Dec 21, 2010

Necessity of Kala,Matra and Anupana for Rasashastra in todays practice.



Ayurveda has given Supreme Significance to the human body as a abode of god.Ayurveda is the only ancient science which says Purusham Purusham Veekshya which means characters of one person is different from other. In brief the need is to know about:
Importance of Kala, Importance of Anupana, Importance of Mathra.


 And its necessity in Todays practice????

Dosage depends on:



         Tridoshas
         Saptha dooshyaas
         Desha
         Kaala
         Bala
         Prakruthi
         Vaya
         Saathmya
         Avastha
         Vyaadi
         Dravya
         Linga
                         



Times of drug administration:

         Important b’coz they are dependant upon the diurnal variations in doshas both in physiological  and pathological state.
         Charaka mentioned 10 kalas(chi.30)
         Sushrutha mentioned 10 kalas(su.ut.64)
         Vruddha vagbhata ---11 kalas (as.san.su.23)
         Vagbhata---10 kalas(as.hr.su.13)
         Sharanghadhara—5 kalas (sha san poo.2)
pÉåwÉeÉ xÉåuÉlÉ MüÉsÉ



mÉëjÉqÉ---mÉëÉiÉ:MüÉsÉ
̲iÉÏrÉ---AÉkÉÉæ pÉÉåeÉlÉ
iÉ×iÉÏrÉ---qÉkrÉ pÉÉåeÉlÉ
cÉiÉÑjÉï---pÉÉåeÉlÉ AlirÉ
mÉgcÉ---̲ aÉëÉxÉ rÉÑ£ü
wɸ---aÉëÉxÉ aÉëxÉÉliÉ
A¹qÉA³ÉrÉÑ£ü pÉåwÉeÉ
lÉuÉqÉpÉÉåeÉlÉ mÉëiÉqÉ ,AlirÉ
SzÉqÉxÉWûqÉÑSìMü
LMüÉSzÉÌlÉÍz






rÉÉåaÉqÉÉxÉÉliÉÑrÉÉåÌuÉ±É SåzÉMüÉsÉÉåmÉmÉÉÌSiÉqÉç |
mÉÑÂwÉÇ mÉÑÂwÉÇ uÉϤrÉ xÉ¥ÉårÉÉå ÍpÉzÉaÉѨÉqÉ:  ||
                        (cÉ.xÉÔ .1/121)

qÉÉ§É MüÉsÉÉ´ÉrÉÉ rÉÑÌ£ü: ÍxÉήrÉÑï£üÉ mÉëÌiÉ̹iÉÉ |
ÌiɹirÉÑmÉËU rÉÑÌ£ü¥lÉÉå SìurÉ  ¥ÉÉlÉuÉiÉÉÇ xÉSÉ ||

qÉɧÉÉ MüÉsÉÌ¢ürÉÉpÉÔÍqÉSåWûSÉåwÉaÉÑhÉÉliÉUqÉç |
mÉëÉmrÉ iɨÉή SìÓzrÉliÉå iÉå iÉå pÉÉuÉxiÉjÉÉ iÉjÉÉ  ||
                           (cÉ.xÉÔ.11)
The Bhava and Prayojana of any drugs is depended on its mathra.

lÉ qÉÉlÉålÉÌuÉlÉÉ rÉÑÌ£üSìïurÉÉhÉÉÇ eÉÉrÉiÉå YuÉÍcÉiÉç |
AiÉ: mÉërÉÉåaÉ MüÉrÉÉïjÉï qÉÉlÉqÉɧÉÉåcrÉiÉå qÉrÉÉ ||

AsmÉ qÉɧÉÉåÅmÉrÉÉåÌaÉiuÉÉiÉç AÂcÉåUmÉëxÉ…¡ûiÉ: |
ͤÉmÉëqÉÉUÉåarÉSÉÌrÉiuÉÉiÉç AÉæwÉkÉåprÉÉåÅÍkÉMüÉåUxÉWû ||

The yogas which have been mentioned may not be advised in the same way it can be according to intellect of a physician according to the necessity.

rÉiÉÉå qÉlSÉalÉrÉÉå ¾ûxuÉÉ WûÏlÉ xÉiuÉÉ lÉUÉ: MüsÉÉæ |
AiÉxiÉÑ qÉÉ§É iɱÉåarÉÉ mÉëÉåcrÉiÉå xÉÑ¥É xÉqqÉiÉÉ ||


ÎxjÉÌiÉlÉÉïxirÉåuÉ qÉɧÉÉrÉÉWû MüÉsÉqÉÎalÉ uÉrÉÉå oÉsÉqÉç |
mÉëM×üÌiÉÇ SÉåwÉ SåzÉÉæ cÉ SØwOèuÉÉ qÉɧÉÉÇ mÉëMüsmÉrÉåiÉç

zÉÏbÉëÇ EmÉrÉÉÌiÉ oÉsÉÇ lÉ ÌWûqxrÉS³ÉÉÎluÉiÉqÉç lÉ cÉ qÉÑWÒûuÉïSlÉÉͳÉUåÌiÉ |
mÉëÉaÉçpÉ£ü xÉåÌuÉiÉqÉjÉÉæwÉkÉqÉåiÉSåuÉ S±ÉŠ uÉëÑήÍzÉzÉÑpÉÏiÉuÉUÉÇaÉlÉÉprÉWû ||


iÉxqÉÉiÉç xuÉpÉÉuÉÉå ÌlÉÌSï¹U¨ÉjÉÉ qÉɧÉÉÌSUÉ´ÉrÉWû |
iÉSèmÉå¤ÉrÉÉåÂprÉÇ MüqÉï mÉërÉÉåerÉÇ ÍxÉήÍqÉdcÉiÉÉ ||

Dravya kala and mathra vichara should be done well and i.e the base of any successive treatment.Yukthi jnatha is shreshta than dravyajnatha.


In modern science the following are also important to be considered in clinical practice.

       Individual resistance & incompatibilities.
       Acquired & habitual adaptation.
       Assimilation & excretion of administered medicine.
       Mental conditions of the patient.
       Country & habitat.
       Medicament used for the purpose of administering drugs.
       Age/sex criterion.
       Temperament.
Both for Social and Scientific reason dose is very important.

Dose response relationship:

This describes the change in effect on an organism caused by differing levels exposure (or doses) to the stressor (a chemical).This may apply to individual in particular. Studying dose response and developing the safe and hazardous levels and dosages of drugs.






