Indian Alchemy Research Articles

The therapeutic potential of hemp seed oil as Nasya in the management of insomnia: a literature review

Abstract The significance of getting sufficient sleep for maintaining good health and wellbeing is widely known. The American Psychiatric Association classifies insomnia as the most common sleep–wake disorder characterized by difficulty with sleep quality, timing, and quantity. The residual effects and the social stigma associated with the use of sedative drugs incline patients toward seeking alternative therapy. Ayurveda presents an exhaustive elucidation of the etiology, manifestations, and therapeutic modalities concerning insomnia. Among the extensively prescribed Panchakarma (the five-fold bio-purification process) interventions for insomnia management, Nasya (instillation of oils, powders, or juices through the nasal route) holds a significant position. Nasya is considered an effective way to directly deliver medicines to the brain by bypassing the blood–brain barrier through olfactory and trigeminal nerve pathways. Anandkand, an important book on Indian alchemy, mentions various formulations of hemp, including the use of hemp seed oil (Vijaya Beej Tail) for Nasya. A narrative analysis of hemp seed oil Nasya for insomnia was conducted using Ayurvedic texts and electronic databases. Although valued for its nutraceutical properties, there is limited clinical data on its effectiveness in treating insomnia. No relevant clinical studies were found for its use in treatment of insomnia, but some preclinical and clinical studies exist for other conditions. The presence of a perfect proportion of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, coupled with its antioxidant properties and the existence of preclinical findings suggesting the sedative and anti-anxiety effects of hemp seed extracts by influencing the benzodiazepine receivers linked to gamma-aminobutyric acid, makes it a choice for Nasya therapy in clinically managing insomnia. A significant enhancement in scientific research efforts is imperative to maximize its potential utilization.

Unveiling the Historical and Literary Aspects of Rajavrat: An In-Depth Overview

Rajavrat known as Lapis lazuli stone is one of the semiprecious stone in Indian alchemy placed under Upratna Varg. Lapis lazuli stone is made up of Metamorphic Rock and chemically it is mixture of minerals (Na S3-Al) Al2 (SiO4)3 with lazurite. It is royal blue in colour and used since century for ornaments, beads and making of decorative items. The ‘blue pigment’ known as ultramarine is extracted from it and used in paintings and colouring agent since middle age. It is one of the most spiritually used stone worldwide and used therapeutically in different system of medicines. In Ayurveda it is mentioned in most of the Rasagranthas and therapeutically given in various ailments mainly in diabetes, alcoholism, and urinary disorders. Its identification, different purification methods, therapeutic uses are described in various texts. An attempt has been made to compile and provide information regarding its historical presence, mineralogical identification, physico-chemical properties and therapeutic uses in different system of medicine.

Impact of Various Processes (<i>Samskara</i>) in Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics

In Ayurveda pharmaceutics, herbal drugs, minerals, metals, and gems are used as raw materials. Most of the minerals and metals are obtained from the mines and hence there is every chance of impurities and heterogeneous qualities due to the mixing of various substances and impurities. Hence these minerals and metals have to undergo various samskaras (processes) before being converted into medicines from raw states and then subsequent use for internal administration. Due to these processes, the natural qualities of the drugs get modified and converted into new therapeutic properties. The present study is planned to identify some important processes of Rasashastra (Indian alchemy) and their impact on the physical, chemical and therapeutic properties of the final product. Conversion of a raw drug into medicinal form has a mammoth impact such as palatability, increased shelf life, feasibility during travelling, maintaining accurate dosing and ease of administration. Shodhana (detoxification) brings out physical, chemical and biological changes in the drug. Wet trituration modifies the analytical parameters of the drug which in turn facilitates the absorption process. Due to maranaa (incineration), toxic effects are nullified and drugs become therapeutically more effective. Thus, various processes described in Rasashastra show multidimensional pharmaceutical and therapeutical implications in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics.

