Bhasma is unique Ayurvedic metallic or mineral preparation, its use as therapeutics in Ayurveda has enormous clinical importance. Pairojaka is a gem and ornamental stone, included in Uparatna group of drugs. Pairojaka Bhasma having its clinical indication as Sthavara, Jangama and Kritrima Visha Nashana. The objective of the study was to prepare Pairojaka Bhasma as per textual reference with the help of 8 Puta. Prepared Bhasma was subjected to ancient as well as modern physio-chemical analysis. In this study an attempt has been made to standardize the process of the preparation of the Pairojaka Bhasma

Ramya Shetty

Surekha S. Medikeri

English

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences (JAIMS)

                                                     ORIGINAL ARTICLE Sept-Oct 2021  Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Sept - Oct 2021 | Vol. 6 | Issue 5 129  Pharmaceutical study of Pairojaka Bhasma Ramya Shetty1, Surekha S. Medikeri2 1Final Year Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. 2HOD and Professor, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.                INTRODUCTION Rasa Shastra is a specialized branch of Ayurveda which mainly deals with the pharmaceutical preparations. Bhasmas are unique Ayurvedic metallic or mineral preparations, obtained by subjecting the same to high temperature along with media like herbal juice or decoctions for specified times. As they have good palatability and higher efficacy, its use as therapeutics in Ayurveda has enormous clinical importance. Bhasmeekarana not only nullifies the toxic effects of the metals or minerals but transforms it into biologically active nanoparticles. Hence, Bhasmas can be administered in lower doses. Address for correspondence:  Dr. Ramya Shetty Final Year Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. E-mail: shettyramya023@gmail.com  Submission Date: 08/09/2021 Accepted Date: 13/10/2021 Access this article online Quick Response Code Website: www.jaims.in  DOI: 10.21760/jaims.6.5.19 Pairojaka is a gem and ornamental stone, mineral in origin included in Uparatna group of drugs. It is composed of Hydrous Phosphate of Copper and Aluminium, with the chemical formula CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8.4H2O. Pairojaka Bhasma possesses Kashaya and Madhura Rasa, it is Agni Deepaka and Udara Shoola Nashaka. It is a good laxative and nullifies the influence of Sthavara, Jangama, Samyogaja Visha over the body.[1] Pairojaka is correlated to Turquoise, which dates to the 16th century. The healing powers of Turquoise can benefit whole body with special strengths in healing of immune, respiratory and skeletal system.[2] As Pairojaka is not commonly available in the market due to high value and scarcity, there is no sufficient work available on Pairojaka. Henceforth it is of paramount importance to conduct work on the pharmaceutical study of Pairojaka Bhasma. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 1. To select genuine raw drug 2. To carry out Shodhana of Pairojaka  3. To carry out Shodhana of Gandhaka   4. To prepare Pairojaka Bhasma 5. To study its Physio-Chemical properties A B S T R A C T  Bhasma is unique Ayurvedic metallic or mineral preparation, its use as therapeutics in Ayurveda has enormous clinical importance. Pairojaka is a gem and ornamental stone, included in Uparatna group of drugs. Pairojaka Bhasma having its clinical indication as Sthavara, Jangama and Kritrima Visha Nashana. The objective of the study was to prepare Pairojaka Bhasma as per textual reference with the help of 8 Puta. Prepared Bhasma was subjected to ancient as well as modern physio-chemical analysis. In this study an attempt has been made to standardize the process of the preparation of the Pairojaka Bhasma. Key words: Pairojaka Bhasma, Shodhana, Marana, Bhasma Pareeksha.     