Arya Varma PDF

“A COMPARATIVE PHARMACEUTICO-ANALYTICAL STUDY OF
ABHRAKA BHASMA SAMPLES PREPARED WITH AND WITHOUT

AMRITIKARANA”
By
Dr. ARYA.S.VARMA
Dissertation submitted to the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health

Sciences,Karnataka,Bangalore
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
AYURVEDA VACHASPATI
DOCTOR OF MEDICINE (Ayu)
in
RASASHASTRA
Under the guidance of

Dr. J. DINESH NAYAK M.D.(Ayu)
HOD
Department of Rasashastra
Co- Guide
Dr. SATYANARAYANA BHAT
Professor
Department of Post Graduate Studies in Rasashastra

Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences, Manipal
i

RAJIV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
DECLARATION BY THE CANDIDATE
I hereby declare that Dissertation or Thesis “A Comparative Pharmaceutico-

Analytical Study of Abhraka Bhasma samples prepared with and without
Amritikarana” is a bonafide and genuine research work carried out by me under the
guidance of Dr.J.Dinesh Nayak, MD (Ayu), HOD, Department of Rasashastra and
Bhaishajya Kalpana.
Date : By
Place : Manipal Dr.Arya.S.Varma
B.A.M.S
ii

CERTIFICATE BY THE GUIDE
This is to certify that the Dissertation entitled “A Comparative Pharmaceutico-

Amritikarana” is a bonafide research work done by Dr. Arya.S.Varma in partial
fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Medicine in Ayurveda.
The way of exploring the research project, wholehearted dedication with brilliant
ideas by most beloved students made this work remarkable.
I hope this will be a great contribution to the scientific world of life.
I recommend the same for evaluation by adjudicators.
Date : Signature of the guide

Place : Manipal Dr.J.Dinesh Nayak MD (Ayu)
HOD
Department of Rasashastra and
Bhaishajya kalpana
iii

CERTIFICATE BY THE CO – GUIDE
This is to certify that the Dissertation entitled “A Comparative

Pharmaceutico-Analytical Study of Abhraka Bhasma samples prepared with and
without Amritikarana” is a bonafide research work done by Dr. Arya.S.Varma in
partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Medicine in
Ayurveda.
Date: Signature of the co- guide

Place: Manipal Dr. Sathyanarayana Bhat MD (Ayu)
Professor
Department of Rasashastra and
Bhaishajya kalpana
iv

ENDORSEMENT BY THE H.O.D, PRINCIPAL

HEAD OF THE INSTITUTION
This is to certify that the Dissertation entitled “A Comparative Pharmaceutico-

Amritikarana” is a bonafide research work done by Dr. Arya.S.Varma under the
guidance of Dr. J.Dinesh Nayak MD (Ayu),HOD,PG Department of Rasashastra and
Bhaishajya kalpana.
Dr. J. Dinesh Nayak Dr. Satyanarayana Bhat

H.O.D Principal
Dept of R.S and B.K Muniyal Institute of
Ayurveda Medical Sciences
Manipal
Date :
Place :
v

COPYRIGHT
Declaration By The Candidate
I hereby declare that Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka shall
have the rights to preserve, use and disseminate this dissertation in print or electronic
for academic or research purpose.
Date : By
Place : Manipal Dr.Arya.S.Varma
B.A.M.S
© Rajiv Gandhi Univerity of Health Sciences, Karnataka.
vi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
At this amenity of successful completion of my work,I surrender myself to the

Almighty,for having bestowed in me the ability to discharge my duties thoroughly in
this endeavour.
I feel for my affectionate parents,Dr.N.Ravivarma & Dr.J.Sulochana,whose

love,support and encouragement were the intiating sources which directed me
towards progress and success in each and every step of my life.
I sincerely thank my honourable guide, Dr.Dinesh Nayak, HOD, Department

of Rasashastra, MIAMS, Manipal, for his valuable guidance and encouragement,
extended throughout the entire period.
It is a matter of great pleasure and honor to express my heartfelt gratitude to

my revered preceptor, Dr.Sathyanarayana Bhat who, with his scholarly insights
kindled in me the spirit of original thinking and whose valuable, timely guidance and
motivating support have been the catalysts in my work.
I extend my sincere respects to honorable chairman of the institution,