Glimpses of Patala (Stereospermum Suaveolens roxb. Dc.) in Rasashastra: A Review

In the universe of Ayurveda, Patala (Stereospermum suaveolens Roxb. DC.) is renowned drug credited with variety of therapeutic properties as well as other specific uses. It is also the member of much celebrated Mishraka Varga like Bruhatpanchmoola and Dashmoola. Rasashastra i.e., Indian alchemy or Iatrochemistry deals primarily with metals, minerals, gems etc. but it is inseparable from different flora and fauna. This sincere attempt helps ease out the efforts to draw information on Patala, Bruhatpanchmoola and Dashmoola from Rasashastra domain. For this purpose, information pertaining to Patala and other two herbal groups was screened from classical Rasashastra texts available at central library of ITRA, Jamnagar. Gathered information according to relevance and specificity was arranged in tabular form under the headings like name of group, processes like Shodhana, Marana, formulation name, mode of administration, dosage form etc. Total 18 groups of herbs, 164 formulations (excluding references of processes like Shodhana/Marana) were found having their therapeutic efficacy in almost 28 indications with 14 dosage forms at their disposal. Dashmoola in formulations, Jvara in therapeutic indications and Rasaushadhi in dosage forms were found in majority. Lastly general information of Patala, in the context of Dinacharya, Rutucharya, Rasashala, its simile also quoted. This review depicts multimodal applications of Patala along with its group of herbs in Rasashastra. The write-up will serve as in hand guide for the knowledge of Patala and its associated groups of herbs in the branch of Rasashastra.

Concept of Dravya (drug) and its classification: A brief review

To eradicate the disease the drugs play a vital role in the treatment management. The Dravya or the drug placed in second prime important place in the Chikitsa Chatushpada (Four limbs of treatment) in Ayurveda viz; Bhishak (Physician), Aushadha (Drug), Upasthata or Paricharaka (Nurse or attender), Rogi (Patient). There are four branches of Dravya as per Ayurvedic classics. Viz; Nama Rupa Jnana (Pharmacognosy), Guna Karma (Pharmacology), Prayoga Jnana (Pharmacotherapeutics), Sanyoga Jnana (Pharmacy). According to Charaka Samhita the Guna (Properties) and Karma (Actions) are present in inseparable relationship called Samavayi Karana. All the drugs in the universe are made up of five proto elements. These proto elements called as Panchamahabhuta. The drug is made up of five factors are called as Karana Dravyas. These are nine in number. Viz; Akasha (Sky element), Vayu (Air element), Teja (Fire element), Prithwi (Earth element), Jala (Water element), Mana (Mind factor), Kala (Time factor), Disha (Direction), and Atma (Soul factor) factors. According to Rasa Vaisheshika (One of the Indian alchemy book) the drugs contain Rasa (Taste), Guna (Qualities), Virya (Active potency), Vipaka (Post digestive effect), Prabhava (Specific effects) five factors. Most of the time the drug is administered in an empty stomach to achieve the larger amount of absorption. But in some cases like Asthama, Hikka (Hiccough), Atisara (Diarrhea), Trishna (Excessive thirst), the drug should be administered on and often to achieve desired effects. There are 11 types of time of administration is mentioned. Viz; Abhakta (Empty stomach), Pragbhakta (Before meal), Madhyabhakta (During meal), Adhobhakta (After meal), Samabhakta (With food), Antarbhakta (Between two meal), Samudga (Before and after meals), Muhurmuhu (On and often), Sagrasa (Mith first morsel of food), Grasantara (Between morsels), Nisha (Bed time). The present work is dealt with the detail information about the drug, the drugs acting on various body systems and the some of the drugs with its classification based on various Ayurvedic texts.

Pharmaceutical Study of Amavatari Rasa and Rasnadi Guggulu-Ayurvedic Formulations

Ayurveda is one of the ancient and holistic system of Medicine. It is a system where principles of living and treatment are described in codified form. Rasashastra and Bhaishajya kalpana is a branch of Indian Alchemy and Iatrochemistry. In this branch number of herbo-mineral and purely herbal formulations are mentioned with wide range of dosage forms. It is not only a science of drug manufacturing but also the science of selection, identification, prevention and standardization. A good quality of products assures the anticipated results. The pharmaceutical preparations when prepared with proper scientific approach it can prove to be a boon for patients. Amavatari rasa and Rasnadi guggulu are amongst the important preparations, which have been mentioned in well-known rasa text Brihat yog tarangini and Bhaishjya ratnavali. Pharmaceutical study involves preparation of Amavatari Rasa and Rasnadi Gugglu according to classical method. All the raw materials were procured from the Pharmacy of N.I.A, Jaipur and Pharmaceutical procedures were carried out in the department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, NIA Jaipur.

