X-ray fluorescence (xrf) analysis of ashodhita and shodhita haratal

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Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: X-ray fluorescence (xrf) analysis of ashodhita and shodhita haratal
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Author(s):

Bhogan Madhuri*
PG Scholar, Dept. of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Dr.G.D.Pol Foundation’s Y.M.T Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai
Sathe Ninad
Professor, Dept. of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Dr.G.D.Pol Foundation’s Y.M.T Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai


Ayushdhara:

(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: X-ray fluorescence (xrf) analysis of ashodhita and shodhita haratal

Year: 2018

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The study focuses on the Shodhan process, which refers to the purification of herbal or mineral materials in Ayurveda, aiming to eliminate impurities. One such mineral, Haratal (arsenic trisulfide), is known for its toxicity and requires purification before medical application. The classical texts describe various methods for Shodhan, including Swedana using a Dola yantra and a liquid medium like Churnodaka. The current research was conducted to analyze the effects of Swedana on Ashudha haratal (impure Haratal) and its transformation into Shudha haratal (purified Haratal) through X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis.

Elemental Changes During Purification

An integral part of the research was to evaluate the elemental composition of Ashudha haratal and Shudha haratal through XRF analysis. The results indicated a significant reduction in hazardous elements like iron, antimony, and arsenic in the purified sample. While trace amounts of these toxic elements were still present, the overall composition suggested enhanced safety for medicinal use after Shodhan. Interestingly, the analysis showed an increase in sulfur content, which might be beneficial, indicating that the purification process retained some advantageous properties of Haratal while removing harmful components.

Evaluation of Solubility and pH Changes

The study also evaluated the solubility of both the impure and purified samples in various solvents, revealing that the Shudha haratal exhibited partial solubility in these tests. The pH measurements highlighted an increase in alkalinity post-purification, further confirming the alteration of chemical properties of Haratal due to the Shodhan process. These findings are essential for understanding the usability of Shudha haratal in formulations since solubility is critical for bioavailability and efficacy in medicinal applications.

Conclusion

The research clearly establishes that the Shodhan process significantly enhances the safety and efficiency of Haratal for medicinal use. By eliminating toxic impurities and altering the elemental composition, Shudha haratal emerges as a more suitable component for Ayurvedic formulations. This study demonstrates the importance of rigorous purification methods, aligning traditional practices with modern analytical techniques to ensure the safety and effectiveness of Ayurvedic medicines. Future research could explore various Shodhan methods to optimize the purification process, further integrating ancient wisdom with contemporary scientific validation.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the purpose of the Shodhan process in Ayurveda?

Shodhan is a purification process that removes impurities from herbal or mineral materials, ensuring their safety for medicinal use. It is crucial before using substances like Haratal in formulations to avoid toxicity.

What were the key findings from the XRF analysis of Haratal?

XRF analysis showed that after Shodhan, impurities such as arsenic and iron were reduced significantly in Shudha Haratal. Furthermore, sulfur content increased while the overall mass decreased by 18% during purification.

What materials were used in the research for Haratal purification?

The study used Ashudha Haratal, lime, and water to prepare Churnodaka. The purification process involved filtering the mixture and subjecting it to heat in a controlled environment for 6 hours.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “X-ray fluorescence (xrf) analysis of ashodhita and shodhita haratal”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Mineral:
In the text, the keyword mineral refers to natural substances like Haratal that require purification before medicinal use. It highlights the necessity to process minerals to remove impurities and potential toxicity before they become ingredients in formulations.

2) Purification:
Purification, mentioned as Shodhan in the text, is the process of removing impurities from herbal or mineral materials. For instance, the impurity removal process of Haratal by Swedansanskar in Dola Yantra is referred to as purification, making it safe for medicinal applications.

3) Ashodhita (Asodhita):
Ashodhita refers to the impure or unpurified form of a substance. In this document, Ashodhita Haratal is the unprocessed mineral that undergoes purification (Shodhan) to remove toxic components, rendering it usable for medicinal purposes.

4) Pottali:
Pottali refers to a small bundle or pouch. In this study, a Pottali containing Ashudha Haratal is tied to a rod and submerged in a churnodaka solution for the purification process. This traditional method is crucial for detoxifying unsafe minerals.

5) Yantra (Yamtra):
Yantra refers to an instrument or apparatus. In the context of Haratal purification, various yantras are mentioned, such as Dola Yantra for Swedana and Khalva Yantra for grinding. These tools are essential for traditional purification methods.

6) Dolayantra (Dola-yantra, Dolayamtra):
Dola-yantra is a specific type of instrument used in the purification process (Swedana). In the text, it is used to suspend the Pottali in a liquid medium, such as churnodaka, to remove impurities from Ashudha Haratal over a period of time.

7) Tola:
Tola is another traditional unit of measurement used in the preparation of churnodaka, where lime is mixed in water. It signifies the importance of precise traditional measurements in effective Ayurvedic techniques.

8) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the harmful effects caused by impure minerals such as Ashudha Haratal. The study shows how the purification process (Shodhan) reduces the toxicity, making substances safer for medicinal use.