Dr.M.V.Shetty, without whose support mere admission in Post Graduation would not
have been possible.
I solicited my deep and profound sense of gratitude to my teachers –

Dr.Ravishankar Shenoy, Dr.Shrikanth P.H, Dr.Udayakumar, Dr.Tanmay Goswami,
Dr.Hebbar, Dr.SripathiAcharya, Dr.Chandrakant, Dr.Ajith, Dr.Shantini Shetty for
their support and transparent discussion.
I express my indebted love to my brothers, Jyothis Varma & Nithin.R.Mohan,

for their effort in procuring Abhraka sample from Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
I cannot forget the support and ideas given by my friends, Mr.Iqbal Sheikh &
Dr.Anju .S, who stood by my side when I truly needed them.
I am thankful to Dr.Udaya Bhat, Dr.R.Udupa, Ms.Prakriti, Department of

Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, NITK, Surathkal for helping me in
analytical studies.
vii

I am highly obliged to Dr.Sanjaya.S. Dr.Brijesh, Dr.Sushrutha C.K.
Department of Dravyaguna, ALN Rao Memorial Ayurvedic Medical College, Koppa
for their support and guidance in carrying out the toxicity study in a well planned
manner.
I offer my sincere thanks to Dr.Devika Shetty, Research Officer, Quality

Control, MIAMS, and Manipal for guiding me in analytical and chemical study.
My special thanks to non-teaching staff of MIAMS, Manipal, Mr.Yogesh,

Mr.Satish, Mr.Udaykumar, Mr.Gopal, Mrs.Mamta, Mrs.Sneha, and Mrs.Sasikala for
their kind co-operation.
I express my thanks to my collegues Dr.Sajna, Dr.Gauthaman, Dr.Shradha,

Dr.Arya, Dr.Sheena for their appreciable help and critical suggestions.
I express my sincere thanks to Mr. Prakash Bhat, Sampark Xerox, and Udupi
for their whole sole effort in neat and clean printing and binding.
Finally I am grateful to U.G students especially Akhilesh, Manu, Rikal, Vivek,
Sushma, Anita, Gene, Gayatri for their timely help during this work.
Last but not the least I express my thanks to each and every person who have
given their “Pound of Flesh” in accomplishing this task without any blemishes, and I
seek pardon and apologize for any errata, which still remain a version.
Arya. S.Varma
viii

ABBREVIATIONS
R.T – Rasa Tarangini
A.P – Ayurveda Prakasa
R.R.S – Rasa ratna samucchaya
A.K –Ananda Kanda
R.P.S – Rasa Prakasa Sudhakara
R.J.N – Rasa Jala Nidhi
R.Chu – Rasendra Chudamani
R.Sa.S – Rasendra Sara Sangraha
D.G.V –Dravya Guna Vijnana
R.Chi – Rasendra Chintamani
R.S.S – Rasendra sara Sangraha
A F I –Ayurvedic Formulary of India
A.P.I.-Ayurvedic Pharmacopiea of India
AB-Abhraka Bhasma
L – Lohitikarana
A – Amritikarana
M - Marana
ix

CONTENTS
Particulars
Page No.
INTRODUCTION 1-5
• Plan of the Study
CONCEPTUAL STUDY 6 - 62
• Historic review of Abhraka

• Modern review – MICA
• Shodhana
• Marana
• Amritikarana
• Lohitikarana
• Drug Review – Bhavana Dravya 63-77
PHARMACEUTICAL STUDY 78-101
ANALYTICAL STUDY 102-122
TOXICITY STUDY 123-133
DISCUSSION 134-152
CONCLUSION & SUMMARY 153-157
BIBLIOGRAPHY 158-162
x