Dravya grahana vidhaana:

AÉSìïÇ lÉuÉÏlÉÇ rÉSìurÉÇ rÉÉåerÉÇ xÉMüsÉMüqÉïxÉÑ |
ÌuÉlÉÉ ÌuÉQû…¡û M×üwhÉÉprÉÉÇ aÉÑQû kÉÉlrÉ AÉerÉ qÉÉͤÉMæü:||
mÉÑUÉhÉÉ: xrÉÑaÉÑïhÉærÉÑï£üÉ AÉxÉuÉÉ kÉÉiÉuÉÉå UxÉW |
  
              As all drugs are directed to be used in wet form except vidanga,pippali,guda,dhanya,ghrutha and madhu.in the same way asava arishta ,dhathu bhasma and parada yuktha rasa prayoga is the best as it is older.


qÉÉ§É ÌlÉÃmÉhÉqÉç

xÉxÉWûxÉëÉrÉÑiÉ sɤÉMümÉ©ÉoÉÑïS ZÉoÉïaÉÑÍhÉiÉ kÉÉiÉÑÍpÉSÉqÉç |
qÉWûÉUxÉÉlÉÉÇ UÉeÉÏ ÍxÉ®ÉjÉï qÉɧÉÉ xrÉÉiÉç || (U MüÉ)

ÍxÉ®ÉjÉïMüxrÉ rÉÑaqȨ́ÉiÉrÉɱqÉç xrÉÉή pÉåÌSÌuÉwÉå |
rÉuÉ aÉÑgeÉɱkÉÉïkÉïÇ xÉuÉåïwÉÉqÉÌmÉ kÉÉiÉÑuÉaÉåïwÉÑ ||   (U.MüÉ)

qÉÉwÉxiÉÑ zÉsÉuÉÉå°uÉpÉxqÉlÉ: xrÉɨÉÉUxrÉ WåûqlÉÉåÅÌmÉ cÉ uÉssÉ LuÉ| AlrÉåwÉÑ xÉuÉåïwuÉÌmÉ kÉÉiÉÑwÉÑ xrÉÉlqÉɧÉÉ Ì§ÉqÉÉwÉmÉëÍqÉiÉ mÉëqÉÉhÉqÉç|| (U.Mü)

Example:1::Shankhavisha matra:

         It is 1/120-1/30th part of ratti.
         1/10th -1/3rd of sarshapa.
         In the context of matra nirmana vidhi adding malla-1 gunja with maricha churna 15 mashakas---mardana with ardraka swarasa & make a pill of 1 ratti.admn dose:bid.
         WARNING: 1 RATTI PURE SHODHITHA MALLA IS LETHAL DOSE TO HUMANS


Example 2:    UxÉ xÉåuÉlÉ MüÉsÉ

mÉëirÉÔwÉå pɤÉrÉåiÉç xÉÔiÉÇ mÉjrÉÇ rÉÉqÉå iÉSÉÌSqÉå |
̲iÉÏrÉ rÉÉqÉå qÉÌiÉqÉÉlÉzlÉÏrÉÉSè pÉÉåeÉlÉÇ ÌWûiÉqÉç ||(U ÍcÉ)

  • Swarna jaarita parada---- 1 ratti
  • Rajatha jaarita   parada---2 ratti
  • Tamra jaarita parada----3 ratti
  • Teekshna loha/abhraka satva jeerna parada---------------1 masha
  • Vajra jaarita-------------1 sarshapa.

Importance of a drug:

         Basis-vyadhi,agni,rogibala
         Excessive drug/highly potent—less severe patho state ---original disease eradicates----drug remains                complications.
         Dormant enzymatic activity---incomplete metabolism----reduction of appetite/digestion               constipation.
         Potent drug---weak person---intolerance------complications                mada murcha.


Defining acute exposure guidelines:

1- Dose above which and individual might experience discomfort or irritation. These effects are transient and should be reversible upon cessation of exposure.
2- Dose above which an individual would be expected to experience irreversible or serious long lasting adverse health effects, or inability to escape.
3- Dose above which an individual might experience life-threatening health effects or death.

THERAPEUTIC INDEX:

         SAFETY OF A DRUG depends on this factor.
         Dose of desirable effect is separated from dose eliciting toxic effects.
         Median lethal dose and median efficient dose is the criteria.
         TI = LD50/ED50
         For a safe drug the index should be at least more than one & hence a drug having larger value for LD50 but smaller for ED50 is considered safer.

Even modern research do mention some of concepts regarding time of drugs.

Chronobiology:

         Study of biological rhythms.
         Predictable variations in bodily functions take place during the day,week,months & years.
         Alters the severity of diseases.
         Doses in time improves the treatment outcomes.
         Delivering right drug in right time.
         Chronobiotics” are smart drugs.

Chronotherapeutics:

         Observation that every metabolic event undergoes rhythmic change.
         Composition of rhythms vary in frequencies and seasons.
         Circadian rhythm(circadian rhythm)—a name given to the “internal body clock” that regulates the (approximately) 24-hour cycle of biological processes in animals and plants. The term circadian comes from Latin words that literally mean “around the day.”  –chronobiologic frequency.
         Invivo drug availability is timed in relation to the repetitive rhythms of drug.




AlÉÑmÉÉlÉ:
·        AlÉÑmÉÉlÉÇ ÌWûiÉÇ rÉÑ£Çü iÉmrÉïirÉÉzÉÑ qÉÉlÉuÉqÉç |
·        AlÉÑ mɶÉÉiÉç mÉÉlÉqÉç |
·        AÉæwÉkÉÉ…¡û mÉårÉ ÌuÉzÉåwÉ |iÉŠ AÉæwÉkÉmÉÉlÉÉlÉliÉUÇ ÌuÉsÉqorÉ mÉërÉÉåerÉÇ,UɨÉÉæ mÉÑlÉ: mÉÉcÉlÉqÉåuÉ urÉuÉxiÉårÉÇ| ÌuÉsÉqorÉ cÉ ¢üqÉÉhÉqÉåiÉSÏËUiÉÇ UɧÉÉæ mÉÑlÉ: mÉÉcÉlÉqÉåiɲÍcÉUå|| (UÉ.ÌlÉ)
·        AlÉliÉUå UxÉÇ SårÉÇ YuÉÉjÉÇ uÉÉ SìurÉÉå ÎeÉiÉÉå|
·        AlÉÑmÉÉlÉ: qÉiÉ: ÌuÉ¥lÉ: UxÉÇ zÉÌ£ü ÌuÉuÉkÉïlÉqÉç || (mÉ.ÌuÉ.̲)
·        eÉsÉÉlÉÑmÉÉlÉqÉç ´Éå¹qÉç | (AÉ.qÉ zÉÉU…¡ûkÉU )
·        rÉjÉÉ iÉæsÉå eÉsÉå ͤÉmiÉÇ ¤ÉhÉålÉæuÉ mÉëxÉmÉïÌiÉ |
·        AlÉÑmÉÉlÉoÉsÉÉSlÉÑmÉÉlÉzÉÌ£ü: |
·        qÉWåûlSì eÉsÉ ´ÉåwOû AlÉÑmÉÉlÉ|
Anupana should not be Dhathu Virodhi.

