Rasa Shastra Research Articles

A Pharmaceutical Study on Panchanan Rasa

Rasa Shastra is a specialized branch of Indian system of traditional medicine which mainly deals with the use of metals, minerals and herbs along-with the application of varied principles of Alchemy. Panchanan Rasa a chief reference from Rasa Ratna Sammuchya 14/09 was taken for Hridya Roga. It is a herbo-mineral preparation made finally with the use Kharal Yantra so called Kharaliye Rasayan, & is given after proper Mardan only in powder form with vehicle indicated for administering it. In recent scenario Hridya Roga is becoming a major concern disease every 1 in 10 person is suffering from sudden/chronic heart/artery disease with varied etiology & also patients are not able to afford such costly intervention to manage it, so effort is made to do pre-clinical study on the formulation & get some data to go for further clinical study in future.

Review of research works done on Rajata Bhasma [Incinerated Silver] at Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar

Rajata a well-known metal known for its Medhya, Rasayana and Balya Karma. Rajata is cost effective compared to Swarna and possess similar properties to that of Swarna. Rajata Bhasma (RB) is a calcined silver compound widely used by practitioners of Ayurveda for various ailments like depletion of body elements, neurological disorders, muscular dystrophy, infertility, diabetes, various infectious conditions. Aim of the present study was to compile such available research works done on Rajata in the Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana (RS and BK), ITRA, Jamnagar and provide brief information about pharmaceutical, analytical, and pharmacological studies. Total five studies on Rajata Bhasma, which revalidated the impact of classical guidelines, safety issues, and therapeutic utilities, were screened from Department of RS and BK, Institute for Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar. All studies revealed that Rajata Bhasma is safe clinically, experimentally at Therapeutic Equivalent Dose (TED) levels as no toxic hazards were reported during the treatment period. The clinical efficacy of Rajata Bhasma has been evaluated in Female infertility, Depression (Avasada) and memory enhancing activity. conditions. Satisfactory responses with a decrease in the intensity of signs and symptoms were reported in all the studies. Though certain limitations were observed in these researches, the results can be considered as a lead for further well stratified studies covering larger population. No adverse effects were reported in any of these studies.

Professor Damodar Joshi: A life that shaped the Ayurveda Pharmaceutics

Abstract The study presents a comprehensive life profile of Professor (Prof.) Damodar Joshi and his professional trajectory within the domain of Ayurvedic pharmaceutics. His pivotal role in integrating Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana with contemporary scientific paradigms, specifically focusing on the analysis and advancements related to mineral/metallic formulations derived from different metal and mineral sources, is highly regarded in modern Rasa Shastra. The present study unfolds Prof. Damodar Joshi’s scientific accomplishments, advances in literature, and resolution of scientific quandaries under his mentorship, as well as his professional journey, post-retirement contributions, research publications, and an array of awards and recognitions received.

Pharmaceutical Preparation and Preliminary Analysis of Shweta Parpati Mentioned in Different Classics

Rasa Shastra, a crucial branch of Ayurveda, emphasizes the therapeutic applications of herbo-mineral and metallic preparations. Shweta Parpati (SP), mentioned in many Ayurvedic classics, is renowned for treating conditions such as Mutrakricchra (urinary problems), Ashmari (renal stones), Yakritvikara (hepatic disorders) etc. This study aims to prepare and evaluate five different samples of SP based on classical references to ensure their quality and difficulties in pharmaceutical preparation. Materials and Methods: Five methods selected from texts like Siddhabheshajamanimala (SBM), Bhaishajya ratnavali (BR), Rastantrasaar & Siddhaprayoga Sangraha (RTSSPS), Siddhayogasangraha (SYS), Rasoddharatantra (RDT) were followed, utilizing Suryakshara (potassium nitrate), Sphatika (potash alum), Gandaka (sulphur), Navasadara (ammonium chloride), Tankana (borax), Karpura (camphor), and Gandaka ka shudda tijab (sulfuric acid) in different proportions, pharmaceutical steps, and ingredient combinations. Ingredients were meticulously processed, heated, and solidified under controlled conditions. Yield and analytical parameters of each formulation were recorded according to API reference. Results: SBM reference produced brittle flakes with brownish spots, yielding 71.42%. BR resulted in very hard flakes with 54.66% yield. RTSSPS achieved thin, brittle flakes with nearly 89.77% yield. SYS produced hard flakes, yielding 73.68%. RDT yielded arduous flakes with a 69.85% yield. Analytical results showed significant variations in physicochemical properties, highlighting the diverse impacts of these traditional texts on preparation techniques. Conclusion: Standardizing these methods is essential to ensure consistency and reliability in clinical applications. Future research should focus on refining these techniques and exploring their clinical benefits in more depth.