Introduction

INTRODUCTION
Science is the intellectual process for using all of the mental and physical
resources available in order to better understand, explain, quantitative and predict normal
as well as unusual natural phenomena. Thus the scientific approach to understand
anything involves observation, measurement of entities that can be quantitated the
accumulation of data, and analysis of the findings distinguished from an intuitive
approach. Also science is the light thrown on silent facts which are hidden in the word-
womb.
In other words, science is a gradual evolution. It is not a sudden invention,
Ayurveda as a science, is not an exception for it. The imperishable fundamentals of
Ayurveda, which were laid down by the great sages of the olden days are still applicable
because of their scientific eternal background. Such subjected to scientific fundamentals
must be subjected to scientific research not only to prove its certainty but also to add
something new to the existing knowledge.
A careful survey of the original texts on Rasashastra shows that the subject covers
the entire field of inorganic pharmaceutical preparations like metallics, non-metallic
compound of Ayurvedic material medica. These Rasaushadhis are appreciated for their
smaller dosages, quicker effectiveness, long durability etc. Thus the Rasausadhi
preparations play an important and major role in curing the ailing human beings.
On internal administration of metals and minerals i.e. Rasaushadis, in
unprocessed or misprocessed form, they are very toxic but when scientifically Shodhana
and Marana of these substances are done with some special processes, they became non-
A Comparative Pharmaceutico-Analytical Study Of Abhraka Bhasma Samples Prepared With And Without
Amritikarana Page 1

Introduction

toxic or least toxic with low untoward effects and can be used therapeutically with high
gratitude of efficacy, for this standardization of the Rasoushadis is very necessary.
Abhraka Bhasma is a very popularly used preparation in Ayurveda either as a
single preparation or in several formulations. Processes of Abhraka are referred as
Pancha Samskara, Marana, and Amritikarana being important among them in relation to
the therapeutic application. Amritikarana is a special process mentioned to eliminate
residual toxicity of Abhraka Bhasma. Even after subjecting Dhanyabhraka to the
specified number of putas and the appearance of all Bhasma lakshanas, Amritikarana is
advised. Lohitikarana is a process mentioned to regain the original colour of Abhraka
Bhasma that may be lost after Amritikarana. Even though there are several studies on
Abhraka bhasma, the importance of Amritikarana and Lohitikarana are yet to be
scientifically evaluated. Hence, it was decided to take up the work to evaluate the
samples of plain Abhraka Bhasma, Abhraka Bhasma with Amritikarana alone and
Amritikarana and lohitikarana both. Scientific evaluation of the samples prepared as per
the Standard Operative Procedure by considering suitable physico-chemical parameters is
expected to add considerable inputs to the existing knowledge.
Previous Work Done:
i) Abhraka Mahanibandha- Mishra.A.D, IPGT& RA, Jamnagar
ii) ii)Abhraka Vijnanam- Sharma.H.C, IPGT& RA, Jamnagar (1961)
iii) Easier and Shorter Method of Preparation of Abhraka Bhasma-
Namboothiri.M.N.S IPGT& RA, Jamnagar (1969)
iv) A Comparative Pharmaco-Chemical Study on Abhraka Bhasma & Abhra-Garbha
Pottali-Pati.R.T, IPGT& RA, Jamnagar(1996)
Amritikarana Page 2

Introduction

v) Comparative Study on Abhraka Satva Bhasma – Maheswar.T, Banaras Hindu
University, Varanasi (1997)
vi) Pharmaceutical and Pharmaco-therapeutic studies on Abhraka Bhasma with
special reference to Amlapitta-Joshi .D, Banaras Hindu University,
Varanasi.(1973)
vii) Study on Satvapatana with special reference to Abhraka & Makshika- Jha.C.B
,Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (1992)
viii) Abhraka Par Gaveshanatmak Adhyayan –Pandya.S.S .M.M.M. Govt.
Ayurvedic college, Udaipur.(1976)
ix) Various methods of Abhraka Shodhana and its chemical Analysis-Joshi (Ms).S.V,
Tilak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Pune.
x) A study of effect of heat on Abhraka for Confirmation of its varieties and to study
the significance of odour in Abhraka Classification- Mane.R.G, Tilak
Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Pune
xi) Study on Abhraka with special reference to Dhanyabhraka- Dr.V.Shreesananda
Sharma, RGUHS, Karnataka.
Objective of the study:
1) To carry out the literary review of the concepts of Shodhana,Marana,Amritikarana
and Lohitikarana and a detailed review of these concepts with regard to Abhraka
as per textual references.
Amritikarana Page 3

