Question

Marker compound analysis is one of the useful methods for evaluation of herbal drugs. The following statement is NOT true about marker compound analysis:

• A. Used to verify potency or identity of herbal drug
• B. Marker compounds are always therapeutically active
• C. Quantification of marker compounds can be carried out by HPLC/HPTLC/GC
• D. The marker compounds are generally secondary metabolites

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The question is about marker compound analysis in the evaluation of herbal drugs and asks us to identify the statement which is NOT true about marker compound analysis. Let us analyze each option to determine the correct answer.

1. Option 1: Used to verify potency or identity of herbal drug
   This statement is true. Marker compounds are often used to establish the identity and potency of herbal remedies, as they act as indicators of quality by reflecting the overall composition of the product.
2. Option 2: Marker compounds are always therapeutically active
   This statement is not true. Marker compounds are not always chosen for their therapeutic activity. They are primarily used for standardization and quality control and might be present in select quantities that may or may not contribute to therapeutic efficacy. Thus, this statement is incorrect.
3. Option 3: Quantification of marker compounds can be carried out by HPLC/HPTLC/GC
   This statement is true. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), and Gas Chromatography (GC) are common and reliable techniques used to quantify marker compounds in herbal drugs.
4. Option 4: The marker compounds are generally secondary metabolites
   This is true. Marker compounds often belong to the category of secondary metabolites, which are compounds not directly involved in the normal growth, development, or reproduction of organisms but can serve well for identification purposes.

The statement "Marker compounds are always therapeutically active" is incorrect in the context of standard marker compound use, as these compounds are primarily for identification and standardization purposes. Thus, Option 2 is the correct answer.