Untargeted Metabolomic and Elemental Profiling of Ancient Stepwell Waters

Saloni Sachdeva; Indira P Sarethy

Authors

Saloni Sachdeva Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Uttar Pradesh, 201309 India
Indira P Sarethy Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Uttar Pradesh, 201309 India

Keywords:

Bioactive compounds, Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, Ultra performance liquid chromatograph with electrospray ionization , Quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometer

Abstract

Gandhak-ki-baoli, an ancient stepwell, long revered for its therapeutic properties, represents untapped natural reservoir of bioavailable sulfur and bioactive compounds. In this study a multidisciplinary analytical approach was employed to investigate the physicochemical and biochemical characteristics of stepwell water and its surrounding geological matrix. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) revealed a notable concentration of sulfur (~61 ppm) in the rock samples, while water profiling confirmed a mineral-rich composition indicative of redox-influenced hydrochemical environment. Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Electrospray Ionization and Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight-Mass-Spectrometry (UPLC–ESI–QToF–MS) identified 20 bioactive compounds exhibiting antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Therapeutic potential is attributed to (1) membrane-permeabilizing saponins, such as digitonin, which may enhance the permeation of mineral and bioactive compounds through epidermal layers, and (2) bioactive phenolics and flavonoids, such as coumarin, capable of deep dermal absorption. These findings offer a detailed chemical and metabolomic profile of this historic stepwell, underscoring its significance as a unique reservoir with potential biological relevance and applications that warrant further investigation.

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