Introduction

2) To prepare Abhraka Bhasma by giving importance to quantum of heat by
standardizing weight and number of cowdung cakes, measuring the heat with
Pyrometer and IR thermometer.
3) To find out any changes in the observational samples
4) To conduct an analytical study of three samples of Abhraka bhasma viz;
a) Sample availed immediately after Marana.
b) Sample availed after the process of Amritikarana.
c) Sample availed after the process of Amritikarana and Lohitikarana.
5) To carry out the comparative Acute Toxicity Study of above samples in compliance
with OECD Guidelines.
STUDY PROTOCOL:
The study is divided into following chapter to have a clear idea regarding the work
done on it.
1) Conceptual Study
2) Pharmaceutical Study
3) Analytical Study
4) Toxicity Study
5) Discussion
6) Summary and Conclusion
Conceptual Study: deals with the critical review of Ayurvedic and modern literature
regarding Abhraka viz Mica along with the brief review of various concepts concerned
with Abhraka Bhasma like Shodhana, Dhanybhrakarana, Marana, Amritikarana,
Lohitikarana etc.
Amritikarana Page 4

Introduction

Pharmaceutical Study: depicts the preparation of Abhraka Bhasma along with their
pharmaceutical observations and findings during the processes.
Analytical Study: throws light on the analytical data of the three samples of Abhraka
Bhasma i.e., sample obtained after the process of Marana, after Amritikarana, after
Amritikarana and Lohitikarana both, through organoleptic methods L.O.D, Ash value,
N.P.S test, Physico-chemical analysis, Spectrophotometry, particle size analysis and
Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES).
Toxicity Study: reveals the relevance of the process Amritikarana explained in classics
for Abhraka bhasma, scientifically evaluates all the three samples by carrying out acute
toxicity study under the OECD Guidelines-423(Acute Oral Toxicity-Acute Toxic Class
Method).
Amritikarana Page 5

Drug Review

DRUG REVIEW
Bhavana Dravya:
1. ARKAMOOLA
Arka consists of dried roots of Calotropis gigantea Linn R.Br. (Family-
Asclepiadaceae); an erect tall, perennial shrub luxuriantly thriving in waste lands. It is a
hardy branched, pale grayish, profusely milky shrub. Occurs throughout India,commonly
in the plains. The roots are usually collected in the months of March to May and
gradually allowed to dry in the shade.
Synonyms : Arka, Raktharka, Thulaphala, Ksheeraparna, Arkaparna, Asphota, Shukla
phala,
Ravi, Sadapushpi
Vernacular Names:
Eng : Madar,Giant Milk Weed
Hindi : AK, Ark, Akada, Safed-ak
Bengali : Alkanda
Gujrati : Akado
Kannada : Ekka, Ekkagide
Malayalam : Erukku
Marathi : Mandara
Punjabi : Ak, Madar
Tamil : Vellarukku
Telugu : Mandaramu
Amritikarana Page 63

Drug Review

Description:
a)Macroscopic
The root occurs in the entire condition. Externally whitish grey in color, wrinkled
in the fresh condition, plenty of whitish latex exudes from the cuts or wounds in the bark.
It is rough, fissured longitudinally, corky and soft; externally white, centre core cream
colored; bark easily separated from xylem; odor; characteristic; taste bitter and acrid.
b) Microscopic:
Transverse section of root shows outermost cork tissue consisting of 4-8 of
tangentially elongated and radially arranged cells followed by 3-6 rows of moderately
thick-walled, irregular cells of secondary cortex devoid of calcium oxalate crystals and
starch grains. Cortex is composed of large polyhedral paranchymatous cells containing
abundant rounded starch grains; some cortical cells contain rosette crystals of calcium
oxalate. Phloem consists of sieve elements and phloem parenchyma traversed by uni-
tetraseriate medullary rays.
Identity, Purity & Strength
Physical Constants:
Root
Foreign Matter -Not more than 2%
Total Ash -Not more than 4%
Acid Insoluble Ash -Not more than 1%
Alcohol Soluble -Not more than 2%
Extractive
Water Soluble -Not more than 8%