AlÉÑmÉÉlÉ aÉÑhÉ
Ø      rÉiÉç ÌMügÍcÉSÉæwÉkÉæSåïrÉÇ UÉåaÉÉlÉÑmÉÉlÉiÉ:|
         iɨÉSè aÉÑhÉMüUÇ elÉårÉqÉlÉÑmÉÉlÉ oÉsÉÉÌSWû ||
The drug given anupana according to diseases enhances the property of the active ingredient and thus eradicates disease.
Ø      AlÉÑmÉÉlÉÇ kÉÉiÉÔlÉÉÇ SìÓ¹Ç rÉ³É ÌuÉUÉåÍkÉ cÉ |
Anupana should not be  dhathu virodhis.
Tarpana,preenana,oorjha,brumhana,mrudu,jarayati and sukha parinaama.

xÉWûmÉÉlÉ:
AÉæwÉkÉÇ zÉÉx§É xÉÇrÉÑ£üÉ SìurÉÇ rÉÉåaÉuÉɽÉÎeÉiÉÉå |
zÉÑwMÇü SìuÉ: UxÉ: SÒakÉÉ xÉWûmÉÉlÉÇ lÉÉqlÉÉ oÉÑkÉWèû ||
aÉÑhÉ---rÉjÉÉ iÉæsÉÇ eÉsÉÇ mÉëÉmiÉÇ ¤ÉhÉålÉæuÉ ÌuÉxÉmÉïÌiÉ |
         xÉWûmÉÉlÉÇ oÉsÉÉSÇaÉå iÉjÉÉ xÉmÉïÌiÉ pÉåwÉeÉqÉç |
Doshaanusaara anupana:

         Vataja vyadhi------snigdha ushna
         Pittaja vyadhi------snigdha sheetha
         Kaphaja vyadhi---- ruksha ushna
         Snehapana-----asheetha jala.
         Bhallathaka----sheetha jala.

UÉåaÉÉlÉÑxÉÉU AlÉÑmÉÉlÉ:
  • Grahani---------------------takra
  • Kshaya---------------------shilaajathu
  • Paandu---------------------mandoora
  • Shosha ,mandagni------madira
  • Arshas---------------------bhallathaka
  • Vatavyadhi---------------shuddha guggulu
  • Amavatha-----------------gomuthra
  • Visha dosha----------swarnabhasma.

xÉuÉåïwÉÉÇ qÉiÉqÉåiÉSåuÉ ÍpÉwÉçeÉÉÇ rɨÉÉUxÉÏxÉÉåSèpÉuÉqÉç |
mÉÉjÉïYrÉålÉ aÉÑhÉÉuÉWÇû lÉ pÉÍxÉiÉÇ mÉëÉå£üÉåmÉsÉÉåWûxrÉ ||

Bhasmas like naga,rajatha isnt given alone.Also upaloha bhasmas like pittala,kansya,varthaloha  bhasmas should not be administered alone.It is nishiddha.

Some of them below are rationality given to the concept of anupana.

Adjuvants
         Adjuvants are pharmacological or immunological agents that modify the effect of other agents (e.g., drugs, vaccines) while having few if any direct effects when given by themselves. In this sense, they are roughly analogous to chemical catalysts. Types of adjuvants include:
         Pharmaceutic adjuvant
         Immunologic adjuvant.
SYNERGISTS:

       A drug,food additive or other chemical substance that interacts with another substance and their combined effect is SYNERGY.
       Performs the same set of motion as the agonists.
       Help cancel or neutralize extra motion from agonists.
       Works only within the desired plane.

PRODRUGS:

       Pharmacological substance that’s administered in an inactive or significantly less active form.
       Metabolised invivo into an active metabolite.
       ADME optimization.
       Improve oral bioavailability.
       Selectivity of a drug to its intended target.
       Rational drug design.

In systems biology

         Modulation of immune system through different approaches.
         May be stimulatives,suppressives or regulators.
         Modulating single/multiple pathways or targets as needed.
         Cocktails of immuno drugs.

CHELATORS /DETOXIFYING AGENTS:

         Chelate is a water-soluble complex between a metal ion and a complexing agent.
         It usually does not dissociate easily in solution, but forms an inert complex.
         Complexation of a bi- or multidentate ligand
         Encircles a mineral or metal ion and carries it from the body via the urine and feces.
         Chelating agents yielding soluble metal complexes are also called sequestering agents.

Would anupanas also act as….

       Drug carriers to facilitate drug transfer?
       Disintegration agents?
       Diluents?
       Granulating agents?
       Wetting agents?
       Lubricants?
       Sustained releasers for the controlled release mechanism.?


Concept of BMR & RMR:

         Body surface area is not only the criteria.
         Increase in metabolism.
         Increase in enzymatic induction.
         The range of dosages and dose rates effective for achieving the desired modulation of metabolism

Summarizing.

  AsmÉxrÉÉÌmÉ qÉWûiuÉÉjÉï mÉëpÉÔiÉxrÉsmÉ MüqÉïiÉÉqÉç |
  MÑürÉÉïiÉç xÉqzsÉåwÉ ÌuÉzsÉåwÉ MüÉsÉ xÉqxMüÉU rÉÑÌ£üÍpÉÌWû ||


  AjÉÉå AÍpÉrÉÑ£ü xÉiÉiÉqÉç xÉuÉïqÉÉsÉÉåcrÉ xÉuÉïkÉÉ |
  iÉjÉÉ rÉÑgeÉÏiÉ pÉæwÉerÉqÉÉUÉåarÉÉrÉ rÉjÉÉ kÉëÑuÉqÉç ||       
                                    (A.¾Òû.xÉÔ.22)

The drug must be administered to an individual only after careful evaluation of timing and condition of the disease. Then only drug restores complete health.






To discuss…

Ø      What might be the criteria & method of fixing a dose of rasoushadies though general statement is alpamathra?
Ø      Are rasoushadies applicable in all shat kriya kalas ?
Ø      Are we applying the principles of circadian rhythms when selecting the time of administration!
Ø      Dose depending on BMR how can we interpret?
Ø      Anupanas belong to which category-synergists,adjuvants,prodrugs or any others?

Ø      Do anupanas have such a component which might reduce / enhance the toxicity for some endpoints?

Ø      Drug cost & availability for anupanas as and when needed in today's practice.

Ø      Is mathra,parihara & upachara viruddha concepts applicable in rasashastra?

Ø      Are patent drug combinations which contain rasaushadies out of these principles?
Ø       Is kala anupanas mathra applicable in emergency conditions?