Ramya Shetty et al. Pharmaceutical study of Pairojaka Bhasma ISSN: 2456-3110                                                   ORIGINAL ARTICLE Sept-Oct 2021  Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Sept - Oct 2021 | Vol. 6 | Issue 5 130  MATERIALS AND METHODS Materials Major Drugs: Pairojaka and Gandhaka  Associated Drugs: Gomutra, Yavakshara, Nimbu, Godugdha Equipments:  Khalva Yantra, Dola Yantra, Muffle furnace. Methods 1. Identification and collection of Raw Drug 2. Preparation of Pairojaka Bhasma 3. To study its Physio-chemical properties. Identification and collection of Raw Drug Identification and collection of raw drugs are necessary because without this we can’t assure the quality. The raw drug Pairojaka (Turqouise) was purchased from Bellari. Authentication was given by Gem Testing Laboratory, Rajasthan, Jaipur. Gandhaka,Yavakshara were collected from Amrutkesari depot, Chikpete, Bengaluru Gomutra was collected from local area and Nimbu was collected from local market. Preparation of Pairojaka Bhasma a) Shodhana of Pairojaka[3] Drugs used ▪ Raw Pairojaka - 180 gms ▪ Gomutra - 800 ml ▪ Yavakshara - 500 gms ▪ Nimbu Swarasa - 800 ml ▪ Apparatus - Dola Yantra, juice extractor, knife, spatula, mud pots, cloth, Chulika, thread, spoon, pH paper. Method 180gm of Pairojaka was taken in a clean dry Khalva Yantra and made it into coarse powder. This powdered Pairojaka was taken in a sufficiently large cloth and Pottali is prepared. The Pottali is arranged in a Dolayantra  containing mixture of  Nimbu Swarasa, Gomutra, Yava kshara. The Pottali is arranged in such a way that, it is immersed in media to the level of its neck. The whole set is placed on Gas stove and is boiled in moderate flame. The boiling is carried out for three hours. On cooling the bundle is untied and the Pairojaka is removed. The Pairojaka is washed in warm water and is dried thoroughly and preserved. Thus, Shodhita Pairojaka was collected and stored in clean, dry glass bottle for further use. Precautions Heat should be given continuously. Care should be taken that the level of Pottali in Dolayantra should immerse in Drava Dravya up-to its neck. The Pottali should not touch the bottom of the Yantra. Swarasa should be added time to time when the liquid is evaporated. Table 1: Observation of Swedana process of Pairojaka   Time Quantity of Media Temperature Litmus Test, Ph Observation during procedure 2pm 800 ml 25°c Acidic, 1.5 The media was brown in colour 2.30pm - 100°c Acidic, 1.5 Boiling started 3.00pm +400ml 100°c Acidic, 2 Cream colored froth started to appear, with the odour of Nimbu Swarasa and Gomootra 3.30pm +300ml 100°c Acidic, 2 Colour appears to be, in between brown and dark brown. 4.00pm +200 ml 100°c Acidic, 2.5 Media   turned   to   dark   brown colour; frothing was reduced. 4.30pm +200ml 100°c Acidic, 2.5 Started to emit of pungent odor, frothing stopped completely. Ramya Shetty et al. Pharmaceutical study of Pairojaka Bhasma ISSN: 2456-3110                                                   ORIGINAL ARTICLE Sept-Oct 2021  Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Sept - Oct 2021 | Vol. 6 | Issue 5 131  5.00pm +200ml 100°c Acidic, 3 Media was turned to completely dark brown in colour. Observation after the procedure ▪ The luster of Pairojaka was decreased after Shodhana. ▪ Weight of Pairojaka before Shodhana - 180 gms  ▪ Weight of Pairojaka after Shodhana - 175 gms  ▪ Loss - 5 gms b) Gandhaka Shodhana [4] Drugs used Gandhaka - 1.5kg Godugdha - 12 liters Goghrita - 1.5kg Hot water for washing. Apparatus: Khalva Yantra, mud pot, cloth, thread, vessel, spoon, match box. Method Ashuddha Gandhaka was powdered in the Khalva Yantra and 1.5 kg of it was weighed and taken. A medium sized mud pot was taken and Ghrita was smeared in its inner layer. 1.5 ltr of warm Godugdha was poured in the mud pot and its mouth was tied with the clean muslin cloth. 