displays the result, often on a digital display) Figures 1 and 2 (Fernández-Sánchez et al., 2019; Maclntyre, 1961).

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Fundamentals of Flame Photometry

The fundamental idea behind flame photometry is the use of thermal energy to excite atoms. A number of intricate physical and chemical processes take place when a solution containing metallic salts is inhaled into a burner.

Desolvation and volatilization

Solid salt particles are left behind when the solvent evaporates and transforms into a gaseous state.

Atomization and dissociation

The gaseous molecules split into free ground-state atoms (Khushal Tirele et al., 2025).

Excitation

Electrons in these atoms move to higher energy levels due to thermal energy from the flame, which is created when gases like natural gas or acetylene are burned with air or oxygen.

The energy collected by these unstable excited atoms is released as electromagnetic radiation, or light, as they settle down to their lower-energy ground state (Garcia et al., 2018).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Methods

Extraction Process

Soak powdered plant material (such as 100-200 g) in 0.01-0.05 M NaOH (1:4-1:10 w/v). For 15 to 90 min at room temperature (Eubank and Bogue, 1949).

After neutralizing with HCl, centrifuge to remove the supernatant, resuspend the sediment in water, and separate the starch granules using a sieve or filter.

Dry the starch at a low temperature; higher temperatures and lower alkali concentrations result in higher yields Shown in Figure 3 (Liu and Kuo, 2016).

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Sample preparation

For analysis, accurately weigh 1 g of brahmi extract and transfer it into a 1-L (stock solution) volumetric flask with water. From a 1 mg/mL stock solution of brahmi extract, pipette out 2 mL, 4 mL, 5 mL, and 6 mL of extract into a 10 mL volumetric flask consecutively and make up the volume with distilled water. A series of sample solutions ranging from 200 to 600 µ/mL was prepared (Asch et al., 2022; Nayak et al., 2022; Sharma and Tejinder, 2014).

Chemicals

The materials used in the study were procured: Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) from Shantikunj, Haridwar; NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide) from CDH (Central Drug House P. Ltd.,). HCl (Hydrochloric Acid) Rankem.

RESULTS

Using a Labtronics LT-672 flame photometer, the experiment assessed the flame intensities for sodium (Na) and potassium (K) standards at concentrations of 200, 400, 500, and 600 µg/mL. Both elements showed non-linear increases in flame intensities with concentration: Na measurements were 60 ppm (0.06 mg), 91.5 ppm (0.09156 mg), 177 ppm (0.177 mg), and 163 ppm (0.163 mg), while K readings were 57.7 ppm (0.0577 mg), 63.1 ppm (0.0631 mg), 135 ppm (0.135 mg), and 172 ppm (0.172 mg) in brahmi extract shown in Tables 1 and 2.

DISCUSSION

The study demonstrates the efficacy of flame emission spectroscopy in quantifying Na and K in Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) extract: Na (60, 91.5, 177, and 163 ppm) and K (57.7, 63.1, 135, and 172 ppm) via Labtronics LT-672 Shown in Figure 4 at 589 nm (Na) and 766 nm (K). Sensitivity is made possible by thermal processes like atomization and desolvation, yet self-absorption results in high concentration aberrations like Na's fall. A strong method for reliable herbal analysis includes blanks, flame stabilization, NaCl/KCl standards, and precise dilutions. Pharmacologically, K increases nootropic effects through Na-K ATPase, neural signaling, and muscular function, whereas Na promotes adaptogenic advantages through fluid balance and nerve transmission. Despite the validation of Ayurvedic standards, there are still issues such as non-linearity, redundant needs, and missing Brahmi-specific ppm; better calibration can boost pharmaceutical accuracy.

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CONCLUSION

Flame emission spectroscopy is a rapid and cost-effective method for quantifying sodium and potassium in Brahmi extract. The observed elemental levels support the plant's pharmacological relevance and potential neurological benefits.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The author(s) thank to their institution for providing necessary facilities and support for this research work.

ABBREVIATIONS

BM

Bacopa monnieri

HCl

Hydrochloric Acid

K

Potassium

Na

Sodium

NaOH

Sodium Hydroxide

PPM

Parts per million.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

FUNDING DETAILS

The author(s) reported that there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

AUTHORS CONTRIBUTION

PT, SR, KS and SC: Conducted experiments and data collection. PT: Drafted the manuscript. AVJ and PY: Supervised the work and reviewed the manuscript. All authors approved the final version.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Future research should focus on addressing non-linearity at higher concentrations through improved calibration models, sample dilution strategies, and evaluation of extraction solvents for mineral recovery.