Drug Review

Extractive
Constituents : Benzoyllineolone
Benzoylisolineolene
B-amyrin
Properties & Action:
Rasa -Katu, Tikta
Guna -Laghu,Ruksha,Tikshna
Veerya -Ushna
Vipaka -Katu
Doshaghnata -Kaphavata shamaka
Karma -Vedanasthapana,Shothahara,Deepana,Pachana,
Pittasaraka, Rechana, Rakta shodhaka, Hridayottejaka
Important Formulation - Arka lavana,Arkeshwara Rasa
Therapeutic Uses - Amavata, Shotha, kasa, Swasa
Doses - Root bark (0.5-1gm)
2. NYAGRODHA MOOLA:
Nyagrodha jata consists of dried aerial roots of Ficus bengalensis Linn
(Family Moracaea), a very large tree with spreading branches, occuring throughout the
country, and also planted on road sides and in garden.
Vernacular Names:
Sanskrit : Vata jata ,Bahupada
Eng : Banyan Tree

Drug Review

Hindi : Baragada jata,vatajata
Bengali : Bar,bot
Guj : Vad vadavai
Kannad : Alada chirugu
Mal : Peralveru
Marathi : Vada paranika
Tamil : Alamvizhuthu
Telugu : Peddamatti,Marri Udalu
Description:
a) Macroscopic:
Drug occurs in cut pieces, 4-8cm long, and 0.1-1.2 cm thick, cylindrical,
unbranched or branched; rough due to longitudinal and transverse rows of lenticels;
external surface grey, cut surface reddish brown, fracture, fibrous in bark portion and
tough and short in wood portion.
Microscopic:
Aerial roots shows cork consisting of 4-6 or more rows of narrow, tangentially
elongated cells, secondary cortex consisting of a zone of 4-5 rows of stone cells, followed
by wide zone of thin-walled parenchymatous cells filled with reddish-brown contents; a
number of large group of stone cells, oval to elliptical, elongated, thick-walled, with wide
lumen and clear pit canals found scattered throughout secondary cortex; secondary
phloem, a wide zone consisting of sieve tubes, phloem fibres and phloem parenchyma
,traversed by phloem rays, phloem fibres numerous, arranged in tangential bands
alternating with sieve elements.

Drug Review

Identity, Purity & Strength:
Foreign Matter : Not more than 2%
Total Ash : Not more than 7%
Acid Insoluble Ash : Not more than 1%
Alcohol soluble : Not more than 3%
Extractive
Water Soluble : Not more than 4%
Extractive
Constituents : Tannins
Rasa : Kashaya, Madhura
Guna : Ruksha, guru
Virya : seetha
Vipaka : Madhura
Karma : Pittahara, Kaphahara, Grahi, Sodhana, Ropana
Important Formulations: Kumkumadi Taila, Abhraka Bhasma, Rasa
sindura.Naga Bhasma
Therapeutic Uses : Raktapitta, Trisna, Daha, Visarpa
Dose: 2-5gm of the drug in powder form.
3. HARITAKI:
Haritaki consists of dried fruits of Terminalia chebula Ritz[Family:Combretaceae].
A tree,15-24m high,leaves ovate or elliptic with a pair of glands at the top of the petiole.
Synonyms:Haritaki,Abhaya,Pathya,Kayastha,Putana,Haimavathi,Avyaktha,Shiva,Rohini.

Drug Review

Vernacular Names:
Eng : Chebulik myrobalan
Hindi : Harad
Guj : Harado
Kannad : Harra,Kaarakkayi
Mal : Katukka
Tam : Katukkay
Tel : Katukkay
Urdu : Hajarad
Description:
Macroscopic: Intact fruit yellowish-brown ovoid, generally 20-35mm long,13-25mm
wide, wrinkled and ribbed longitudinally.Pericarp is fibrous,3-4mm thick,non adherent to
the seed.Taste astringent.
Microscopic:
Transverse section of pericarp shows epicarp consisting of one layer of epidermal
cells, inner tangential and upper portions fibres and radial wall thick.Mesocarp consists of
2-3 layers of collenchyma,followed by a broad zone of parenchyma in which fibres and
sclerids in groups and vascular bundles are scattered. Tannins and raphides are present in
parenchyma. Endocarp consists of thick walled sclerids of various shapes and sizes,
mostly elongated.Epidermal surface view reveal polygonal cells, uniformly thick walled,
several of them divide into septa.Powdered drug is brownish in color an shows a few
fibres,vessels with simple pits and of sclerids under microscope.

