Standardization of Samaguna Bali Jarita Rasasindura methods.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Pharmaceutical standardization of Samaguna Bali Jarita Rasasindura prepared by conventional and modified method
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Rohit A. Gokarn, Dhiraj S. Rajput, Biswajyoti Patgiri
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Pharmaceutical standardization of Samaguna Bali Jarita Rasasindura prepared by conventional and modified method
Year: 2012
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Rasasindura (RS) is a unique mercurial preparation in Ayurveda used for various therapeutic purposes, including treating ailments such as diabetes, fever, and respiratory infections. Traditional preparation methods involve using a furnace known as bhatti, which presents several challenges—mainly difficulties in temperature control, high fuel consumption, and potential environmental pollution. This study aims to evaluate an alternative method of preparing RS using an electrical muffle furnace (EMF), with a focus on pharmaceutical standardization and comparative analysis with the traditional approach.
Efficiency of Electrical Muffle Furnace
The study highlights the advantages of utilizing an electrical muffle furnace over traditional methods. While both preparation methods showed no significant differences in the physical characteristics and yield of RS (53.5% for traditional vs. 50.83% for EMF), the EMF presented key benefits. These include enhanced temperature control, reduced fuel consumption, and improved safety for personnel, as it minimizes exposure to high heat levels. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of using electric resources (approximately Rs 172.8) compared to coal (around Rs 300) contributes to its appeal. The careful observation of key stages in the RS preparation process during both methods indicates that while the traditional method provides better visibility of production stages, the EMF can streamline labor and environmental impacts.
Conclusion
The study concludes that while the traditional furnace method of preparing RS may yield a slightly higher product quantity, the electrical muffle furnace represents a more efficient and modern alternative. The EMF method allows for easier handling, enhanced safety, and lower environmental impact while maintaining comparable quality in the final product. Future research is suggested to explore clinical outcomes of RS derived from both preparation methods, which could further substantiate the efficacy and benefits of the EMF approach in Ayurvedic practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the study on Rasasindura?
The study evaluates alternate methods for preparing Rasasindura using an electrical muffle furnace compared to traditional methods, aiming to standardize the preparation process and analyze the differences in yield and product characteristics.
What are the advantages of using an electrical muffle furnace?
The electrical muffle furnace offers advantages such as better temperature control, reduced human labor, lower fuel consumption, and minimized environmental pollution compared to the traditional coal-fired furnace used for Rasasindura preparation.
What were the main findings regarding yield from both methods?
The yield from the traditional method was higher at 53.5%, while the electrical muffle furnace yield was slightly lower at 50.83%. Despite the better yield from traditional methods, EMF provided substantial operational advantages.
How long does the preparation of Rasasindura take?
Both the traditional method and the electrical muffle furnace method require approximately 12 hours to prepare Rasasindura, involving three hours of mild and moderate heating followed by six hours of intense heating.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Standardization of Samaguna Bali Jarita Rasasindura methods.”. 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) Kajjali:
Kajjali is a fine black, lustreless powder formed from the trituration of Shuddha-Parada (purified mercury) and Shuddha-Gandhaka (purified sulfur). This preparation is a critical component in Rasashastra, enhancing therapeutic properties in Ayurvedic formulations. Kajjali represents the initial step in the preparation of Rasasindura, emphasizing its significance in the traditional pharmaceutical process.
2) Shand (Sand):
Sand, referred to as Valuka in the context of the traditional furnace, plays a crucial role in the indirect heating process used in the preparation of Rasasindura. It helps stabilize temperatures within the Bhatti, ensuring that the Kupi receives even heat distribution. This aids in reaching the necessary temperatures for chemical reactions and product formation, making it essential in traditional Rasashastra practices.
3) Rasashastra (Rasa-shastra, Rasasastra):
Rasashastra is the branch of Ayurveda that focuses on the medicinal use of metals, minerals, and mercury (Parada). It aims to enhance healing through the preparation of potent drugs such as Rasasindura. The scientific principles underlying Rasashastra are vital for understanding how various substances interact during the preparation of Ayurvedic remedies, including the processes involving elements like Kajjali and Gandhaka.