                                                                                                    BIBLIOGRAPHY:
1)      Agnivesa,The Charaka Samhitha,with Cakrapanidatta’s Ayurveda deepika and Vidyothini Hindi Commentary,Edited by Dr.Gangashaya Pandeya ,Seventh Edition,2002,Varanasi,Chaukambha Sanskrith Bhavan.Part -1.
2)      Pandith Sharangadharacharya,Sharangadhara Samhitha ,Edited by Pandith Parashuram Shastri,Sixth Edition,2005,Varanasi,Chaukambha Orientalia.
3)      Dr.J.L.N.Shastry, Dravyaguna Vijnana,First Edition 2006,Varanasi,Charu Printers,Chaukambha Orientalia.
4)      http// www.personal medicine.com.
5)      http// www.wikipedia.com
6)      http// google search .

Dec 9, 2010

“LASHUNA SHODITHA PARADA--- A PROCESS STANDARDISED LEAD MOLECULE FOR A NON-TOXIC MERCURIAL THERAPEUTIC DRUG”

 Abstract:-
Key words: Alliin alliicin, allinase enzyme, methyl cysteine, ajoene, antidote,
                    theosulphinate,lachrymatory-synthase,sulphoxide(methiine),
                   L-canavanine,apoptosis,cytochrome p-450,glutathione.


A human act or activity for adjustment,readjustment ,tuning ,normalization,stylization,social control,stabilization is what is meant as standardization.

Acharya charaka mentions 64 minerals which included metals such as Cu,Ag,Au,Pb,Zn,Sb,Fe,Ar etc..the tradition of processing metals and metallic products for medicinal use was well known to our acharyas who were aware of its detrimental effects.unlike western medicine Ayurvedic medicines are based on years of experience ,observations,empiricism and intution and has been handed down to generations both through words and treatises.
Safety,efficacy,standardization,quality control and regulations of the raw materials, manufacturing process and the ultimate goal is the finished medicinal product.though standardization of minerallo-metallic,herbo-mineral drugs is much discussed but is little understood an expression of standardization of each and every process is needed and is one of essential part of non-toxic standardization of herbo-mineralo-metallic drugs.
The shodhana process of minerals and metals is one such process which is widely descripted in all classical texts that can be interpreted in the light of modern biochemical,organic,inorganic,systemsbiology,pharmaceuticalscience,stoicheometry,medicinal chemistry etc..
Here is one such rationalized scientific approach in standardizing the purification procedures of mercury that would result in action on targeted cells.

Garlic (alliicin-organosulphur) and Hg reaction is a redox process where there is a reactant undergoing oxidation and one undergoing reduction. Since the two reactions are complementary to one another and occur simultaneously. The electron changes in oxidant and reductant forms the basis of ion-electron method for balancing ionic equations. There may be molecules of H+ and OH­- ; all may be used in balancing the partial equations.

The sulphur and mercury forming a best co-valent bond within garlic and mercury and as a result the triturated product turns black in color though may of mercury salts are turned to white powders or crystals. It is a miniature concept of Kajjali (mercuric sulphide) itself.

So the drug designers of ancient time have proposed parada samanya Shodhana using garlic. Even though we are unable to trace the reason for selecting garlic in samanya shodhana of parada in original text with the advanced photochemical research and other allied researches will encourage the scientific thinking of parade shodana. Ofcourse prospective instrumental research based on this critical literary research will only be confirmative objectively.
Amongst various parada shodhana methods garlic trituration method is also ideal and applicable as garlic is antidote for heavy metal poisoning, contains sulphur and hence an innate codrug for parada bandha, chemically sulphoxide, thiosulphinates, methyl cystiene, L-canavanine, ajoene etc are significant phyto constituents of organic nature helping inorganic mercury to end in safe absorbable pharmacotherapeautically effective mercury molecule.

Article:-

Objective:
To find the scientific explanation for samanya parada shodhana (the lead molecule) by lashuna trituration method to get the standardized medicinal product.(Rasatarangini, Ayurveda Prakasha).et al

Materials and Method:

Material:
Mercury, garlic and the literature regarding the same.
Method:
Retrospective and prospective logical scientific literary research.

                                            DETAILED DESCRIPTION

CONCEPT OF SHODHANA

CORROSION: corrosion of metals is their destruction under the action of surrounding media such as water, steam & furnace, gas etc as a result chemical and electrical process that takes of place on the surface of metals which may be in different forms uniform/point /honey/comb./intercrystalline.
A passive oxide film formation is the process in which metal /alloy exhibits a much higher corrosion resistance than expectance from its position. this protective layer is the one which makes the metal noble.(ion selective electrodes are an ideal measurement tools to know the ion activities which are important parameters to predict the corrosion rates ,solution conductivities ,effectiveness of metal parking baths and physiological effects of ion in biological fluid .

HEAT TREATMENT: fire was a mystical force that transformed one substance to another and was thus an object of wonder and superstition .it was fire that led to the discovery of purification of metals which gave rise to metallurgy.

WHY HEAT TREAT METALS?
Ø    To optimize the mechanical and physical properties for a given application and make way for next chemical reaction /electro chemical reaction.
Ø    It is not a process of hardening metal but to give the increased strength and wear resistance.
Ø    Controlled heating, cooling of metals alter the properties, increases strength and as a result increasing the product performance.

SURFACE TENSION: there is an interfacial tension which is biochemical very important especially very important in the process of adsorption height and density of a substance is also very important ,as the molecules of the surface are not so free to move .they are held together and for a membrane over the surface of a liquid .this force with which the surface molecules are held together is called surface tension .the surface tension decreases and increases with temperature .organic substances usually have low surface tension in solid to semi-solid to liquid systems the immersed substances lower the interfacial tension.
MASS AND ENERGY:
In all reactions atoms are molecules (chemical reactions) or between nuclei (nuclear reactions) there is a conversion of mass into energy or the converse according to whether energy is given out or absorbed during the reaction,the mass changes occurring during chemical reactions are so small as to be immeasurable but in nuclear reactions they are large enough to be detected .the major pathway of oxygen use in aerobic organism is 4 -electron reduction to give two molecules .
O2+4H-+4e -   ------2 H2O Eo =+0.815V, a major source of energy.
  

Aerobic purification:
Oxygen carries a lot of magnetic charges that affect largely the miracles of any process going around. The open trituration method in a khalva would allow this atmospheric oxygen to react with in a self created magnetic field. Mercury interferes with the capacity to quench highly reactive oxygen species to form inorganic mercury compounds.

Purification due to trituration:
Mardanam gunavardhanam. Let us analyze what are the qualities procured during trituration. The first entity would be rising temperature.

Rising temperature:
The heat produced due to friction of the pestle and mortar along with uniform rising temperature (if tapta khalva) would seize the heat irresistant impurities. Also, the rise in temperature accelerates an enzyme reaction but at the same time causes inactivation of the enzymes due to denaturation of the proteins. At a certain temperature known as optimum temperature the activity is maximum. However the optimum temperature of plant enzyme is 600 C. If the temperature is lowered, the rate of enzyme reaction is diminished. At temperature 00 C most enzymes are practically inactive and are destroyed by moist heat at 1000 C.