9) Medicine:
Medicine in this study refers to formulations that include purified substances. After the purification of Haratal, it can be safely used in various Ayurvedic medicines like Rasamanikya, showing the importance of removing toxic components.

10) Drug:
Drug refers to medicinal substances used for treatment. The document highlights the need to purify minerals like Haratal before they can be safely incorporated into drugs, ensuring they do not pose a health risk due to their natural impurities.

11) Khalvayantra (Khalva-yantra):
Khalva-yantra is an apparatus mentioned for grinding. It is used to grind minerals and herbal materials into fine powders as part of the preparation process for various purification and medicinal formulations in the text.

12) Rasashastra (Rasa-shastra, Rasasastra):
Rasashastra is the Ayurvedic branch dealing with minerals and metal purification. The study is conducted in the Dept. of Rasashastra, demonstrating the importance of traditional methods in transforming toxic minerals like Haratal into safe medicinal forms.

13) Bhaishajya (Bhaisajya):
Bhaishajya refers to the preparation and formulation of Ayurvedic medicines. The dept. of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana illustrates that understanding and applying these methods is essential for developing safe and effective Ayurvedic treatments.

14) Shraddha (Sraddha):
Shraddha refers to the analytical services used in the study. XRF analysis of churnodaka post-purification was conducted at Shraddha Analytical Services, demonstrating the integration of modern techniques to verify traditional methods' efficacy.

15) Bharjana:
Bharjana is a type of purification process mentioned in the text but not elaborated upon. It generally involves roasting to remove impurities, highlighting another traditional method for detoxifying minerals and herbs.

16) Prameha:
Prameha, listed among potential diseases, is a condition that can result from consuming impure Haratal. The text underscores the need for purification to prevent such diseases and make minerals safe for medicinal use.

17) Kalpana:
Kalpana refers to the preparations and formulations in Ayurveda. In the study, purifying Haratal is a crucial step in its Kalpana, transforming it into various effective and safe Ayurvedic drugs.

18) Samtapa (Santapa):
Santapa is a condition listed among symptoms caused by consuming impure Haratal. Purification (Shodhan) processes mentioned in the text aim to remove such toxic properties, making the mineral safer for therapeutic applications.

19) Disease:
Disease contextually refers to conditions that impure Haratal can cause, such as Vata and Kaphaprakopajanya Vaydhi. Proper purification (Shodhan) of minerals is necessary to transform them into safe substances that don't exacerbate health problems.

20) Mishra (Misra):
[see source text or glossary: Mishra]

21) Sphota:
Sphota is a symptom caused by consuming impure Haratal. The study aims at purifying Haratal to ensure such symptoms are eradicated, demonstrating the necessity of removing harmful impurities for safe medicinal usage.

22) Varsha (Varsa):
Varsha Bullion is one of the facilities where XRF analysis of Haratal was conducted, illustrating the collaboration between traditional Ayurvedic techniques and modern chemical analysis to ensure impurity removal.

23) Powder:
Powder is the form in which Ashudha Haratal is processed before purification. The coarse powder is tied into a Pottali and subjected to Swedana in churnodaka, showcasing a step in the traditional Ayurvedic purification technique.

24) Cotton:
Cotton cloth is used in the filtration step of the churnodaka before it’s employed in the Swedana process. This ensures that no external impurities interfere with the purification of Ashudha Haratal.

25) Gold (Golden):
Golden refers to the color transformation of Haratal after purification. Ashudha Haratal changes from bright orange-yellow to golden yellow, indicating the removal of impurities and rendering it suitable for medicinal use.

26) Ayus (Ayush):
AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. This journal focuses on research in these traditional health systems, demonstrating their relevance and scientific scrutiny through studies like the purification of Haratal.

27) Ratti:
Ratti is an old measure used in the preparation of churnodaka. The ratio mentioned in the text involves calculating lime using ratti, indicating traditional units of measurement in Ayurveda.

28) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa refers to mercury and other minerals in Ayurvedic alchemy. For Haratal, which belongs to the Mallavarga category, the concept of Rasa underlines the importance of purification before its use in medicinal formulations.

29) Mala:
Mala-vichitaye refers to impurity removal, a vital concept in the purification (Shodhan) process. It signifies the elimination of harmful elements from minerals like Haratal to render them safe for consumption.

30) Vata:
Vata is one of the doshas in Ayurveda, and its imbalance can be exacerbated by consuming impure Haratal. The purification process aims to make Haratal safe, thereby preventing Vata disorders among others.

31) Daha:
Daha, or burning sensation, is a disorder caused by impure Haratal. Purification processes remove elements responsible for such symptoms, showcasing traditional methods' effectiveness in mitigating toxic effects.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘X-ray fluorescence (xrf) analysis of ashodhita and shodhita haratal’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Dolayantra, Swedana, Solubility Test, Toxicity Reduction, Acid insoluble ash, Churnodaka, Integrative approach, Shodhan process.

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