Drug Review

Foreign matter - Not more than 1%
Total Ash - Not more than 5%
Acid Insoluble Ash - Not more than 5%
Alcohol Soluble Extractive - Not less than 40%
Water Soluble Extractive - Not less than 60%
Constituents : Anthraquinone glycoside, Chebulinic acid, Tannic
acid
Properties & Actions:
Rasa - Kashaya, tikta, madhura, katu, amla
Guna - Laghu, ruksha
Veerya - Usna
Vipaka - madhura
Prabhava - tridosha samaka
Doshaghnata - Tridoshaghna
Karma - Shothahara, Nadibalya, Medhya, deepana, pachana, grahi, Vrishya,
rasayana, mutrala
Dose - 3-6gm
Therapeutic Uses - Vatavyadhi, Shotha, Kantaroga, shoola, gulma, arsha, kamala, and
vatarakta
Formulations - Abhayarista, Pathyadi kvatha, Vyaghri haritaki

Drug Review

4. BIBHITAKI:
Bibhataka consists of dried fruits of Terminalia bellirica (Gaer) Roxb. (Family-
Combretaceae).A large tree up to 40m high, found in deciduous forests, throughout the
greater part of India.
Synonyms : Bibhitaka, Aksha, karshaphala, kalidruma, Bhutavasa
Vernacular Names:
Eng : Belleric myrobalan
Hindi : Baheda, Bhaira
Bengali : Baheri
Guj : Bahedo
Kannad : Tanrikai
Malayalam : Tanni
Tamil : Tanikai
Marati : Bahera
Telugu : Tani,Tandra
Urudu : Bahera
Description:
Macroscopic:
Fruits nearly spherical to ovoid, 1.5-2.5 in diameter. Fresh ripe fruits, slightly
silvery or with whitish shiny pubescent surface. Mature fruits grey or grayish brown with
wrinkled appearance. Rind of fruit shows variation in thickness from 3-5mm.Taste
astringent.

Drug Review

Microscopic:
Transverse section of fruit shows an outer epicarp consisting of a layer of
epidermis, most of epidermal cells elongate to form hair like protuberance with swollen
base. Parenchymatous cells are slightly tangentially elongated and irregularly arranged,
intermingled with stone cells of varying size and shape.Mesocarp is traversed in various
directions by numerous vascular strands. Endosperm is composed of stone cells running
longitudinal as well as transversly.
Identity, Purity &Strength:
Foreign matter : Not more than 2%
Total Ash : Not more than 7%
Acid Insoluble Ash : Not more than 1%
Alcohol soluble Extractive : Not less than 8%
Water soluble Extractive : Not less than 35%
Constituents : Chebulic Acid,Ellagic acid
Properties &Action:
Rasa : Kashaya
Guna : Ruksha,Laghu
Virya : Ushna
Vipaka : Madhura
Doshaghnata : Tridosha shamaka
Karma : Shothahara,Vedana sthapana,Deepana,Anulomana,
Krimighna, Rechana,Bhedana,Grahi
Therapeutic Uses : Shotha,Granthi-visarpa,Arsha,Atisara,Vatavyadhi,Anidra,Trishna

Drug Review

Important Formulations : Triphala churna, Phalatrikadi kwatha, Talisadi churna,
Lavangadi vati
Doses : 3-6gm
5. AMALAKI:
Amalaki consists of dried fruits of Phyllanthus Embilica Linn (Family-
Euphorbiacea)
Synonyms : Amalaki,Amalaka,Dhatripala,Vrishya
Vernacular names:
Eng : Indian Gooseberry
Hindi : Amla
Beng : Amla
Guj : Limbi
Tel : Amalakamu
Kan : Nelli,Nelka
Mal : Nellikkai
Tam : Nelli-kai
Oriya : Gondhona
Mar : Avala
Description:
A small or medium sized deciduous tree. Leaves sub-sessile, closely set along the
branch lets, obtuse, having appearance of pinnate leaves. Flowers greenish-yellow, in
auxillary fascicles on the leaf bearing branch lets, often on the naked portion below the
leaves. Fruits fleshy, globose, with obscure vertical furrow ,pale yellow. Drug consists of