GARLIC (AJO-ALLIUM SATIVUM-liliaceae)
Garlic is one of the earliest known medicinal plants .its cloves had been used as a cure all in ancient Egypt .in Ayurveda garlic is recommended against leprosy.
active principles-sulfur containing compounds Alliin is converted to the antimicrobially active allicin,when the bulb is cut or bruised.Ajoene which is a secondary  degradation product of Alliin ,is presumably the most active compound

MERCURY:
 Mercury as a native metal its boiling point is around 357 0 C .
Specific gravity -13.59.
Hg combines with most of the metals to form alloys called amalgams. Its atomic number being 80 and atomic weight is 200.59. To get more yield of mercury today there are many sophisticated methods technically to produce pure mercury. Chamois leather used for physical insoluble impurities and HNO3 for chemical treatment. Hg thus obtained is subjected to vacuum distillation so as to get 100% pure form.

Even though 100% pure Hg is obtained by this or similar such methods, such Hg cannot be and should not be used to prepare medicines but should and must undergo shodhana classically.


Action of crushed garlic:
Garlic (Allium sativum) belonging to liliaceae is probably the earliest known medicinal plants.the fresh bulb contains alliin,allicin and volatile oils.when the garlic is crushed, alliin the first organosulphur compound found in nature to display optical isomerism is exposed to enzyme alliinase and converted to alliicin within 10 seconds .Alliicin is unstable and converts readily into mono, di, tri, and poly sulphides, sulphur oxide and other compounds such as ajoene, which is a secondary degradation product of alliin is presumably the most active compound responsible for any multiple bonding along with mercury.

Hg+Ajoene(Sulphur oxide)   leads to     Mercuric sulphuroxide

It is the enzymes which are free to react with the active sites to induce a configurational change (induced fit mechanisms). The presence of metalloenzymes in a definite quantity for the function of metal ions is retained throughout the purification process. These metal activated enzymes bind metal less tightly. But here in this process metal ions act as catalyzers for co-valent bonding.
     Due to enzymatic degradation of sulphur containing amino acids, as the process goes on it forms cysteine sulphoxide lyase which is known to represent important fraction of total protein content in allium bulbs.
The bonding structure found in Alliin, the major sulphur compound in whole, unbruised garlic.

                                                O

H2C = CH- CH2                                               C - OH
                               S  -CH2 -C
                                                    NH3
                    O


In allicin the next organosulphur compound produced after crushing due to enzyme action represents a different pattern of bonding.

H2C = CH - CH2

                                  S - S
                     O
CH2 - CH=CH2                       




Once formed alliicin is unstable, pure alliicin at room temperature has a half life of 2-16 hours, if in garlic juice or in crushed garlic 2-4days. As the enzyme alliinase and lachrymatory- factor synthase substance are present in separate compartment apart from amino acid substance in vivo. Upon rupture or wounding of the cells the enzyme located in the vacoule and the alkyl (methyle) cysteine sulphoxides located in the cytoplasm of allium can react and produce the volatile and odorous compound. Therefore alliicin which is derived from alliin is further classified as theo sulphinate (2S atoms bonded together one of which is bonded to O2 atom. This alliicin accounts for about 70-80% of total thiosulphinates in garlic. To get the maximum amount of alliicin from allin the bruised garlic should be used as soon as possible.


BIOLOGICAL PATHWAY

The use of oxygen in aerobic organisms is to function as a source of oxygen atoms in the biosynthesis of various molecules and conversion of lipid soluble to water soluble forms. The genetic configuration of garlic and its reaction bonding with Hg makes it more potential to be a purified mercury.

Alliicin is antimicrobially, antifungally, antibacterially active due to the concentration of sulphur compounds. Apparently allinases are translated from mRNA species of approximately 2200 nucleotides. The primary translation products are preproteins which are converted into the mature alliinases following post translational modifications. In garlic alliinase the mRNA encodes a 486 aminoacids polypeptide with a molecular mass of 55623 Daltons. The protein sequencing which is conducted on bio system model 477A protein sequence shows young shoots, old cloves, young shoots with shallots, old bulbs of garlic with different c DNA sequence. It is shown that garlic allinase expressed in all levels of old and young bulbs of same and alliinase is present through the development of plant. Therefore selection of garlic cloves for trituration does not make large difference.
Fresh garlic juice exhibit high broad spectrum antimicrobial activities .It alliin and alliicin also involved in the proven antioxidant effect of garlic. But this effect is dose  dependent and excessive concentration of alliicin act as pro oxidant.

Hence forth in our classicals the quantity of Bhavana/mardana dravyas is said as

            " Dravena Yavatha dravyam choornitham thu ardrathaam vrajeth 
             Taavaneva dravo dravye deyo bhishghbhirbhavanaavidhou "


The liquid to the powder in optimum proportion, that it gets sufficient moisture and forms a pulp. Alliicin has a low solubility in water 2% where it degrades to sulphides including di,tri,methl trisulphide which are also physiologically active as well.

Garlic extracts, through their antioxidant activities have been reported to provide protection against free radicle damage in the body. Anti oxidant properties of allicine, allylcysteine & allyl disulphide prepared by chemical synthesis or purification. Allicine scavenged superoxide , while allyl cysteine4 and allyl disulphide will not react with superoxide. Allicine and allyl cystein are hydroxyl scavengers. Allyl disulphide is a lipid peroxidation terminator. In summary all these exhibit different patterns of antioxidant activities as protective compounds against free radical damage. The large amounts of chlorophyll,
Beta carotene, vitamin-E, amino acids, L-canavanine which has anti bacterial, antiviral effect along with stimulation of interferon’s which enhances the natural killer cells.
As garlic extracts or antioxidants they provide protection against free radical damage. All patterns of alliicin and cysteine are protective compounds against free radical damage. The anti biotic, antibacterial and anti viral properties of garlic extract is due to L-canavanine which stimulates the interferon production, enhancing the natural killer cells.


ELECTROMAGNETIC PURIFICATION:


REDOX REACTION:

Attractive forces necessary to produce coherence between molecules that is responsible for the liquid and solid states. if repulsive forces did not operate there would be nothing to prevent the attractive forces from causing interpretation and mutual destruction of molecules.

The Hg polarography studies show-The magnetic circuit provided in the electrode and anode reactions when mercury is immersed in solution of elecrolytically active species, due to its relatively large surface area, has a low current density at its surface and is non polarized thuds remaining at constant potential. The pH of mercury been 6 is nearer to acidic nature ad the catalyses of the garlic base would make a strong co-valent bond of Hg++ with cations of sulphur compounds. Hg++ acts as a ‘super acid’ to form pi bonds . Unlike protons metal mercury can serve as a three dimensional template for orientation of basic groups on the enzymes or substrates.
The co-ordination sphere of mercury may bring together enzyme and substrate are form chelate producing distortion in   either  the enzyme or substrate. Mercury may also mask a nucleophile and thus prevent side reactions.