MANASHILA: AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS THROUGH THE CLASSICAL TEXTS

Manashila, Haratala, and Somala are significant arsenic compounds that are deeply integrated into holistic prac-tices. Among these, Manashila is revered for its versatility and efficacy in treating various ailments. Its wide-spread employment extends to addressing afflictions such as Shwasa-Kasa (respiratory disorders), Agnimandya (digestive weaknesses), Kshaya (emaciation), Anaha (abdominal distention), Jwara (fever), Krimi (parasitic in-fections), Visharoga (poisoning disorders), Raktavikara (blood disorders), and more. The present study offers a comprehensive critical review of Classical literature focusing on Manashila. Numerous classical texts of Rasa Shastra have been meticulously scrutinised to furnish an exhaustive depiction of Manashila, encompassing its Praptisthana (occurrence), Prayaya (synonyms), Vargikarana (classification), Karma (pharmacological proper-ties), Ashuddha Manashila Dosha, its Prativisha (antidote), Shodhana (purification), Marana (incineration), Matra (therapeutic dose), Chikitsiya Prayoga (therapeutic indications), Satvapatana (extraction), along with elu-cidation on artificial methods of Manashila preparation, complemented by insights into Realgar. It is crucial to emphasise that Manashila is exclusively utilised in a purified and detoxified state for internal and external thera-peutic purposes.

Rasamritam: A Comprehensive Study on Rasausadhies and Their Therapeutic Guidelines

Ras Shastra emerged in the Ayurveda medicinal tradition in addition to the use of minerals and metals. Numerous faiths, groups, and customs have influenced the evolution of Ras Shastra. As a result of this contribution, many books related to Rasa Shastra came into circulation. This tradition started from the medieval period and has persisted to the present time. Through Rasamritm, Acharya has actually presented the essence of the subject of Ras Shastra in this book in such a way that this book has actually become the nectar for the subject. This book contains the effective practical portion of the entire subject. It consist nine chapters and nine appendices in total. The text contains of both the theoretical and practical aspects. Rasa yoga are mentioned at the end of every chapter. Particularly, the ninth chapter only consist of Rasa yoga. Some of those are the new formulations, and some have been altered from the original text in some way. Few of the Unani formulations are also includes. The author also discusses possible chemical reactions and alterations while making Rasaushadhies. This article has been reviewed in order to gather all of the Ras-yogas mentioned in this text at one place. From this review, one can easily find the formulation with all the necessary information.