Drug Review

curled pieces of pericarp of dried fruit. Bulk colour grey to black ,pieces showing a
broad, highly shrivelled and wrinkled external convex surface to somewhat concave,
transversely wrinkled lateral surface; external surface shows a few whitish specks,
occasionally some pieces show a portion of stony testa. Taste sour and astringent.
Microscopic:
Transverse section of fruit shows epicarp consisting of a single layered epidermis,
cell appearing tabular and polygonal in surface view. Cuticle present. Mesocarpcells are
tangentially elongated, parenchymatous and crushed, differentiated roughly into
peripheral 8-9 layers of tangentially elongated small cells, rest consisting of mostly iso-
diametric larger cells with walls showing irregular thickenings. Fine powder shows
epidermis with uniformly thickened straight walls, is-diametric parenchyma cells with
irregular thickened walls, occasionally short fibers and tracheas.
Identity, Purity & Strength:
Foreign matter - not more than 3%
(Seed and seed coat)
Total ash - not more than 7%
Acid insoluble ash - Not more than 2%
Alcohol soluble extractive - Not less than 40%
Water soluble extractive - Not less than 50%
Constituents - Phyllembic acid,Phyllembin

Drug Review

Rasa - Amla,Madhura,Kashaya,Tikta,katu
Guna - Guru,Ruksha,sheeta
Veerya - sheeta
Vipaka - madhura
Karma - Dahashamana, chakshushya, medhya, balya, rochana, deepana,
anulomana, hridya
Doshagnata - tridoshashamaka
Therapeutic Uses- Paittikavikara, Mootravarodha, Raktapitta, Kasa, Shwasa, Pradara,
Amlapitta, Parinamashoola
Doses - Fruit powder: 3-6gm
Fresh juice-10-20ml
Important formulations: Chyavanaprasha, Brahma rasayana, Dhatrilauha
6. MANJISTA
Manjista consists of dried roots of Rubia cordifolia Linn (Family-Rubiacea).A
perennial climbing herb, roots long, cylindric, with a thin red bark.
Synonyms: Raktanga, Lohitalata, Bhandiri, Aruna, Manjoosha, Vastrarangini
Vernacular Names:
Eng : Indian Maddar
Hindi : Manjitha
Beng : Manjil
Guj : Manjitha
Kan : Manjistha

Drug Review

Mal : Manjatti
Tam : Manjatti
Tel : Manjisthige
Description:
Perennial, herbaceous, climbing plant,stem often many yards long, rough,
grooved, bark white, leaves 3.8-9×1.6-3.5cm,in whorls of 4,ovate acute ,lower leaves are
larger than the upper ,base rounded or cordate, petioles triangular, flowers in terminal
panicled glaborous cymes, branches trichotonomous, spreading bracts leafy calyx, long
tubular glaborous. Corolla greenish, divided nearly to the base, five lobes, ovate acute
3mm long. Fruit 4-6mm diameter, didgmous or globose purplish black when ripen.
Total ash : Not more than 12%
Acid Insoluble Ash : Not more than 0.5%
Alcohol soluble extractive : Not less than 3%
Water soluble extractive : Not less than 17%
Chemical Constituents : Anthraquinonemunjistin, Rubiatriol,Rubicfolic acid,
Rubiadin, Rubimallin

Rasa - Tikta,Kashaya,madhura
Guna - Guru,Ruksha
Virya - Usna
Vipaka - Katu
Doshakarma - Kapha pitta shamaka
Karma - Raktaprasadana, Raktashodhaka ,Varnya, Tvachya, Sandhaniya,
Sothahara

Drug Review

Parts used : Roots
Dose : Powder-1-3gm
Decoction-50-100ml
Formulation : Manjistadi kvatha,manjistadi lepam
Therapeutic Uses: Jwara,Mutrakrchra,prameha,kusta,visarpa,vrana,sotha
7.KADALI
Kadali consists of adventitious roots stem of Musa paradisiacaLinn (Family –
Musaceae) cultivated throughout India.
SYNONYMS :Kadali, Kadalee, Varanabusa, Mocha, Mochaka, Rambha, Kashteela.
Vernacular names:
English : Banana, Plantain
Hindi : Kela
Kannada : Baale, Baale dindu(Kadali Kanda)
Malayalam : Vazha, Kadalivazha
Beng : Kela
Tamil : Valei
Telugu : Kadali
Guj : Kela
PLANT DESCRIPTION
A large herbaceous plant with peculiar pseudo stem and underground stem.
Leaves oblong, large, narrowed towards both end, with long spreading petiole, cover one
on another forming the pseudo stem. Flowers unisexual, in drooping spikes, female at
base and males at top. Fruits berries, golden yellow when ripe.