4) Bhaishajya (Bhaisajya):
Bhaishajya refers to the field of medicine and includes the study and practice of herbal and mineral formulations in Ayurveda. It is integral to the preparation of drugs like Rasasindura, showcasing the practical applications of Rasashastra. The formulations crafted under the guidance of Bhaishajya also utilize principles of Shodhana for purification, emphasizing the complexity and efficacy of Ayurvedic medicines.
5) Kalpana:
Kalpana denotes the preparation techniques in Ayurveda, particularly relating to the formulation of drugs. It encompasses methods such as Shodhana (purification) and Paka (cooking), utilized in creating Rasasindura. The art of Kalpana emphasizes the transformation of raw materials into effective medicinal substances, thus underscoring its relevance in the field of Ayurvedic science.
6) Valuka:
Valuka refers to the sand used in the traditional process of heating in Rasashastra. It acts as a medium within the Bhatti, allowing for indirect heating that aids in the gradual temperature rise needed for the preparation of Rasasindura. The function of Valuka is critical, ensuring even heat and effective reactions during the drug formulation process.
7) Gandhaka (Gamdhaka):
Gandhaka, or sulfur, is a key component in the preparation of Rasasindura and is known for its medicinal properties. In the context of Rasashastra, Shuddha-Gandhaka (purified sulfur) undergoes meticulous preparation to enhance its therapeutic efficacy. It plays a significant role in creating Kajjali and, subsequently, in achieving the desired results in various Ayurvedic formulations.
8) Salaka (Shalaka):
Shalaka refers to a probe used to test for the presence of free sulfur during the preparation of Rasasindura. The Shita Shalaka test helps ascertain the completion of the drug formation process. It serves a significant function in Rasashastra by providing a method for verifying the state of the product before it is finalized, ensuring efficacy in the resulting drug.
9) Valukayantra (Valuka-yantra):
Valuka-yantra is the apparatus that contains the sand (Valuka) for heating purposes during the preparation of Rasasindura in the traditional method. It is essential for maintaining consistent temperatures by encasing the Kupi, thereby facilitating optimal conditions for drug preparation. This instrument reflects the intricate details of Ayurvedic texts and practices found in Rasashastra.
10) Purvakarma (Purvakarman, Purva-karman):
Purvakarma refers to the preparatory procedures before the main operation in Ayurvedic drug preparation, such as the initial processing of Parada and Gandhaka. In the case of Rasasindura, Purvakarma includes the creation of Kajjali, setting the stage for subsequent stages like Pradhankarma. Understanding Purvakarma is essential in Rasashastra to appreciate the meticulous nature of traditional Ayurvedic practices.
11) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana is a rejuvenation therapy within Ayurveda, emphasizing the enhancement of life quality and longevity through herbal and mineral formulations. Rasasindura, as a component of Rasayana, showcases the scientific principles in Rasashastra aimed at promoting health. The term also embodies the transformative processes involved in preparing effective drugs, highlighting the synergy between health and longevity in Ayurvedic science.
12) Science (Scientific):
Science in the context of Rasashastra refers to the systematic study of processes involved in preparing Ayurvedic medications, merging traditional wisdom with empirical observation and experimentation. The analytical methods applied to Rasa (metals) and their compounds, including studies of Kajjali and Gandhaka, illustrate the scientific underpinnings in the creation of potent drugs within Ayurveda.
13) Yantra (Yamtra):
Yantra denotes the instrumentations or apparatuses used in Ayurvedic practices. Specifically, in Rasashastra, the term refers to devices like Valuka-yantra employed during the preparation of Rasasindura. These yantras facilitate crucial processes, providing the necessary conditions for thermal processes and ensuring precise methodologies in drug preparation, instrumental to the discipline of Ayurveda.
14) Parada:
Parada, or mercury, is a principal ingredient in the preparation of Rasasindura. Its properties allow for synergistic interactions with other components like Gandhaka and Shuddha-Gandhaka, facilitating complex chemical transformations vital for therapeutic applications. Parada exemplifies the alchemical aspects of Rasashastra, highlighting its central role in traditional Ayurvedic medicine formulations.