ACUTE AND SUB-ACUTE TOXICOLOGICAL STUDY OF VANGA BHASMA

Introduction: Vanga is a dhatu, that has been used externally since the Samhita period. During the rasa shastra era, vanga was utilized internally for Prameha, (urinary disorder ) Medoroga(diseases of medadhatu – fat tis-sue), Kapha Vikaras(diseases of kapha-bodily constitution ), and other purposes after Bhasmikara-na.(preaparation of Bhasma - medicine ) Objective: Evaluate Acute and Sub-acute toxicity of Vanga Bhasma. Materials &Methods: The acute and sub-acute toxicity studies of Vanga Bhasma were carried out on Wistar Albino rats using 425 and 407 OECD guidelines, respectively. Acute oral toxicity study of the test drug was car-ried out at the limit dose of 2000 mg/kg orally in rats. In a sub-acute toxicity study, Vanga bhasma was adminis-tered to rats for 28 consecutive days at doses of 22.5(TED-therapeutic equivalent dose), 112.5(TEDX5), and 225 mg/kg(TEDX10). The effects of the drug were assessed on haematological, biochemical, histological, and pon-deral parameters. Results: Acute toxicity: the study showed the LD 50 value of Vanga Bhasma is greater than 2000mg/kg. Sub-acute toxicity: this study did not produce any signs or symptoms of toxicity at TED, TEDX5, and TEDX10. Conclusion: The single dose of 2000mg/kg body weight evaluated by acute toxicity study is proved to be non-toxic. Overall analysis reveals that test drug vanga bhasma is very well tolerated at rat human therapeutic equivalent dose and multiples of it. Therefore, Vanga bhasma, prepared and administered in accord-ance with customary protocols, is safe to consume at therapeutic dose levels.

AN AMELIORATIVE STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (S.O.P) OF DIURETIC AYURVEDIC DRUG TANKANA (BORAX) PURIFICATION

Background- Purified Tankana (Borax) is widely used in daily clinical practice. Tankana (Borax) is also known for its forced diuretic action, antidotal activity against schedule “E” irritant poison and as a chelating agent against heavy metal poisoning. 500 gm unpurified Tankana (Borax) was collected from the West Bengal (India) local market and identified as a raw product. Then Tankana (Borax) authenticated critical macroscopic and or-ganoleptic study and analysis at Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda Pharmacy, Hassan, Karnataka (India). Tankana Sodhan was done in the Department of Rasa Shastra, Sri Dharmasthala Manju-natheshwara College of Ayurveda, Hassan, Karnataka (India). Authentication Reference-SDMCAH/MD (Ayu)/SINO-03/2017. Tankana (Borax) purification is done with the help of Standard Operating Procedure. Our study aimed to present a unique and ameliorative approach to the standard purification process of Tankana (Borax). This approach, detailed in our research, offers a new perspective on the purification of Tankana (Borax) and its implications in Ayurvedic medicine. Observation and Result—The purification process significantly impacted the properties of Tankana (Borax). Af-ter the process, Tankana (Borax) lost 50% of its total weight. This study revealed that we obtained 250gm of purified Tankana (Borax) out of the initial 500gm of unpurified Tankana (Borax). This finding underscores the transformative effect of the purification process on the substance. Conclusion—The purification process is genuinely transformative for Tankana (Borax). The crystalline, unpuri-fied raw product changes remarkably into a puffy white powder. This process results in a significant weight loss of the raw unpurified Tankana (Borax), which we attribute to the evaporation of water and the elimination of other unwanted harmful substances. This finding piques our curiosity about the potential implications for clinical practice and pharmaceutical applications.

A Review of Mineralogical Identification of Ayurvedic Rasa Dravyasa in Modern Context

The metals and mineral drugs in Rasashastra are primarily categorized into different groups such as Maharasa, Uparasa, Sadharanarasa, Dhatu, Sudha, Sikta, and Ratna. These categories describe their origins, acceptable properties, and the various processes involved in making drugs for therapeutic use as well as preparation of noble metals. In ancient times, the identification of raw drugs relied mainly based on sensory factors like color, smell, texture, and taste. However, this data alone is insufficient to establish universal standards for both raw drug identification and the scientific detection of adulteration in finished products. Today, a multitude of modern tools and techniques are available for identifying metals and minerals, such as nature, crystal habit, color, streak, cleavage, fracture, lustre, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), chromatography, tenacity, transparency, magnetism, hardness, specific gravity (density), and fluorescence, chemical assay and markers. Thus, my present study is plan to evaluate and compile different data in term of modern parameters and results as well as Grahya lakschans (acceptable characters) for identifying mineral drugs in Rasa shastra.