Indigenous knowledge on ancient Indian alchemical alloying

In recent times, the metallic drugs synthesized through traditional Indian alchemy processes are gathering much attention owing to their therapeutic nature and physico-chemical properties. The extractive metallurgy and alloy formulation of this tradition have hardly been explored as it involves sturdy pyro-technological treatments to extract the essential medicinal properties of hard substances like minerals, metals and stones. However, through modern characterization tools, it is possible to investigate the submerged sensible patterns, and tap their new dimensions of applicability. In the present work, a critical analysis is attempted to study the materials and pyro-technological treatments followed in alloying process of Indian Alchemy. The inner crucible coatings incorporated in the ancient Indian alchemical systems are studied by Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). It is found that the tradition of using materials like Borax, ghee etc., traces back to Indian philosophies of 600 BCE. Also, it is believed that they used to extract active principles from ores, minimizing their metallic dosages and without alteration in their potency for treatment. The alloys synthesized and characterized involve Au, Ag, Cu, Zn and other minerals like śilājit and svarṇamākṣika (Chalcopyrites).

A RESEARCH ON PHARMACUETICAL PREPARATION OF TAMRA GARBHA POTTALI

Ayurveda a science of life bloomed on its own concepts of health maintenance and curative aspects. One of the prenomial off shoot of Ayurveda is Rasashastra, an Indian alchemy. Pottali kalpana is a peculiar pharmaceutical dosage form, is unique in terms of its preparation, mode of administration, quick in action, less dose and easy for transportation. Tamra Garbha pottali (TMGP) is one such herbo-mineral-metallic complex formulation containing Tamra bhasma (T.B), Shodita Swarna, Hingulotta Parada and Shodhit Gandhaka. Among the different pharmaceutical methods, Gandhaka paka method is considered to be the best method to enhance the properties of the drugs and to keep them in a concise form.
 Pilot study of 6 Pottalis was conducted to standardize the temperature required to do Pottali paka and to assess the Pottali siddi lakshanas like Vyoma varna of Gandhaka paka, hardness of Pottali and changes of silk cloth tied to the Pottali. The main study conducted in 2 batches on the standards made by the pilot study. Observations made on the time duration required for the study, temperature to be given to Paka, changes in the Gandhaka varna till attainment Vyoma varna noted. The Study gave standard pharmaceutical method of Pottali paka w.s.r to Tamra garbha pottali.

A brief review of Rasaratnasamucchaya of Manikyadeva Suri: an Indian alchemical treatise of the medieval period

Several alchemical treatises were written in the early Medieval period (800–1300 A.D.). The majority of these texts are from Hindu cult, and some are from Buddhism. During this period, seers from Jain cult were also seen as contributing to the field of alchemy. One of very few such texts from Jain alchemy is Rasaratnasamucchaya of Manikyadeva Suri (RRSMS) (thirteenth century A.D.), which is not available in the market nowadays but was found on the website in PDF form. RRSMS, written in Sanskrit language and edited by Sikdar JC, is reviewed briefly in the present work. RRSMS, containing three chapters, is a precise treatise among the available ancient literature on Indian alchemy; it throws light on the state of Indian expertise in the field of alchemy and medicine and sidelight on the social beliefs, diets, various diseases, and their herbo-mineral remedies used during this period. It provides useful information of various kinds of minerals, metals, and herbs with their complex formulations, the different apparatus used in them, and measuring systems such as weight. Various procedures and alchemical preparations of mercury, iron, copper, gold, silver, and other metals and minerals are suggested as potent medicines in different ailments. Thus, it can be concluded that a mass of chemical information on Rasayanavidya (alchemy), metallurgy, and mineralogy, along with the knowledge of Ayurveda, was accumulated during the period of the author. Thus, it is the dire need of the time to bring it out by translating it to the regional languages and accepting commentaries from the greats of Rasashastra for the welfare of the society.

