Rasa Shastra Research Articles

Transformation of Copper into therapeutic mineral complex following principles of Rasa Shastra

Background: Rasa Shastra is a specialized branch of Ayurveda which evolved from 1st to 5th century in India. The branch deals with therapeutics of substances of plant, animal and mineral origin, which are moderate to severely toxic in raw form. However, there are various methodologies to transform them into non-toxic therapeutic form. A complex compound was initially prepared in mid seventies using Copper, Mercury and Sulphur as base materials that were processed with devdali (Luffa echinata Roxb.), aprajita (Clitoria ternatea L.) and fresh lemon juice. The compound was found clinically effective in treating pancreatic disorders. This study was conducted in 2015-17 with the aim of developing standard operative procedures and quality parameters along with understanding the chemical structure of the compound. Methodology: Three batches of the formulation were prepared. The process involved repeated grinding and heating of the amalgamation of the ingredients under controlled conditions. The grinding and heating specifications were monitored and documented. Samples were collected at various steps and the raw materials, in-process and finished compounds were subjected to chemical analysis at Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. Outcome: Standard Operative Procedure for the preparation of the stated formulation was developed. The results of the chemical analysis showed formation of new mineral peaks. The final product was devoid of any free metals. Conclusion: The study shows that the traditional methodologies described in Rasa Shastra possess potential to convert metals into mineral forms that are therapeutically effective and safe. The science needs to be further explored and developed.

Pharmaceutical Standardization Of “Rasa Sindoora” Prepared By Electric Muffle Furnace

Kupipakwa Rasayana, a superlative form of preparation in Rasa Shastra. Rasa Sindoora (Red sulfide of mercury) is one of the best formulations of Kupipakwa Rasayana in Ayurveda. Rasa Sindoora has proven its efficacy in a wide spectrum of ailments over the time with different herbal drugs and Anupaan in variety of doses. Equal ratio of Shodhita Parada (Purified Mercury) and Shodhita Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur) were used to prepare Rasa Sindoora as per the reference of Rasa Tarangini with wide expansion of therapeutic effect. Aim- To standardize manufacturing procedure of Rasa Sindoora. Material and method- Rasa Sindoora preparation was standardized by preparing three batches using electric muffle furnace (EMF). Results- In three consecutive batches of Rasa Sindoora, The average yield was 104.66 gm in average time of 12.53 hrs. In all three batches average of Kajjali melting temperature, flame appearing temperature and corking temperature were 3540C, 4840C and 6010C respectively. Conclusion- Rasa Sindoora preparation was concluded on the basis of three batches in which each batch of 200 gm of Kajjali subjected to following intermittent heating pattern that was mild heat (100-2500C) for 4 hrs, Moderate heat (250-4500C) for 4 hrs and strong heat (450-6500C) for 4 hrs. The average yield was 104.66 gm i.e. 52.33%.

Pharmaceutical Standardization of Mayaphaladi Churna

Rasa Shastra is the pharmaceutical branch of Ayurveda. As like any other medical system, success of Ayurvedic treatment also depends upon quality of medicine prescribed to the patient. The integral part of Rasa Shastra lies in the successful pharmaceutical process. Rasa oushadis are the potent Ayurvedic preparations mainly containing metals and minerals. These oushadis possess a wide range of therapeutic efficacy and are considered superior because of their qualities like small dose, quick action, palatability and longer shelf life. Mayaphaladi Churna is an important Rasa oushadi described in Rasa Tantra Sara Va Siddha Prayoga Sangraha- Part 2, Streerogadhikara indicated for the management of the diseases Swetapradara and Yonibramsha. The ingredients present in the ‘Mayaphaladi Churna’ are Kukkutanda twak bhasma (Egg Shell Ash), Shuddha Sphatika (Alum), Mayaphala Churna (Quercus Infectoria Oliv.), Amalaki Churna (Emblica Officinalis Gearth), Ashwagandha Churna (Withania Somnifera Linn.) and Sita Churna (Sugar Candy). The main pharmaceutical procedures involved in the preparation of Mayaphaladi Churna are Shodhana, Marana, Churna nirmana and preparation of Mayaphaladi Churna. The specific pharmaceutical blend of these contents can result in a more effective formulation. Therefore the present study has been planned to standardize the method of preparation of Mayaphaladi Churna according to the method explained in the classical literatures.
 Keywords: Mayaphaladi Churna, Shodhana, Marana, Churna Nirmana, Standardization.