ANCIENT AND CONTEMPORARY VIEW ON MUSHA

Musha eliminates Dosha (impurities) from the mineral compound (Rasa Dravya). In modern science, they are referred to as Crucibles. In Rasa Shastra, unique tools called Musha are mentioned to process Rasa Dravya. They are referenced in every Rasa Shastra literature, demonstrating their equal value to other accessories like Yantra (instruments) and Kosthi (furnaces). There are numerous types of Musha, including Samanya, Vrintak, Gostani and Maha. Krounchika, Karhatika, Pachani, and Vahnimitra are some of their unusual synonyms. Their description in the Rasa Granthas piques interest in methodically learning about Musha. This article makes an effort to review the variegated Mushas.

Pharmaceutical-Analytical Study and Therapeutic uses of Ashtashatarishta : A Scientific View

Background: Ashtashatarishta comes under the Sandhan Kalpanas quoted by Charak Samhita, Chikitsa Sthan for therapeutic use in Shotha. Aim and Objectives: Pharmaceutico-Analytical and clinical indications of Ashtashatrishta from a scientific view. Material and Methods: Ashtashatarishta was prepared in the Department of Rasashasra and Bhaishajya Kalpana of Pt. K. L. S. Govt. Ayurveda College & Institute Bhopal. As per the classical reference of Charak Samhita. Pharmaceutical study: A detailed description of the preparation of Ashtashatarishta by using yeast as a fermentation agent is discussed in this part. The sample was prepared in a Pharmacy of Dept. of Rasa Shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana. Analytical study: In this phase of the study, all organoleptic parameters (appearance, color, odor, taste, and touch), and physicochemical parameters were analysed. Result: The above analysis showed the pH of the tested formulation range 3.47, total solid content 29.93%W/v, specific gravity 1.0595, refractive index 1.391, viscosity 2.20cP, total acidity 1.26%W/v, alcohol content 4.27%v/v, presence of methanol absent, reducing sugar 17.37%W/v, non-reducing sugar 8.675W/v. Organoleptic tests confirmed a characteristic odor of self-generated alcohol with an astringent test. Discussion: All the observations and results of the pharmaceutical and analytical study have been elaborated and discussed scientifically with the support of suitable references.

Evaluation of Cytotoxic Effects of Purified Mercury in Human Gingival Fibroblasts-In vitro Study.

Since the introduction of amalgam for tooth fillings, there have been concerns that mercury toxicity could pose unacceptable health risks. Rasa shastra is an ancient medical discipline that focuses on the utilization of metals and minerals for the treatment of diseases. Nevertheless, these minerals cannot be directly administered to the human body in their natural state due to their potential adverse effects. Hence, for medicinal purposes, these metals and minerals need to undergo purification (Shodhana) to eliminate impurities and modify their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) were exposed to commercially available mercury (CA-Hg) and ayurvedically purified mercury (AP-Hg) at concentrations of 6.25 μM, 12.5 μM, 25 μM and 50 μM. The unexposed HGF cultured in basal media was considered a control. All the samples were cultured for 24 hours and 48 hours, and the cytotoxicity was analyzed by MTT assay. Cell viability between the control and experimental groups varied at 24 hours, however, the results were not statistically significant (p>0.05). At 48 hours, cell viability was higher in the AP-Hg group as compared to the CA-Hg group at the concentration of 6.25 μM, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The cell proliferation assay results demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the mean optical density values (p<0.05) between CA-Hg and AP-Hg at 12.50 μM, 25 μM, and 50, μM concentrations observed at 24 hours. At 48 hours, a statistically significant difference in the mean OD values (p<0.05) between CA-Hg and AP-Hg at all four concentrations was observed. Conclusion: AP-Hg at a concentration of 6.25 μM demonstrated higher cell viability at 48 hours. Further, the cell proliferation rate was also higher for AP-Hg at all concentrations at 24 and 48 hours. These results indicated a less cytotoxic effect of AP-Hg than CA-Hg in HGF and hence could be employed for dental amalgam preparations.