1.5 kg of Goghrita was taken in a steel vessel and was kept on the gas stove. Powdered Gandhaka was then added in the vessel and was allowed to melt. After melting of Gandhaka, it was immediately poured in the mud pot through muslin cloth. The muslin cloth was then removed and the Gandhaka collected in the milk was taken. Gandhaka was then washed with hot water, dried and stored. This process was repeated for 6 times. Precautions Fresh cow’s milk was used for each procedure. After each procedure Gandhaka was washed with hot water to remove the remnants of milk from it. While melting Gandhaka, Mandagni should be maintained to avoid its burning. Proper precautions of eyes and face should be taken while melting Gandhaka as the fumes are irritating to senses. Shuddha Gandhaka was dried properly before storing to avoid its spoilage. Table 2: Showing observation of before and after Gandhaka Shodhana Particulars Before Shodhana After Shodhana Smell of milk No smell Smell of Sulphur Colour of Milk White Yellow Colour of Sulphur Yellow Pale yellow Initial weight of Gandhaka - 1500 gms Weight of Gandhaka after Shodhana - 1440 gms Loss of weight after Shodhana - 60 gms c) Pairojaka Bhasma prepared by Puta Method using Muffle Furnace[5] 1st Gaja Puta  Materials Shodhita Pairojaka - 170 gm Shodhita Gandhaka - 170gm Nimbu  Swarasa - 150 ml Equipments - Two earthen Sharavas of equal size, kora cloth, Khalva Yantra, weighing machine, Multani mitti,  Procedure of Marana 170gms of Shoditha Pairojaka was taken in Khalwayantra. Fine powder of equal part (170gms) of Shuddha Gandhaka mixed with Shuddha Pairojaka respectively. This mixture was triturated with sufficient quantity of Nimbu Swarasa for 6 hours. Trituration was done until whole mass attains a viscous and semisolid state. After attaining appropriate consistency, Chakrikas were prepared of size 3-4cm and diameter, 2-2.5mm thickness and dried completely. Two concave earthen Sharava were taken. Dried Chakrikas were kept in earthen Sharava and arranged in two layers. Another Sharava was placed over it to make Samputa. Gap between two Sharavas was properly sealed with one layer of Ramya Shetty et al. Pharmaceutical study of Pairojaka Bhasma ISSN: 2456-3110                                                   ORIGINAL ARTICLE Sept-Oct 2021  Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Sept - Oct 2021 | Vol. 6 | Issue 5 132  Multani Mitti smeared cloth and then with six layers of Multani Mitti smeared cloth. Each layer was wrapped, after drying of previous layer. The dried Sharava was kept inside the muffle furnace and required temperature was given. Allowed for Swangasheeta. Same procedure was repeated for 7 more times. Table 3: Showing observation of total Marana procedure of Pairojaka Bhasma. Puta Quantity of Pairojaka Quantity of Gandhaka Quantity of Nimbu Swarasa Chakrikas before Puta Max. temperature (°C) Chakrikas after Puta 1st puta 170 gm 170 gm 150 ml 335 gm 800 165 gm 2nd puta 165 gm 165 gm 150 ml 329 gm 800 163 gm 3rd puta 163 gm 163 gm 150 ml 325 gm 800 160 gm 4th puta 160 gm 160 gm 140 ml 319 gm 800 158 gm 5th puta 158 gm 158 gm 140 ml 311 gm 700 157 gm 6th puta 157 gm 157 gm 130 ml 313 gm 700 155 gm 7th puta 155 gm 155 gm 130 ml 309 gm 600 153 gm 8th puta 153 gm 153 gm 120 ml 305 gm 600 150 gm Classical Physico-Chemical Analysis a) Rekha Purnatva When the Pairojaka Bhasma was rubbed between the thumb and index finger it entered the furrows of the fingers. b) Varitaratva When finely powdered Pairojaka Bhasma was carefully sprinkled into a glass containing water, Bhasma floats on water. c) Unnama When Pairojaka Bhasma spread on water and rice was placed on that layer is comparatively heavier object and the rice floats like Hamsa, then Mrta Pairojaka was considered was Uttama. d) Nirdhuma A small quantity of prepared Pairojaka Bhasma was put over fire. Bhasma did not produce any smoke.    