Identity of certain species of plants of unknown source from Rasendramangala

Combination of plant and mineral products were derived in the process of exploring safe and effective remedies which can cure severe and deadly diseases. Some plants are used for processing, purification and calcination of minerals, metals and gems. Mainly the purpose of plants in Rasa shastra is to obtain absorbable metallic molecules in the maximum possible minute form. But some plants mentioned in textbook of Rasa-shastra are not identified properly, because Rasa siddhas like Nagarjuna and Rasa Vagbhata have used some rare synonyms of plants, to conceal them from the knowledge of unknown and mischievous personalities, to avoid misuse. But at present, it is necessary to identify them properly, to use the plants for exact calcination and purification for the benefit of mankind. In the present study, nearly ten plants out of 47 unidentified plants are selected from Rasendra Mangala written by Acharya Nagarjuna in the period of 7th and 8th Century A.D. and a trial has been made to work out on such unidentified plants depending upon their synonyms, utility and combination with other drugs. To quote some, Kanchuki, Chandali, Choraka, Chandravalli and Sarpakshi.

Review of Malahara Kalpana of Rasa Tarangani

The word Malahara or Malhama is derived from unani system of medicine. Yogaratnakara mentioned this first by the name of Malahara Kalpana. It derives its name as it removes Mala (residue etc.) from Vrana (wounds), Vidradhi (abscess) etc. This is similar to ointments in modern pharmaceutics. Malahara Kalpana is the ointment preparation which has Siktha Taila (bees wax and oil mixture) or Ghrita, as the basic constituent. The other ingredients may include herbal, metal, or mineral contents depending upon the usage. Malahara has a property like Snehana (oelation), cleansing, Ropana (healing), Lekhana (scaraping), and Varnya (beautifying), depending on the drugs used in the preparation. Rasa Tarangani a Rasa Shastra treatise of 20th century by Acharya Sadananda Sharma has enumerated various types of Malahara Kalpana taking mainly Siktha Taila as a base. Though this Kalpana holds firm roots in treating diseases the mention and explanation of this particular topic is scattered in this treatise. Hence the present article is an attempt to elucidate and unfold the Malahara Kalpana of Rasatarangani.

Challenges in the standardization of pharmaceutics and therapeutics of Panchavidha Kashaya Kalpana

Rasa shastra and Bhaishajya kalpana (Science of Ayurved pharmaceutics) are the most important pillars of Ayurvedic therapeutics. .Aushadh (Medicine) is a major weapon in hands of competent Vaidya. Hence Ayurvedic medicines whether it is mineral based or plant based medicine demands quality control. As the processing of medicines requires time and manpower, practice of dispensing self-prepared medicine is ceasing which ultimately keeps no option to prescribe medicines from pharmacy. But due to increasing deforestation, changing weather conditions due to global warming, increasing demand of herbal medicines, commercialization of drugs sets in Pharma industries so quality is the big concern for Ayurved fraternity. Panchavidha Kashaya Kalpana i.e. Swarasa, Kalka, Kwatha, Hima and Fanta in Bhaishajya kalpana are the most basic dosage form for any secondary dosage forms such as Avaleha, Snehapak kalpana, Sandhana Kalpana etc. Various pharmaceutical challenges such as proper collection of raw drug, particle size, filtration techniques needs to study for good pharmaceutical practices. While using for therapeutic purpose, factors like use of adjuvants, posology, palatability and dose optimization is necessary in order to get intended results. In today’s scenario it is quite challenging to combat these issues. Present paper is an attempt to discuss various challenges in pharmaceutical and therapeutically related issues with respect to Panchavidha Kashaya Kalpana.