RADIOACTIVITY:
.A study says the effect of an acute dose of n - rays ( 10 gy) to post dormant garlic cloves on inner sprout growth and changes in peroxidases and soluble proteins were evaluated up to 100 days of storage in darkness at 19-10o C and 42-2% relative humidity. Radiation induced inhibition of sprout growth became evident after 25 days of treatment and was synchronous with marked increase in the number of anodic peroxidase, iso enzymes at 100 days. Neither the soluble protein nor the protein pattern was affected by irradiation. These are in terms of possible mediating effect of peroxides of radiation induced sprout inhibition in garlic. This shows that even the irradiation effect of mercury while trituration is suppressed and neutralized by garlic.


ELEMENTOLOGY IN PURIFICATION:

A give and take principle is followed between mercury and garlic when all the other factors are intact.
The selenium and Germanium trace elements found in the garlic extract is another area of explanation showing some unknowing effect on Hg. Because Hg forms a tight bond with selenium there by displacing selenium from its critical role as an obligatory constituent of  glutathione  peroxidase.

PARINAMA-On transformation matter is constantly undergoing change of state. The effect is only the cause in the new collocation…

TOXICOLOGY:

C-hg bond of some organic hg is cleaved after absorption, with methyl mercury the cleavage is quite slow and the inorganic mercury formed is not thought to play a major role in methyl mercury toxicity.

Garlic has been proved as a best antidote for heavy metal poisoning. Hence processed garlic is augmented with antidote itself. Hence one step ahead in safety to select it as a best drug for shodhana of Parada and logically used.

CHEMISTRY:

The thermodynamics, kinetics and free radicals auto oxidation
 Process is the basis of the chemistry of metals. A molecular species in the reaction medium may combine with one in the reaction mixture modifying the kinetics of the reaction.
Hg readily forms co-valent bonds with sulphur and it is this property that accounts for most of the biological properties. The affinity of mercury for ‘thiols’   provides the basis for treatment of mercury. The methyl cysteine thiosulphate combines with mercury to form methyl mercury which can be safe and readily absorbed by the human GI tract in inorganic form…

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY:

Khalvi rasayanas are the basic products for any formulation of the drugs further. Though parada Samanya shodhana is said to be done with many drugs such as Haridra, kumari, Chitraka etc.Pharmacological path is activated or formulated keeping in mind the targeted tissues and so parad shodhana with lashuna is simulation to give the result of such an end product which can eradicate the root of the disease.
As a merit lashuna containing sulphur as parada always as affinity towards sulphur groups disintegrated, conjugated and form as one unique compound hg-s which presents as a Lead molecule.

Ajone inhibits thromboxane synthesis through the inhibition of cyclo oxygenase and lipo oxygenase enzymes. For the treatment of pulmonary syndrome garlic is proved a s a good drug.

The processed triturated mercury with garlic in purification can be used in formulating such drugs which can be indicated essentially in CADs, CVDs, hyperlipedimiea, tumours, hormonal disorderts, atherosclerosis, obesity. Hence the purification methods of hg with garlic would be unique with such pathologies. As garlic possess quality of killing disease, it would be more effective. Eg:- classically formulated drug such as Chandrakala rasa18 which is indicated in hypertension where in parada is one of  main ingredients can be purified by using garlic for both the cause of detoxification and enhancing its qualities. Bhruhat garbha chintamani rasa that is used as rasayana along with prevention of giddiness and other risks in pregnancy also contains parada, which can be best purified by lashuna. Gulma kalanala rasa containing parada is another example, which can be best indicated in oncology. Arogyavardhini vati a common OTC drug with its broad spectrum of indications is known to be sroto vishodaka, kleda and Medho hara. Parada in this act as lead molecule that can be processed with lashuna for its better efficacy.
Because all in all main objective of performing proper procedures and formulating the drug is nothing but for the ultimate aim of treating the disease.

DISCUSSION
Garlic (alliicin-organosulphur) and Hg reaction is a redox process where there is a reactant undergoing oxidation and one undergoing reduction. Since the two reactions are complementary to one another and occur simultaneously. The electron changes in oxidant and reductant forms the basis of ion-electron method for balancing ionic equations. There may be molecules of H+ and OH­- ; all may be used in balancing the partial equations.

The sulphur and mercury forming a best co-valent bond within garlic and mercury and as a result the triturated product turns black in color though may   of mercury salts are turned to white powders or crystals. It is a miniature concept of Kajjali (mercuric sulphide) itself.
So the drug designers of ancient time have proposed parada samanya Shodhana using garlic. Even though we are unable to trace the reason for selecting garlic in samanya shodhana of parada in original text with the advanced phytochemical research and other allied researches will encourage the scientific thinking of parada shodhana. Of course prospective instrumental research based on this critical literary research will only be confirmative objectively.

CONCLUSION:-
Amongst various parada shodhana methods garlic trituration method is an ideal and applicable as garlic is antidote for heavy metal poisoning, contains sulphur and hence an innate codrug for parada bandha, chemically sulphoxide, thiosulphinates , methyl cystine, L-canavanine, ajoene etc are significant phyto constituents of organic nature helping inorganic mercury to end in safe absorbable pharmacotherapeautically effective mercury molecule.

Dec 8, 2010

SUGANDHA DRAVYAS IN BAHIRPARIMARJANA

"Manah Priyo Gandaha Sugandhaha"

“SUGANDHA DRAVYAS and the therapeutic use of its essential oils, is one of the most popular
techniques of natural medicine practiced today. It is widely available, pleasant, and easy to use. Everything
in your kitchen and bathroom has an aroma that affects you in many ways. Lavender bath salts calm your
nervous system as you soak in the tub. Aromas are added to candles, soaps, lotions and massage oils, so
oftentimes you are practicing aromatherapy even when you don't realize it. 