Concept of Satvapatana: a review

Rasashastra is a branch in Ayurveda that deals with Ayurveda Pharmaceutics using drugs of varied origin like metals, minerals, gemstones, mercury, etc. Indian alchemy consists of various processes like shodhana (purification), marana (incineration), amrutikarana (processing the incinerated ash to imbibe more qualities), etc. One among these processes is Satvapatana (extraction of essence from mineral ores). Satvapatana is a process where the mineral ore mentioned in texts of Indian alchemy are mixed with other drugs and subjected to heat by which the essence of the ore is obtained. The satva of the drugs are of different colours and different types of heat are mentioned to extract the satva for different minerals based on the hardness of the drug. These satvas are used in different processes of Mercury and also in therapeutics.
 Keywords: Satvapatana, rasashastra, satva, minerals, mercury

Contribution of text Rasapaddhati in the history of Indian alchemy: A review

Background: Rasapaddhati is a classical Sanskrit text related to Rasashastra, which mainly deals with metals, minerals, and mercurial preparations flourished during the medieval period to achieve Dehavada (attaining long and healthy life by using mercurial preparations) and Lohavada (conversion of lower metals into precious metals such as gold and silver). Later knowledge of Rasashastra extended to the therapeutic application in various diseases. Rasapaddhati is a fifteenth-century alchemical treatise written by Acharya Bindu comprising the personal experiences of the author in the field of alchemy. Aims and Objectives: This work is a humble attempt to summarize the key features of text Rasapaddhati, its contents, and contribution in the development of Indian alchemy. Materials and Methods: A review of Rasapaddhati was performed on Siddhiprada Hindi commentary by Siddhinandan Mishra and published by Chaukhambha Orientalia in 1987. Results and Conclusion: It is written in Shardulvikridit Chhanda and is completed in 236 verses. The key features of Rasapaddhati include the classifications of minerals, metals, precious stones, description of mercury, and its various processes and 49 herbal and herbomineral formulations with therapeutic applications in various diseases.

CONCEPT OF MARDANA: A REVIEW

Rasashastra is a branch of Ayurveda pharmaceutics that deals with preparation of formulations using mineral, metals, marine drugs, gemstones, etc. It is a branch that has mercury as its center. Many processing types have been mentioned in Indian alchemy, most of the processes mentioned are for making Parada develops lohavada and dehavada property. There are also procedures and samskaras mentioned to potentiate the formulations or drugs. One such samskara (process) is mardana samskara that is used as a purification procedure of Parada as well as a bhavana for preparing Khalviya yogas (preparation made in mortar and pestle).
 Keywords: Rasashastra, Mardana, shodhana, processes

Review on Rasa Manjari - A Text of Indian Alchemy

Ayurveda is a multidimensional science using a set of complex pharmaceutical combinations in treatment. Rasashastra, pharmaceutical science mainly deals with the processing and therapeutic utilization of mercury, metals and minerals. Rasa Manjari is one of the important ancient texts on ancient Indian alchemy written by Shri Shalinatha in Approx. 15th century AD. Two commentaries are available on this text. Subject matter of the text contains total 862 verses which are divided into 10 chapters. There is description of Dhatuvada (conversion of lower metals into higher metals) and Dehavada (therapeutic usage of metals and minerals) of Mercury (Parada). The present paper will highlight the review of Rasa Manjari, providing information about the author, text and contributions.

Arsenic in the management of leukemia: an Ayurvedic perspective

Gauripasan, Harital and Manhasilaare important classical Ayurvedic arsenic containing minerals found in Rasashastra (Indian Alchemy). Though there are no direct references about the role of these minerals in treating leukemia but there are several references of the above minerals in combating blood disorders, infection and anemia which can occur secondary to leukemia. This review discusses the probable role of this arsenic based Ayurvedic compounds in the management of leukemia, its study from ancient classics supporting its therapeutic efficacy and also to draw a comparison among the effectiveness in between several arsenic containing mineral groups in Ayurveda.