Assessment of Nutritional Status and Dietary Risk Factor for Malnutrition in Adolescent of Jamnagar District

Journal of Ayurveda Medical Sciences,2018,3,2,369-376.DOI:10.5530/jams.2018.3.11Published:October 2018Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Hetalben Amin, Hitesh Vyas, and Mahesh Vyas Author(s) affiliations:Hetalben Amin*, Hitesh Vyas1, Mahesh Vyas2 Central Ayurvedic Research Institute of Drug Development (CCRAS, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India), 4-CN block, Sector-5, Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700091. 1Department of Basic Principles, IPGT & RA, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar 361008. 2Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, All India Institute of Ayurveda, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi 110076, India.Abstract:Introduction: Adolescence is a period of crest growth for boys and girls. Nutritional requirements in relation to age are more during adolescence. The nutritional status which is often poor during early life gets worsened as the adolescent growth spurts happened. The common causes of malnutrition among adolescents in the poor community may be of less access to food and inadequate knowledge about dietary requirements. No study has been conducted on adolescent of particular Jamnagar district to determine their nutrient intake and nutritional status. The present study was conducted to fill this gap in the knowledge. Methods: Adolescent between age group of 16-25 years who has lived in Jamnagar for at least 5 years was considered eligible to be enrolled for the study from the surrounding area of Jamnagar district with problem of poor weight, poor growth, lean and thin body complains were taken for study. After taking a complete history emphasizing on milestones and dietetic history this problem is selected for present study. Results: 58.00 % of patients were taking fermented items in food, 60.00 % of patients had to take food in poor quantity, 29.00 % of patients had taking food in moderate quantity, it can be conclude in this regards that poor quantity of food may ultimately leads to malnutrition. Conclusion: This may be due to tense life of studying, away from parents, exposure to sunlight, much activeness, faulty food habits which are leading to malnutritionin that particular age group. Therefore, lack of proper nourishment most of the poor adolescents are more effected to malnutrition. Keywords:Adolescent, Diet, Jamnagar, Malnutrition, NutritionalView:PDF (2.72 MB)

METHOD OF PREPARATION OF RASAUSHADHI WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PARPATI KALPANA

ABSTRACT
 Rasa Shastra, one of the Pharmaco-therapeutic branches of Ayurved, incorporates many of the Herbo-mineral-metallic pharmaceutical preparations prepared out of the Parada namely Khalviya Rasayana, Parpati Rasayana , Pottali Rasayana and Kupipakwa Rasayana respectively . This research article is try to focus on this Parpati Rasayanas or Parpati Kalpana Parpati Rasayanas are one among the Rasaoushidhis mentioned in the Ayurvedic classics and the therapeutically effective mineral & metallic formulations. These are the most popular among the processing of Mercury. In the various Rasasamhitas clearly indicate that Parad Having very powerful yogavahi properties, when mixed with other substances, increases their properties immensely and their shelf life period for indefinite period. When the compounds prepared with Parad are considered to be the best. It has been a practice for many years to combine Parad & gandhak, Also other Drugs / metals helps to enhancing their potency

Chronological Development of Rasa Shastra

Chronological Development of Rasa Shastra

Pharmaceutico - Analytical Study of Haragouri Rasa

Rasa Shastra basically deals with the pharmaceutics of drugs of mineral and metallic origin. In Rasa Shastra Kupipakwa Rasayana holds an unique importance as compared to other formulations due to its miraculous effects on dreadful and chronic ailments, with rapid action. Kupipakwa Rasayana are well known to be potent because of specific pharmaceutical process, excellent clinical result, long lasting potency and safety even on prolonged use. The Kupipakwa Rasayanas are prepared in especially prepared glass bottle, called as Kupi, by adopting a specially designed instrument, known as Valuka Yantra. Haragouri Rasa is a sublimated mercurial preparation known for its use in different types of Vata-Vyadhi, Rasayana, Vajikarana. Now a days people are more suffering from different types of Vatavyadhi due to different kinds of lifestyle, food habits etc.

