Physicochemical and Thermal Characterization of Ascorbic Acid: Impact of Biofield Energy Treatment

Abstract

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) acts as an antioxidant and plays a vital role in maintaining good health. The study was designed with the aim to determine the influence of the Trivedi Effect® on the various properties of ascorbic acid by using the modern analytical techniques. The study sample was divided into two parts. The first part was considered as control (no treatment), while the second part was termed as the Biofield Energy Treated sample and it was treated with the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Gopal Nayak. The PXRD peak intensities and the crystallite sizes were significantly altered ranging from -67.75% to 1059.21% and -29.41% to 271.10% respectively, whereas the average crystallite size was significantly increased by 50.67% in the treated sample compared to the control sample. The particle size analysis of the treated ascorbic acid was reduced by 8.23% (d10), 22.07% (d50), 11.64% (d90), and 15.81% {D(4,3)} and the surface area was increased by 15.38% as compared to the untreated sample. The weight loss was 20.57%; however, the residue amount was significantly increased by 573.99% in the treated sample compared to the control sample. The maximum thermal degradation temperatures were increased by 0.58% and 4.93%, respectively, of the treated sample compared to the control sample. The decomposition temperature was decreased by 4.17%; however, the ΔHfusion and ΔHdecomposition were increased by 9.13% and 110.60%, respectively of the treated sample compared to the control sample. The Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment showed the possible formation of a new polymorph of ascorbic acid that may show better solubility, dissolution, and bioavailability, as well as more thermally stable compared to the control sample. Hence, it might be advantageous to use the Biofield Energy Treated ascorbic acid in various nutraceutical/pharmaceutical formulations to improve their efficacy.