AN ANCIENT TRADITION:-
The first form of aromatherapy utilized different kinds of burning Woods, and the use of smoke in the form
of incense has survived in almost all cultures.
The Egyptians used aromatics 5,000 years ago for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. The Greeks used olive
oil to absorb the odor from flower petals and herbs. Arab physicians perfected the method of distilling
essential oils and brought them to Europe. By the 16th century, the women of the household made all kinds
of remedies for home use. The new sciences of chemistry and pharmacology, however, reduced these
practices to superstition, thus discouraging the use of aromatherapy until the beginning of the 20th century,
when a succession of French chemists started to research the healing properties of essential oils. The first
and foremost among them, Rene Maurice Gattefosse, turned his attention to the use of oils in dermatology
after he discovered how lavender oil healed his burned hand. He coined the word "aromatherapy" in
1928 and published a book by the same title in 1937.
In the eastern cultures of India and China, however, the tradition remained unbroken. Vaidyas, ayurvedic
physicians, treated Indian royalty with dried and fresh herbs, floral waters and aromatic oil massage.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils are the highly concentrated essences of aromatic plants. They can be derived from all parts of
the plant: flowers (rose), woods (sandalwood), barks (cinnamon), leaves (basil), roots and fruits (orange).
The methods of oil extraction are time-consuming and expensive, and require a high degree of expertise.
Ayurveda considers the use of aromatherapy as an important tool for prevention and healing. Practitioners
use it for protecting the vital force, prana, regulating digestion and metabolism, agni, and increasing
resistance to disease, ojas. Traditional ayurvedic practices include fumigation by burning neem leaves, use
of holy basil or rose petals in water while bathing, and burning incense sticks during meditation. Essential
oils can be used alone or in combination. One can mix aromas into synergistic blends to increase their
potency and to balance the effect of individual oils.

THERAPEUTIC USES:-

Massage:
Sugandha dravyas like vacha,usheera,lavangakusuma,jatamansi,srigandha,chandana,aguru,mandookaparni in massage is another widely used ayurvedic technique. When you receive, or give yourself a massage, you not only inhale the essential oils but your skin absorbs them as well. They penetrate the tissues and find their way into the bloodstream where they are transported to the organs and systems of the body. Essential oils have different rates of absorption so it is best not to shower directly following a massage to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Bath: Drugs like arishtaka, Madhavi, Sallaki, Shatha pushpa, Shephali, Rasna, Sarpa sugandha are used.
The large surface of the warm water in the tub instantly vaporizes the essential oils, sending their particles
to your brain. Soaking alone relaxes your muscles and your whole physiology, so you enhance the effect of
the aromas.
Skin and Hair Care: Most personal care items are scented with aromas, often with synthetic ones. Use of
only pure essential oils in soaps, shampoos, creams and lotions. The smell of roses, jasmine or neem in
soaps can enliven your shower. For example, rose and lavender help tone your skin and uplift your spirit.
Whatever product used, make sure it contains only natural essential oils and ingredients. Artificial aromas
and perfumes will not provide the same benefits and can cause skin irritation or allergies.
For Personal Balance in Every Season!

"Kumkumena Sadarpena Pradigdho aguru dhoopitaha"---For Hemantha & Shishira(Winter)
"Snaatho anulipthaha karpoora chandana aguru kumkumaihi"----Vasantha Rutu (Spring)
"Vichithra pushpa vruksheshu kaananeshu Sugandghishu"-------Vasantha rutu (Spring)
"Karpoora mallika malaha haaraaha Sa harichandanaha"------Greeshma (Summer)
"Surabihi Satatham Dhoopithambaraha"-------------------Greeshma (Summer)

In the form of floral and herbal extracts and incense, has always been an integral aspect of
Ayurvedic healing. From sandalwood incense to enhance the benefits of meditation to water
infused with holy basil for purifying the environment, aromas has been a pleasant way to infuse
the human psycho-physiology with the healing wisdom of plants.
Although single aroma incense and floral waters are not uncommon in Ayurveda, it is more
typical to see blends or combinations of several different aromas. The benefits? Synergy and
balance.
A synergistic blend of healing substances, according to ayurveda, delivers a holistic benefit that is
greater than the sum of its parts. And careful balancing of ingredients is reported to counteract
possible side-effects from a single healing substance.
Ayurveda talks about restoring balance to mind, body and spirit in every season. The three
Ayurvedic operators – Vata, Pitta and Kapha – that control all the functions of the mind and body
have seasons associated with them as well. Rain fall and winter are associated with Vata, spring
with Kapha and summer with Pitta. There are traditional aroma blends for massage that are
particularly useful for restoring overall balance in each of these three seasons according to its
gunas,rasa veerya and vipaka. Some of ayurvedic drugs used for daha prashamana like
chandana, madhooka, neelothpala,saariva, hrivera.for daha nirvana lepana like udumbara
.sheethaapanayana pralepa like ela and aguru.
Tejapathra,gambhariphala,musthaka,nagakesara,poogaphala,jaathiphala,shilarasa,kunkuma,shati,
padmacharini,vanamallika,amlakatwachasumukha,tumbura,dhanyaka,thurushka,neelapadma,
suvarnakethaki etc rakshoghna gana dravyas like gandha nakuli,Krishna jeeraka,vandhya
karkotaki,,gandha shaali mentioned in our classicals are yet to be explored for there aroma
property. Aroma therapy has regained popularity only two decades back. Various products based
on essential oils and natural ingredients are available designed to alter or enhance moods and treat
a range of ailments and as prevention by just a simple massage.

"If the day and night are such that you greet them with joy and life emits a fragrance like flowers
and sweet scented herbs - that is your success. All nature is your congratulations."

RASASHASTRA- A MYSTERY IN ANCIENT INDIAN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY.


Ayurveda is a holistic and supreme life science which was developed by the divine people on realization through their super intellectual and deep concentration. The Samhitha kala was known to use the herbs and animal products in abundance, identified and incorporated even some of the mineral materials for the elimination of disease and rejuvenation .Though the latter were in limited use, later in the medieval period along with the alchemical development it took a golden chariot as a specialized Science when people needed the instant and best cure and such science deserved to be called as RASASHASTRA.So one of Acharyas describes it:
“Na cha Rasashaastram Dhatuvaadaarthameva iti manthavyam│
dehavedadwara muktireva paramaprayojanaath  ││  (Sarvadarshanasangraha)
Rasashastra, a branch of ayurvedic pharmaceutics dealt with minerals,metals,precious stones,certain poisonous herbs and their processing very largely derived its colour,flavour and in fact,its nourishment from the tantric cult.In almost every country the progress of chemistry can be traced to medicine.Tantric cult came into vogue since the decline of Buddhism in India and exercised a considerable influence on the society till the middle ages,circa1300 AD .Even after the centuries of atreya and dhanvanthari sampradaya Rasashastra evolved with  a special concern and so even the true rasavaidyas were admired.