Comperehencive review of Tankana

Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana is branch of the ancient Indian medical science based on herbs and herbo-mineral preparation. Tankana has been described under Uparasa Tankana, which is one among the Kshara Trayas has been used since very long time in Ayurveda. It has a wide range of therapeutic applications, including diseases like Varna (ulcers), Shvasa (asthma), Kasa (cough), Hrudya (beneficial to heart disease), Streepushpajanana (menstrual disorders) etc. It is used in the form of compound formulations like Parpati, Kupipakwa, Khalvee Rasayana, Churna, Vati, Lepa etc. In this paper Tankana Shodhana procedure, different synonyms, dose, Anupana, indications and different formulations containing Tankana Bhasma has been discussed.

Application of Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Methods for Chemical Characterization of an Ayurvedic Herbo-Mineral Preparation: Maha Yograja Guggulu.

Rasa Shastra is an exclusive branch of ayurveda that uses processed metals and minerals in various combinations. Though the formulations are time tested, safety and quality concerns are being raised since the past two decades. In view of this, it becomes mandatory to generate quality control profiles of such formulations by following available parameters. Considering this, we attempted to develop standard manufacturing procedures of Maha Yogaraja Guggulu and generate preliminary physicochemical profiles using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography. The results from high-performance thin-layer chromatography revealed presence of organic constituents from plant material. X-ray diffraction indicated that the prepared drug contained cinnabar (mercury sulfide; Rasa sindhura), cassiterite (tin oxide; Vanga bhasma), litharge (lead oxide; Naga bhasma), and iron dioxide and magnetite (di-iron oxide; Loha and Mandura bhasma). The observations of the present study are preliminary and first of its kind that may be considered as baseline data for future studies.

IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA AMONG INDIAN POPULATION AND ITS AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT.

18Sep 2017 IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA AMONG INDIAN POPULATION AND ITS AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT. Dr Sushant Kumar , 1 Dr. (Mrs) Prabha Kumari , 2 Dr. Dinesh Chandra , 3 Dr Amarendra Kumar Singh , 4 Dr. Prabhat Kumar Dwivedi 5 Asst. Prof., Dept of RS & BK, Sri Sai Ayurvedic P.G. Medical College & Hospital, Aligarh (UP). Reader, Dept of Prasuti Tantra & Stri Roga,Govt. Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Chaukaghat, Varanasi (UP). Reader, Dept of Roga Nidan &Vikriti Vigyan, Govt. Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Patna. Reader, P. G. Dept of Rasa Shastra & Bhaishjya Kalpana, Govt. Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Patna. Prof., P. G. Dept of Rasa Shastra &Bhaishjya Kalpana, Govt. Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Patna.

Therapeutic Evaluation of Lodhradi Kashaya Ghanvati in Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Aim: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Lodhradi Kashaya Ghanvati (LKGV) in Type II diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Materials and Methods: Forty-five patients of Type II DM were registered from the Outpatient Department of Rasa Shastra, Sir Sunderlal Hospital, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. Patients were randomly divided into three groups for the treatment of three different medicine groups (Group A - trial drug only [LKGV 500 mg TID] before meal; Group B - trial drug [LKGV 500 mg TID] before meal + glimepiride [1 mg OD] after meal; Group C - glimepiride treated [1 mg OD]). The treatment was given for 3 months. Fasting blood sugar, postprandial sugar, serum creatinine, blood urea, lipid profile, and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase levels were estimated biochemically. Results: The results of the present study reveal that LKGV can be safe and effective, alternative or adjuvant to the conventional oral hypoglycemic agent. Conclusion: The ayurvedic herbal formulation along with the modern drug is the need of hour to take more benefits for the human society suffering from lifestyle disorders.