Standardization and evaluation of Ayurvedic Medicines – Needs

Rasa Shastra or preferably called as the ancient Indian Alchemy, deals with the preparation of medicines that has helped mankind since thousands of years. Rasa which means Mercury has been the chief area of interest for the Ancient Alchemists of Rasa Shastra. Along with safe use of Mercurial preparations as medicines since many years, Rasa Shastra also deals with preparation of other herbo-mineral compounds using varied drugs of plant as well as animal origin. One of the drug, that has been used widely in Rasa Shastra is Mukta or Pearl. There are several categories or groups of drugs (Varga) used in Rasa Shastra viz. Maharasas, Uparasas etc. whereas Mukta is classified under Ratna (precious gems) Varga. Mukta is a shining off white coloured hard spherical object found in sea shells. Due to its lucrative appearance it is widely used in jewelry, cosmetics, as well as in clothing. It is formed by deposition of several concentric layers of calcium carbonate and conchiolin around central nucleus. According to Rasa Shastra classics, Mukta has Madhura, Sheeta and Laghu properties. And so is widely used as a potent Pitta Shamaka. Its purification and Pishti processes are also mentioned in Rasa Shastra classics which makes pearl more potent to cure diseases. Mukta is also widely used in conditions like Amlapitta, Jwara, Daha etc.

A review of Mukta : An Ancient drug in Rasa Shastra

Rasa Shastra or preferably called as the ancient Indian Alchemy, deals with the preparation of medicines that has helped mankind since thousands of years. Rasa which means Mercury has been the chief area of interest for the Ancient Alchemists of Rasa Shastra. Along with safe use of Mercurial preparations as medicines since many years, Rasa Shastra also deals with preparation of other herbo-mineral compounds using varied drugs of plant as well as animal origin. One of the drug, that has been used widely in Rasa Shastra is Mukta or Pearl. There are several categories or groups of drugs (Varga) used in Rasa Shastra viz. Maharasas, Uparasas etc. whereas Mukta is classified under Ratna (precious gems) Varga. Mukta is a shining off white coloured hard spherical object found in sea shells. Due to its lucrative appearance it is widely used in jewelry, cosmetics, as well as in clothing. It is formed by deposition of several concentric layers of calcium carbonate and conchiolin around central nucleus. According to Rasa Shastra classics, Mukta has Madhura, Sheeta and Laghu properties. And so is widely used as a potent Pitta Shamaka. Its purification and Pishti processes are also mentioned in Rasa Shastra classics which makes pearl more potent to cure diseases. Mukta is also widely used in conditions like Amlapitta, Jwara, Daha etc.

Bhanga as an activity potentiater in Ayurvedic classics and Indian alchemy (Rasashastra): A critical review

Bhavana (impregnation) and Swedana (boiling) are the processes used in Ayurvedic pharmacy for preparation of formulations containing the drugs of metallic, mineral and poisonous origin to make them safe and potent for internal administration. Drugs of herbal origins are primely used for the Bhavana process. Bhanga(Cannabis sativa Linn.) a drug with great medicinal potency has been highlighted for its Deepana(digestive stimulant), Pachana(digestive), Ruchya (Taste promoter), Madakari (intoxicant),Vyavayi(short acting),Grahi(withholds secretions),Medhya (memory booster), Rasayana (adapto-immuno-neuro-endocrino-modulator) activities were used as a processing media in many formulations. In 19th century, it is included in narcotic group of plants and its use, as a drug, has been restricted. In 21st century again, the drug is gaining attraction from scientific communities due to its wide pharmacological properties. However, there is no collective information available at a glance regarding the use of Bhanga in various processing techniques of classical formulations. Hence, it is the need of the time to present the comprehensive information on cannabis, as quoted in classical texts with probable research co-relation, so as to bring the drug again in to limelight. The present review aims to compile all the information about the use of cannabis as a activity potentiater so that it can be further practically utilized in pharmaceutics and clinics with legal permissions. A thorough review, from available 41 Rasagranthas (text related to Indian alchemy) and 26 classical texts was carried out to compile the information about formulations where Bhanga is used as process media. The review shows that; Bhanga has been used, as a pharmaceutical processing agent, in 157 formulations being indicated in 40 different disease conditions. Among them, in 154 formulations, it is used as Bhavana media and in 3 formulations as a Swedana media. The present observation could help the future researchers to explore the drug for therapeutic utilities.