Ramya Shetty et al. Pharmaceutical study of Pairojaka Bhasma ISSN: 2456-3110                                                   ORIGINAL ARTICLE Sept-Oct 2021  Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Sept - Oct 2021 | Vol. 6 | Issue 5 133  RESULTS Table 4:  Classical parameters of Pairojaka Bhasma Tests Before Marana 1st Puta 2nd Puta 3rd Puta 4th Puta 5th Puta 6th Puta 7th Puta 8th Puta Rekhapurnata -ve -ve -ve +ve +ve +ve +ve +ve +ve Varitaratva -ve -ve -ve -ve -ve Partially positive Partially positive positive Positive Unnama        positive Positive Apunarbhava - - - - - - - - positive  Niruttha - - - - - - - - positive  Table 5: Showing result of Physio-chemical parameters Pairojaka Bhasma. Parameters Pairojaka Bhasma Colour Blackish Taste Tasteless Odour Odourless Touch Soft Ph 4.48 Loss on drying 0.3% Total ash 71.64% Acid insoluble ash 63.82% Loss on ignition 28.36% Water soluble extractive 6.10% Alcohol soluble extractive 0.234% DISCUSSION Pairojaka is a semi-precious stone grouped under Uparatna Varga. Usage of Pairojaka was started after 16th century A.D. It has been prized as a gemstone and ornamental stone.  Ayurveda Grantha and Rasa Grantha not explained much about Pairojaka. Its use started after Ananda Kanda and Ayurveda Prakasha. Pairojaka is collected from mines found in Iraq, Turkisthan, China, USA. Chemically it is a combination of copper, aluminium, Iron, phosphate and water.[1] There is no mentioning of Shodhana and Marana procedure while explaining Pairojaka and it is mentioned to adopt the procedure of Shodhana and Marana similar to that of Rajavarta. Pairojaka Bhasma is having kashaya, madhura Rasa, Sara Guna, Sheeta Veerya with its clinical indication as Sthavara, Jangama and Kritrima Visha Nashana. Pairojaka Shodhana Shodhana: Most of the raw materials in Rasashastra are extracted from earth, so every chance of impurities, toxicity, heterogenous qualities, mixing of other substances and unwanted qualities to a large extent. So, Shodhana is indicated to eliminate all such toxic qualities and to induce certain qualities which are essential for the easy assimilation of the material in the living body. Shodhana of Pairojaka was carried out as the first step of this study as the Shodhana is an essential procedure before the preparation of Bhasma. Raw Pairojaka was subjected to Swedana in Dolayantra  for one Yama (3 hours) in mixture of Gomutra, Yavakshara and Nimbu Swarasa. Mixture of three drugs i.e., Gomutra, Yavakshara, Nimbu Swarasa are acidic in nature whose pH lies within 4-5, and possess Ksharana property (corrosive effect). This helps to remove the physical impurities and makes the drug brittle, which helps to dissociate Ramya Shetty et al. Pharmaceutical study of Pairojaka Bhasma ISSN: 2456-3110                                                   ORIGINAL ARTICLE Sept-Oct 2021  Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Sept - Oct 2021 | Vol. 6 | Issue 5 134  the mineral molecules like latex and covalent bonding. It may be helpful in reducing the hardness of the drug as heat is given continuously through boiling liquids. Reduction in the hardness may help in further processing of the drug. This process makes the drug to easily grounded in Marana. Gandhaka Shodhana was carried out by Galana method, where Godugdha was selected as Shodhana Dravya as it is an antidote for Gandhaka. Ghrita and Godugda which were used in Gandhaka Shodhana incorporates the unctuous property in it, thus dissolving the fat-soluble impurities present in sulphur. Crystalline sulphur turned into amorphous nature after purification. The repeated heating, melting and sudden cooling of sulphur by pouring it into liquid media may cause the loosening of the bonds between the molecules, making it amorphous in nature. Shuddha Gandhaka was observed brittle and shiny, may be due to the change in crystalline structure while passing through the stage of melting. The 4% weight loss was observed. This loss could be because of removal of physical and chemical impurities in the form of sand particles and loss during washing. Pairojaka Marana Here Gandhaka was taken as media for Bhasma preparation. This helps to convert Pairojaka into specific chemical form. Gandhaka acts as reducing agent and facilitates the formation of the Bhasma easily but at the same time Gandhaka will not get completely evaporated. This residual Gandhaka may affects the therapeutic efficacy of the Bhasma which needs to be further evaluated. The Maraka Dravya make the raw drug more brittle and fragile which facilitates its Marana and also imposes their own properties on Bhasma. Gandhaka helps in distorting hardness of Pairojaka to achieve characteristic features of an ideal Bhasma.    