15) Sita (Shita):
Shita refers to a test indicating the completion of the sublimation process during Rasasindura preparation, particularly through the Shita Shalaka method. This test ensures no free sulfur remains and helps confirm the desired state of the product. Understanding Shita is critical for practitioners in Rasashastra as it provides essential verification in the drug preparation process.
16) Glass:
Glass in the context of Rasashastra is relevant as it is the material from which the Kupi (the glass bottle used for sublimation) is made. The properties of glass allow for visibility of the chemical reactions taking place within, essential for practitioners to monitor changes during the preparation. The Kupi symbolizes the delicate yet crucial nature of processes involved in creating effective Ayurvedic medicines.
17) Drug:
Drug refers to the end product derived from the processes within Rasashastra, such as Rasasindura. These preparations result from the careful combination of multiple ingredients, including Parada and Gandhaka, followed by various therapeutic procedures. The drug serves significant roles in Ayurvedic medicine, aimed at promoting health, healing, and longevity in patients.
18) Shuddhagandhaka (Suddhagandhaka, Shuddha-gandhaka):
Shuddha-gandhaka refers to purified sulfur, an integral component in the production of Rasasindura. Its purification process is critical in Rasashastra, allowing for the enhancement of medicinal properties. The quality of Shuddha-gandhaka influences the overall effectiveness of the final drug, highlighting the significance of meticulous preparation methods in Ayurveda.
19) Shuddhaparada (Suddhaparada, Shuddha-parada):
Shuddha-parada denotes purified mercury, essential for forming Kajjali during the preparation of Rasasindura. The purification ensures that the therapeutic properties of mercury are maximized, eliminating harmful elements. The quality of Shuddha-parada is vital in Rasashastra, influencing both the preparation efficacy and the healing potential of the finished drug.
20) Citrus medica:
Citrus medica, commonly known as lemon, serves as a source for Nimbu juice utilized in the preparation process of Kajjali in Rasashastra. The juice may enhance therapeutic properties and act as a vehicle for solvent action in Ayurvedic formulations. Its inclusion underscores the diverse botanical resources leveraged in the art of Ayurvedic drug preparation.
21) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulated refers to the concentrated deposits observed during the chemical processes in the preparation of Rasasindura. This phenomenon, such as the collections of sulfur at the neck of the Kupi, provides insight into the progress of the preparation. Understanding how materials accumulate helps Ayurvedic practitioners interpret the various stages within the pharmaceutical processes in Rasashastra.
22) Discussion:
Discussion reflects the analytical insights provided regarding the differences between traditional and electrical muffle furnace (EMF) methods in Rasasindura preparation. It encompasses observations, comparisons, and evaluations of efficiency, yield, and the impact of technology on the historical practices within Rasashastra. This discourse is essential for advancing knowledge in Ayurvedic pharmaceutical sciences.
23) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the holistic system of medicine that encompasses various practices, including the preparation of drugs like Rasasindura. The discipline combines knowledge of natural resources, therapeutic techniques, and principles from Rasashastra to promote health and wellness. The contributions of Ayurveda particularly through methods like Shodhana, underpin the significance of traditional medicine in contemporary healthcare.
24) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana is the purification process used in Rasashastra to prepare essential ingredients like Parada and Gandhaka. This critical step ensures removal of impurities and enhances the therapeutic attributes of the substances involved in drug formation. Understanding Shodhana is fundamental for practitioners in Ayurveda to create effective and safe medicinal preparations.
25) Hingula (Himgula):
Hingula refers to raw cinnabar, a form of mercury that undergoes processing in Rasashastra, especially during the formulation of Rasasindura. Its initial state requires Shodhana for purification before utilization in combinations with substances like Shuddha-Gandhaka. The significance of Hingula is crucial in underpinning the complex interactions occurring in the pharmaceutical practices within Ayurveda.
26) Reason:
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27) Water:
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28) Bali:
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29) Paka:
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30) Ghi (Ghee):
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