PREPARATION AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF MRIDU APAMARGA KSHARA

Ksharakalpana is one of the unique pharmaceutical preparation forms described in Ayurveda. Kshara is ashes of herbal drugs and is alkaline in nature. A detailed description of Kshara Kalpana preparation methods, types, properties and applications of different Kshara are available in Ayurvedic classics. Kshara is the substance having Ksharana and Kshanan properties. Various plants are mentioned as suitable for the preparation of Kshara viz., Apamarga, Arka (Calotropis gigantea Linn.), Mulaka (Raphanus sativus Linn.), Snuhi (Euphorbia nerifolia Linn.) etc. Among these Apamarga, Arka are the most common drugs used for the preparation of Kshara. In the present study whole plant of Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera Linn.) was used for the preparation of Kshara. Different opinions are there about the amount of water to be used, number of filtrations etc., while preparing the Kshara. Generally Apamarga kshara is prepared by decantation process in a single wash. In order to obtain increased yield and to reduce the loss during straining, in the present study it was prepared by the capillary action and three times washing. This method gave 49% more yield of Apamarga kshara and is far more when compared to traditional methods. Physicochemical evaluation of the prepared Kshara complied with the pharmacoepial standards

DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARD OPERATIVE PROCEDURE FOR RAS POTTALI W.R.S. RASA PRAKASHA SUDHAKARA

Since medieval period, Rasashastra has occupied a pivotal position in Ayurvedic system of medicine. In Rasashastra, uses of Mercury as a medicine have evolved gradually over centuries. Compared to traditional Rasa formulations, Many of them which were earlier in practice are not at all used today. Though literature is available on quality aspects of such herbo-mineral formulations in the classical text books, contemporary science is raising concerns at regular intervals on herbo-mineral formulations. Thus, it becomes mandate to develop quality profiles of all formulations that contain metals or minerals in their composition. ‘Rasa Pottali’ is one of such preparation that is grouped under ‘Murchita Parada Yoga’ in consolidate form which also incorporates the Pota Bandha of Parada. No other classical references are found for this formulation except for Rasa Prakasha Sudhakara. In the present study an attempt has been made to prepare Rasa pottali by classical reference and to evaluate its manufacturing process with possible modifications. As per the SOP, the formula mentions that the application of Dhatura patra swarasa to be applied on Pottali covered with cloth but this seems to be not appropriate for the Pharmaceutical preparation and to develop SMP of this preparation. Keeping this in view, the preparation has designed into three different experiments and are carried out to prepare three samples of Rasapottali RP1 (7-7 Bhavana with Tamboola patra swarasa and Dhatura parta swarasa), RP2 (7 Bhavana with Tamboola patra swarasa and 7 Lepana with Dhatura patra kalka) and RP3 (7 Lepana with Tamboola patra kalka and 7 Lepana with Dhatura patra kalka)

A Critical Appraisal of Manikya: A Ratna

Rasashastra has used almost all the available metals and minerals in the creation for medicinal purpose. Gems or Ratnas are also one among them. As the priority of Rasashastra was to attain a body (Deha vada), Siddhahcaryas of Rasashastra had used the gems for the purpose of inducing the longevity of life in a human body. Manikya or ruby, the rarest of gemstones and grouped under Ratna Varga. Its use leads to generate the mental and spiritual powers and special divine thoughts rise in mind. Manikya or ruby balances Surya (sun). Surya represents the king of the solar system in Jyotish. It also represents authority, power, self, father, body and health. It is composed of aluminium oxide, chromium and titanium. Manikya is having innovate action on various hormonal, enzymatic, immunological pathways, as it comprises mainstream trace elemental moieties. It is a versatile drug having Medhya, Vrushya property and specially recommended in Dwajabhanga, Kshaya and it has best Rasayana and Vajeekarana property. In the present review an attempt has been made to compile historic review, mythological origin of Manikya, Synonyms according to different Acharyas, Manikya Guna Karma and Dharana punya, types and their Lakshana, Grahyagrahyatva etc. present review expected to furnish the knowledge on Manikya ratna so that it can be widely used in therapeutic practices

Acute and Subacute Toxicity Study of Abhraka Bhasma- Incinerated Mica Ash

Among the various Ras dravyas (mineral drugs), Abhraka Bhasma (incinerated mica ash) is widely used in therapeutics. Many herbal and other organic materials have been quoted in reference for various procedures in preparing Abhraka bhasma. It is wonderful that different pharmacological action has been attributed to different Dravyas used in the pharmaceutical processing of Abhraka Bhasma. However, to establish the safety of such metallic and mineral formulation it is the need of the hour to generate scientific data for such drugs. In the present study two samples of Abhraka Bhasma were prepared using two different methods. The safety profile of Abhraka Bhasma samples (AB-1 & AB-2) were evaluated by conducting acute and subacute toxicity study as per OECD Guidelines. Both acute and sub-acute toxicity study demonstrated safety of AB-1 and AB-2 when administered at therapeutic dose, TED X5 dose and TED X10 dose. Even though the sample AB-1 was prepared using a smaller number of Puta, it was sufficient for preparing good quality of Bhasma and was non-toxi

FORMULATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF ARKA TAILA CREAM- A MODIFIED DOSAGE FORM OF ARKA TAILA

Skin diseases comprise a large proportion of patients approaching clinics and hospitals. Arka taila is an Ayurvedic preparation for Kandu (itching), Pama (scabies), Vicharchika (eczema). It is mentioned in various classical books of Ayurveda like Sharangadhara samhita vangasena samhita etc. To make the Taila form, it was decided to convert it in to cream form without compromising on its efficacy. In the present study Arka taila was prepared by classical methods and its cream was prepared by modern parameters. Initially 3 litres of Sarshap taila was taken as raw material and yield of Arka Taila was 2.815L. 1.985kg of Arka Cream was prepared from it. The pharmaceutical process reveals that a good quality Arka Taila can be easily prepared by taking caution about various stages occurring during the Sneha-Paka and by paying attention to the Sneha-Siddhi-Lakshanas. Furthermore, preparation of a stable, effective and good consistency emulsion was formulated in the form of Arka cream