Relevance of metal based Ayurvedic formulations in the management of recurrent acute/ chronic pancreatitis

Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis/ Chronic Pancreatitis (RAP/ CP) is generally marked by sudden onset of symptoms like severe abdominal pain, vomiting and weight loss that needs emergency hospitalization. Owing to irreversible and progressive nature of the disease and limitations of conventional treatment, many patients look for an alternative solution. Here, we report data of 250 well diagnosed cases of acute recurring/ chronic pancreatitis, enrolled in between January 1997 to August 2016, in our Ayurvedic clinical practice in Northern part of India. Ayurveda is well recognized as an independent medical system parallel to conventional medicines in India and a subject is free to opt for any system of medicine for the prevention and treatment of any ailment. The subjects were treated with a complex herbo-mineral formulation based on the principles of Rasa Shastra in Ayurveda that deals with the therapeutics of processed metals in the prevention and treatment of diseases. They were also prescribed a regulated balanced diet and lifestyle. Significant improvement has been noted in subjects who have completed the treatment.

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.

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 on Pishti Kalpana

Rasa Shastra deals with the preparation of variety of medicaments and formulations that include Bhasmas, Kharaliya Rasayanas, Kupipakwa Rasayanas, etc. These sections of formulations also depend upon the different types of raw materials that are to be used in it as chief ingredients. Rasa Shastra has a vast and varied history of preparing these medicines and its safer use since thousands of years. Pishti is one such section of formulations that is chiefly used when the raw materials cannot tolerate heat but at the same time are very effective without heat treatment. In Rasa Shastra, mainly the drugs of animal origin or precious gems are subjected to levigation or trituration in a particular media to form a particular Pishti. The word Pishti literally means that which is finely triturated and made into a very fine powder similar to flour. Mukta Pishti, Prawal Pishti being some of the important examples.

A review of Mukta : An Ancient drug in Rasa Shastra

In Process of Modernization and Rapid urbanization human beings are falling prey to various disorders. Unhealthy food habits and lifestyle play a major role in causing many ailments including Obesity. The prevalence of Obesity worldwide has dramatically increased during the last three decades. Obesity has significant effects on an individual's quality of life as well as their life expectancy. The treatment of many of these conditions which involves multi-drug regimens which can be associated with a variety of side effects. Although therapy with prescription of medication is often unavoidable lifestyle modifications can play a key role in Obesity. In Ayurveda and other alternative therapy can manage the obesity through Ahara (Diet) and Vihara (Lifestyle).

Sharangadhara’s Nadi Pareeksha and its implications in Ayurveda

Ever since man has started colonising the knowledge for survival and dependence over each other made him social animal. But aggregated knowledge and added wisdom transformed such colonisation in to civilizations. Ayurveda is said to be Upanga of Atharvanaveda. The mythological connection yielded the Ayurveda in Triskanda Ayurveda but the amassing the doctrines of Indian philosophy made it to today’s Living sciences the Ayurveda. By 2nd BC the classical works of Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita is believed to have been written. The trend of writing such voluminous work even extended upto 6th AD believed to be the period of Astanga Hrudaya Samhita. The upsurge of Rasa Shastra and the geopolitical changes happening in India had almost pull stopped the progress of Ayurvedic Literature for further 6 centuries. But it was post Shoddala period that is 12th century AD onwards, we find with the specific intent and with a particular domain literature emerged which we call period of Laghutrayee. The same post Shoddala period we find some serious, literary mammoth works in Ayurveda came in the form of commentaries. Dalhana, Chakrapaniduta, Arunaduta and Hemadri commentaries even today believed to more authentic came in this period for the Brihatrayee. This exploration of Sharangadhara in to the Nadi Pareeksha is one such add on with a specific reason addressing the entrance level teaching so that the system become more simpler and approachable. In the article an attempt is made to exhibit need specific moulding of Nadi Pareeksha which was imported from neighbours is specifically blended; not only to the basics of Ayurveda but was practised as a tool of a) diagnosis, b) prognosis c) treatment and d) even death was determined by it.