“Utthamo rasavaidasthu madhyamo moolikaadibihi│
 adhamaha shastradaahabhyaam ittham vaidyaasthridha mathaa ││
              The specialized procedures or samskaras like Shodhana Marana, satvapathana, amrutheekarana etc were developed and the result of which would be the ultimate formulations or yogas like Bhasmas, kupipakwa rasayanas, parpati, pottali etc.All these came under one roof called Rasaushadies.Due to their Small dose, quick effectiveness, tastelessness, effectiveness on dreadful diseases and long shelf life Rasaushadies occupied a superior status among ayurvedic medicine. In fact, Rasashastra is an expansion of Rasayana therapy.
               Alpa maathropayogitthvath arucheraprasanghathaha 
             Kshipramaarogyadaayitvath aushadhebhyo adhiko rasaha││
                                                                                      ( Rasa ratna samuchchaya)

There is no material without having therapeutic property. All the materials possess properties according to their physico-chemical constitution.
                        Naasti dravyam anaushadham  │(Charaka Samhitha)
Mercury is one of them with high profile of medicinal property.The scope of Rasashatra is very vast and it encompasses the study of ancient pyrometry,various appliances,many minerals,gems and animal sources as medicine.
If one observes the prescription of an ayuvrvedic physician one notices that there are atleast one or two Rasaushadies.
                                Sarvam dravyam paanchabhouthikam │ (Ashtanga Samgraha)
                              
We very well know that matters in this world are made of five mahabhuthaas and so with the same principle the minerals and metals were experimented as drugs to give a better cure.Then according to Loka purusha Saamya vaada the human being is just like this universe. According to samanya vishesha siddhantha the vriddhi (replenishment,restore,rejuvenate,energise etc) is the result of samanya dravyas designed to assimilate in the humen body. The great Rasaacharya  Nagarjuna’s ukthi was
  Siddhe Rase Karishyaami nirdaaridryam idam jagath. │( Rasa ratna samuchchaya)

The above verse meant that the through Rasashastra the poverty and the disease can be rooted out.

Pranaishana,Dhanaishana and paralokaishana lead to the discovery of Mercury and its detailed scientific study.Loha siddhi by transmuting the lower metals into higher metals and Deha siddhi to attain longevity and vigour by using drugs containing the mercurial products were the two basic aims which gave rise to such a wonderful Science. In brief this part contained the organic,inorganic,medicinal,pharmaceutical and biochemistry intact.

Science of appliances in Rasashastra:
The Yantras or the appliances which were required to prepare the standard quality medicine were designed specifically for certain procedures. The materials used for these yantras were   of earthern origin. As time passed there might be some modifications but sustains the same technique. Some of the apparatus which are mentioned fundamentally are:

  • Dola yantra –Swing apparatus
  • Damaru yantra
  • Sthali yantra
  • Puta yantra
  • Palika yantra
  • Swedana yantra
  • Valuka yantra-Sand apparatus
  • Ghata yantra
  • Vidhyadara yantra
  • Pathana yantra
  • Bhudhara Yantra
  • Kachchapa Yantra
  • Khalva Yantra- pestle and mortar
  • Patala yantra
  • Tula yantra-Balance
  • Ulukhala yantra


During various Samskaras (processings)or while undergoing experiments,the minerals and metals are proposed for heating where some metals require intense heating. Here the utensils otherwise used cannot withstand high temperatures and so our Seers designed special Crucibles of particular shapes. These crucibles were not only sustaining heat but also would eliminate the defects or impurities .So it was defined as

Mushnathi doshaan mooshayen saa mooshethi nigadhyathe │( Rasa ratna samuchchaya)


The basic materials used to make these mooshas were ash of husks of grains (dagdha tusha),filamentous integuments of certain plants,Ash powder,horse dung,Lohakitta ( a type of Iron rust),Black soil,wood ash etc.in different proportions.

Fire places and Ancient pyrometry:
Specifically built fire places for uniform heating using selected woods of particular plants or cow dung cakes.Koshthi,angara koshthi,patala koshti,gara koshti were some of them which were mainly used for the Sattvapatana or the separation of the active principle.
         Puta (unit of heat):
 Rasaadi dravya paakaanam pramana gnapanam putam│
Neshto nyoonaadikah paakaha supakvam hithamoushadham ││
                                                            ( Rasa ratna samuchchaya)
These were the heating appliances and procedures which represented both qualitative and quantitative measures of heating ,even the amount of fuel being used are mentioned specifically which would depict the optimum heat for the perfect process to be carried out and to beget the quality end product.Mahaputa,Gajaputa,Varaha puta,Kukkuta puta,Kapotha puta,gobara puta,kumbha puta ,valuka puta are some of putas.

Some of standard procedures and its rationale:
1.Shodhana : The word developed from the verb Shuddha which means to purify. The purification of the ingredients used to formulate a drug or as a single drug. Various shodhana procedures like:

  • Swedana
  • Mardana
  • Patana
  • Dhalana
  • Avapa
  • Nirvapa
  • Suryathapashtapana
  • Pralepa
  • Sosana
  • Bharjana


The drugs used for shodhana process are from Snehavarga (using oil group),Amla rasa varga(plant juices having acidic property),Ksara varga(drugs alkaline in nature),kasaya rasa varga ,

Shodhana is a combination of processes which removes unwanted part from the drug or removes those effects, which enhances the properties of the drug, which makes the drug suitable for desired actions. Though the literal meaning of shodhana is purification it has its wide implications. It thus has an objective:
  • To remove the physical and chemical impurities
  • To make metals, minerals free from toxicity.
  • Transformation of attributes
  • Regulation of attributes
By impregnating and triturating with the organic materials like herbal juice(in the form of weak acids and bases) they are made homologous to the cells and thus their toxicity might get reduced and acceptability by the cells is increased.
Example:Role of Garlic in purifying mercury wherein the sulphur content in garlic not only helps in detoxifying the mercury and its stabilization but also the enhances  properties as garlic by itself is a known anti-oxidant it makes Parada (mercury) a better ingredient in further drug designing.

2.Marana:
Various metals,minerals,gems and animal products etc should be used after preparing the raw purified drugs into bhasma or pishti forms.By doing Marana/calcinations/incineration the drugs are reduced into fine particles. So that these could be absorbed easily into the system and homologue with the Rakthadi dhatus and target its action without producing any undesirable effects. Besides the natural properties are enhanced and sometimes new properties are also inducted.

3.Satvapathana :Extraction of  the essence from its original form.
This was the process to obtain the active principle of that ore which is free from all blemishes,to minimize the dose without lowering the efficacy, to involve in further procedures like calcinations etc.The drugs  used for the extraction be of usna,tiksna,dhathu dravaka and shodhana qualities. Borax (tankana), Silica (mrtthika), Sodium carbonate, Potassium carbonate (ksharas and lavanas) etc are considered as fusion materials. It also known as liquefying material. With the help of flux, the whole mixture material gets liquefied at appropriate temperature. It also helps in the separation of metal and slag. The remaining reductant and flux material goes in the composition of slag.
They also identified specific signs i.e. Shuddhavarta and Beejavarta which appear at particular temperature and indicate the melting of material and separation of metallic contents from the liquefied material. The metallic content of the material is known as satva. The slag portion is called kitta (waste).

Thus here is just a glimpse of Rasashastra which is a vast ancient Science of varied chemistry under one Roof which still requires exploration & facts using the allied Sciences to make it an evidence based medicine.