Nimbu Swarasa is used as liquid media for levigation. Levigation is done continuously for 6 hours. This process involves breakdown of the material by rubbing action between two surfaces, i.e., surface phenomena, it is also called as attrition. When stress in the form of attrition is applied, the particle surfaces chip and produce small particles. The finer particle size can be achieved by wet grinding. The temperature given was Gajaputa considering 1000°C as per temperature pattern recorded for Gajaputa by previous studies, but based on the nature of the drug and after analysing the changes of drug after each puta, the temperature pattern was altered. From 1st to 4th puta 800°C temperature was given with peak stay time for 20 minutes. After 4th Puta Chakrika became little hard as compared to previous Puta. Hence temperature was reduced to 700°C. And again after 6th Puta Chakrika become little hard and 600°C temperature was given for 7th and 8th Puta with peak stay time for 20 minutes. Discussion on Ancient parameters The colour of Pairojaka Bhasma was black. Sparsha is smooth and soft, odourless and tasteless. All samples fulfilled Bhasma Siddhi Lakshanas which are Rekhapurnata, Varitara, Unnama, Niruttha and Apunarbhava. Rekhapurnata attained on 3rd Puta, Varitara on 6th Puta, Unnama on 7th Puta, Niruttha and Apunarbhava on 8th Puta. The prepared Pairojaka Bhasma can be considered as standard one on the basis of Analytical parameters done. CONCLUSION As a result of different stages of processing techniques like Shodhana, Bhavana, Marana, the particle size reduces significantly, which may facilitate absorption and assimilation of the drug into the body system. The observations in this study could be specified as the quality control parameters confirming all the classical tests under Bhasma Pariksha. REFERENCES 1. Sadananda Sharma, Rasatarangini, Edited by Kashinath Shasthri, 11th Edition, Delhi, Motilal Banarasidas, 2009, 23rd Taranga, 191 verses, 644 pp. 2. http://m.minerals.net/gemstone/turquoise_gemstone.aspx Ramya Shetty et al. Pharmaceutical study of Pairojaka Bhasma ISSN: 2456-3110                                                   ORIGINAL ARTICLE Sept-Oct 2021  Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | Sept - Oct 2021 | Vol. 6 | Issue 5 135  3. Sadananda Sharma, Rasatarangini, Edited by Kashinath Shasthri, 11th Edition, Delhi, Motilal Banarasidas, 2009, 23rd Taranga, 191 verses, 644 pp. 4. Sadananda Sharma, Rasatarangini, Edited by Kashinath Shasthri, 11th Edition, Delhi, Motilal Banarasidas, 2009, 8th Taranga, 13 verses, 177 pp. 5. Sadananda Sharma, Rasatarangini, Edited by Kashinath Shasthri, 11th Edition, Delhi, Motilal Banarasidas, 2009, 23rd Taranga, 191 verses, 644 pp.      *******************************  How to cite this article: Ramya Shetty, Surekha S. Medikeri. Pharmaceutical study of Pairojaka Bhasma. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci 2021;5:129-135. http://dx.doi.org/10.21760/jaims.6.5.19  Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared. Copyright © 2021 The Author(s); Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization, Vijayapur (Regd). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and perform the work and make derivative works based on it only for non-commercial purposes, provided the original work is properly cited.   

Pharmaceutical study of Pairojaka Bhasma

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Pharmaceutical study of Pairojaka Bhasma

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