A review on the principles of Rasa Shastra in Indian System of Medicine and its homology with Modern Chemical Processes

Ayurveda medicine is one of the oldest holistic healing sciences it was developed around 3000 years ago. Different branches of science were nurtured by it like biology, genetics, microbiology, clinical medicine, surgery, astronomic, pharmaceutics and metallurgy etc. In Ayurveda system of medicine various formulations have been described in the traditional literature, which adopted the processes which are quite similar to the processes used today in modern medicine for formulation of various dosage forms to get the desired effect for the optimum period. Science and technology in ancient and medieval India covered all the major branches of human knowledge and activities. In any, early civilization, metallurgy has remained an activity central to all civilizations from the Bronze Age and the Iron Age, to all other civilizations that followed. Various chemicals like common salt, alkali, borax, and compounds of elements Cu, Fe, Hg and Au were used as well as techniques for making of the alloys were also very common. The applicability of natural preservatives like oil, sugar, salt were also very much known in ancient time. However, the terms used as stated in traditional literature were not similar to the modern times. Also, the acidic and alcoholic fermented products were prepared very commonly.

Bird’s Eye Review on Vajra: An Exquisite Carbon

Minerals, metals and gemstones have an affluent history of being employed for their therapeutic qualities once they undergo specific processing procedures. Among these gemstones, Vajra (Diamond) stands out as it is recognized as a Rasayana due to its inherent characteristics. It has been categorized within the realm of Ratna Varga. From a chemical stance, Vajra (Diamond) is renowned as the most resilient mineral found on Earth with carbon being its predominant constituent. This article delves into an exhaustive analysis of Vajra as per classical literature. Multiple classical texts of Rasa Shastra are meticulously examined to provide an extensive account of Vajra, encompassing its Prapti sthaan (Occurrence), Paryaya (Synonyms), Vargikaran (Classification), Karma (Pharmacological properties), Ashuddha Vajra Dosha, its prativisha (antidote), Shodhana (Purification), Marana (Incineration), Matra (Therapeutic dose), Chikitisiya Prayog (Therapeutic indications) and Druti preparation (Liquefaction). While Vajra is commonly used for ornamental purposes, it also finds a distinct role in therapeutic applications after undergoing purification and incineration processes, both internally and externally.

SUDHA VARGA, THE CALCIUM SUBSTITUTES IN AYURVEDA: A REVIEW

Background: Branch of Rasa Shastra is a bundle of knowledge of the minerals which when purified meticulously are utilised for the betterment of humans. There is such a unique category of calcium rich or Sudha Vargiya Bhasma which has enormous collection of different calcium sources. Aim &amp; objectives: To study detailed concept of the respective Sudha Vargiya Bhasma and understand the importance of each calcium derivative in the Sudha Varga. Material and methods: Various classical text references of Sudha Varga were studied from different Rasa Shastra texts for Shodhan and Marana and the calcium percentage was collected from different studies conducted on them individually. Further knowledge of calcium and its absorption was obtained from the google databases. Conclusion: The compounds of calcium derivates are grouped under Sudha Varga and are the most efficient source of calcium in the body. Calcium is one of the abundant minerals required by the human body for its growth and repairment. Studies need to be conducted to find out the calcium percentage in all Sudha Vargiya Bhasma and use them accordingly at clinical levels in accordance with their calcium %.

A Review on Visha and Upavisha Dravyas of Rasa Shastra

A Review on Visha and Upavisha Dravyas of Rasa Shastra

Efficacy of Rasaushadhis in Shalakya Tantra

Shalakya tantra also called as Uttamanga as it deals with vital sense organs located above the Jatru (clavicle). In Ayurvedic system of medicine Rasa shastra is one of the branch deals with Rasa aushadis preparations which are very much useful and effective, various special processing techniques such as Sodhana, Marana etc have been done for removing the toxic effects and utilising them for therapeutic purpose. Some of the Kriyakalpa procedures which are prepared with Rasa aushadhi are like Anjana (Samudraphena varti, Sukhavathi varti), Bidalaka (Gairikadi bidalaka, Manashiladi bidalaka) etc and oral medication include Saptamruta lauha, Shirashoolavajra ras, Sutasekar ras, Laxmivilas ras, Kaphaketu ras etc are indicated. Rasa aushadis are gently absorbable and digestible thus provide quick action and potent response in various Urdhavajatrugata vikaras. Rasa Aushadis act as Rasayana therapy helps to attain longevity, immunity, sharpness of sense organs etc.