Critical Review of Rasaratna Samuccaya: A Comprehensive Treatise of Indian Alchemy.

Rasaratna Samuccaya (RRS) a 13th century C.E. alchemical treatise, authored by Vāgbhaṭa, is a useful compilation related to preparation and properties of drugs of mineral and metallic origin. This text throws light on the state of Indian expertise in the field of alchemy regarding the extraction, purification, conversion of metals/minerals into therapeutically suitable forms, various instruments developed for alchemical purposes and treatment of numerous diseases by using herbo-mineral preparations. The present work is an attempt to summarize the key features of RRS to highlight its utility and contribution in the development of Indian alchemy. To study and summarize the important, comprehensive and specific points mentioned in RRS and to elaborate the contribution of RRS in the field of Indian alchemy. A critical review of RRS from Suratnojjvalā Hindi commentary by Ambikadatta Shastri was done and the collected information was compared with other available literature of Rasaśāstra. Research of modern science was also utilized to explore some facts mentioned by Vāgbhaṭa. RRS is a precise treatise among available ancient literature. It comprises of all eight branches of Ayurveda, although it mainly deals with therapeutic aspects of Rasaśāstra and emphasizes the use of metals and minerals in treating nearly 68 types of ailments. It contains 30 chapters, 3871 verses and detailed description of 960 formulations. Classification of metals and minerals; description of some new instruments, formulations and averting use of metals and minerals in pregnancy are the key features of RRS.

Arka and its pharmaceutical attributes in Indian alchemy (Rasashastra): A comprehensive review

Rasashastra, a branch of Ayurvedic system of medicine, deals with the pharmaceutical procedures of drugs of metallic, mineral and poisonous origin. These drugs are processed by some unique prescribed pharmaceutical techniques including Shodhana (purification process), Jarana (incineration) and Marana (calcination) that renders them fit for internal administration. Some specific groups of drugs of herbal origin viz. Marak gana (group of calcifying herbs), Dugdha varga (group of latex bearing plants), etc. are used for these procedures which primly include medicinal plants.Arka, (Calotropis procera Ait. and Calotropis gigantea L.R.Br.) one of such plant from the semi-poisonous group finds manifold usage in these purification procedures and incineration techniques for many Rasaushadhis. Still, single hand information on the collective information regarding the use of Arka in various processing techniques in Rasashastra is deficient. Hence, a thorough review from available 37 texts related to Rasashastra was made and the necessary supplementary references of nano particles was found out through available resources from internet. After a critical analysis, a total of 133 references were found wherein the usage of Arka has been highlighted in different pharmaceutical processes in texts of Rasashastra. Among them, thirty eight are related to procedures of shodhana and marana of Parada (mercury), nineteen deal with procedures concerned with Maharasa, six and three respectively in case of Uparasa and Sadharana (mineral origin) rasa along with fifty five processing techniques of varied dhatus (metals).Â

QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PARADA BHASMA (CALX) USING NAMBURI PHASED SPOT TEST

Parada bhasma (mercury calx) is one of the famous formulations mentioned in Rasashastra literatures. It has its own specific therapeutic indication in the field of Ayurvedic Indian alchemy. The Parada bhasma was prepared as per the Rasaratnakara text (text book related to Indian alchemy) and subjected to various bhasma parkishas (examination methods of calx) including "Namburi phased spot test (NPST)" analysis to check the quality of calx prepared. NPST has its own importance in identifying the genuinity of different bhasmas (calx) qualitatively. The bhasma prepared was black in colour & has passed all the classical bhasma parikshas & NPST analysis showed desired results.