Analytical study and preparation of praval garbha pottali

The Pottali rasayana Kalpana is one among the four types of rejuvenation formulations (Chaturvidh rasayana Kalpana) of mercury (Parad). They are known for its specific method of preparation, unique end product, optimum potency, smaller dosage and larger therapeutic applicability. Praval garbha pottali is a herbo-mineral complex formulation. Gandhak paka method was selected for preparation as it is the most commonly used procedure. It also is a best method to enhance the efficiency of the drugs and keep them in a concise form. The description of Pottali rasayana Kalpana is found in numerous Rasagranthas (Classical books of Rasa shastra); however, very less research work is carried out on them, and minimal research is carried out on Praval garbha pottali. Pottali rasayana Kalpana are not well-versed in current ayurvedic practice due to the lack of research study. XRD, FTIR, and EDS mapping is carried out on the prepared pravalgarbha pottali.

A REVIEW ON KOSTHI WSR TO RASATARANGINI AND RASA RATNA SAMUCCHYA

Ayurveda the science of life gives importance to keep balance between nature and human relationship. From Vedic period to Samhita period there was less of metals/minerals in formulation, but from the period of Nagarjuna formulation of herbo-mineral drugs are used profusely. A careful survey of the original text on Rasashastra shows that the subject covers the entire field of inorganic pharmaceutical preparation like metallic, non-metallic and ongano-metallic compounds of Ayurvedic Materia medica. Shodhana and Marana of the substance are done with some special processes and thereafter can be used therapeutically. Kosthi is defined as for extraction of dravyas sattva and for the purpose of Dhalana, the special ovens used are called Kosthika. They can be correlated with Gas stove, Hot plate and Heating mantle in modern science. Kosthi are the special devices mentioned in Rasa Shastra to process the Rasa Dravya. They are mentioned in text of Rasa Shastra depicting its importance to other devices like Yantra, Musha, Puta. Kosthi are of different types like Angarkosthi, Patal Kosthi, Gara Kosthi, Musha Kosthi. Their description in Rasa grantha draws attention to know Kosthi in scientific way. Therefore, in the present paper an attempt to review the different Kosthi.

Pharmaceutical Standardization of Muktashukti Bhasma and Muktashukti Pishti

Shukti is an important component of Sudhavarga, the most recent class in the subject of Rasa Shastra. According to the availability, two forms of Shukti have been stated in Rasa Shastra texts: Jalashukti and Muktashukti. Muktashukti is considered for the study. This study has tried to develop the standard operating process for manufacturing Muktashukti bhasma and Muktashukti pishti. Three batches of MSB &amp; MSP were prepared from the purified Muktashukti. While manufacturing three batches same raw material and manufacturing instruments were used. Before processing for Bhasma or Pishti, the purification process is advocated for Muktashukti. Kanji (Rice gruel) was used for purification as per textual reference. Purified Muktashukti was levigated with Rose water to obtain Pishti. However, for Bhasma preparation, the Muktashukti was triturated with Aloe vera juice, and then heating was done in an Electric muffle furnace. 7 liters of Kanji was taken for 500g of Muktashukti Shodhana by Swedana for 3hrs in Dolayantra, with an average weight rise of 96.24% and a weight loss of 3.76% during the Shodhana method. During MSB preparation, a 10% loss was observed &amp; 90% of Bhasma was obtained. However, in MSP preparation, a 12.14% loss was observed &amp; 87.86% was obtained. This study will give the direction related to the duration of levigation and temperature regulation while Muktashukti Bhasma preparation. For Pishti preparation, the wet grinder was used, which will provide exact rotation and duration to obtain the proper pishti from Muktashukti.