Drug Review

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated Vata, Pitta, over perspiration, burning sensation, neuropathy,
bronchitis, kidney diseases edema and general debility.
Useful part : Root, Leaves, Fruits, Stem.
AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Madhura
Guna : Guru, Snigdha, Mridu, Seeta
Virya : Seeta
Vipaka : Madhura ( Amla for some varieties)

Pharmaceutical Study
PHARMACEUTICAL STUDY
Introduction:
Pharmaceutical Study means the practical experience of preparing medicines
from raw drugs. Practical experience is most essential for Vaidya as described by
Charaka ‘The Karmabhyasa’(Chu.Su.9/22) is one of the essential qualities of vaidya.
In Rasashastra it is described that Rasa shastri must have the quality of ‘Kushala Rasa
Karmani’. (R.R.S.6/4).
Rasashastra is a science which mainly deals with minerals and metals like
mercury, arsenic, copper etc. and their administration as medicines. These minerals
having some toxic and unwanted effects if medicines are not prepared by proper
method and minute difference in procedure of preparation may cause toxic effects in
patients.
So preparation of mineral drugs require more skill and the only way of
obtaining skill is practical experience through repeated practicals and careful
observations during process make Rasa Vaidya perfect in medicine preparation.
But this is very clear that theory and practical are two essential parts of
knowledge. Only theoretical knowledge cannot make a man perfect. Physician fights
against the disease with the weapon named drug. Just imagine if weapon is not made
properly? So the results of drugs always depend upon its preparations.
Validation Master Protocol for manufacturing of Abhraka Bhasma:
Authentication, procurement and validation of Grahya Abhraka. (R.R.S
2/11)
Validation of Process of Abhraka Sodhana.( R.T 10/20)
Validation of the process of Dhanyabhrakakarana.(R.T.10/26-28)
A Comparative Pharmaceutico-Analytical Study Of Abhraka Bhasma Samples Prepared With And

Without Amritikarana Page 78
Validation of the process of Abhraka Marana. (R.T 10/39-42, AFI Part I,18/1)
Validation of the process of Amritikarana.
Validation of the process of Lohitikarana.(R.T 10/65-67)
TREATISE OF EXECUTED WORK:
Preparation of Kanjika.
¾ Purpose: Dhanyabhraka Nirmana
¾ Reference : Vaidyaka Paribhasha Pradipa
Materials required: Shastika shali - 8kg
Bala mooli - 2kg
Water - 40ltr.
Equipments - Steel vessel, long spoon, khalwa yantra, measuring jar, porcelain jars.
Procedure:
Superior quality of Shastika shali was purchased from the market. This was
pounded well.
Moolika was procured from the local market. It was washed and the skin was
scraped out. Then it was made into small pieces and crushed well. This was
mixed with 40ltr of water.
Dhupana of the porcelain jar was done with Karpoora,Vacha, Musta, Guggulu,
Usheera.
The mixture was poured into the jar and sandhi bandhana was done.
The porcelain jar was kept undisturbed for fermentation for about 15 days.
The jar was opened after 7 days and pH test was done.

Observation:
a) A layer of mould with greenish red colour was found on opening the lid of
the jar.
b) Pieces of radish were seen floating on the surface.
c) A slight vinegar-like odor was perceived.
Precautions:
Radish should be healthy and clean.
Porcelain jar should be clean and dried.
Sealing should be done properly.
pH test:
a) A glass of kanjika was collected after removing the mould.
b) The pH paper was dipped into it.
c) It turned brick red.
d) pH was 4.
Then again sandhibandhana was done and kept for fermentation.
On the 16th day kanjika was filtered through cora cloth. The obtained kanjika
was stored in porcelain jars.
Observation: Peculiar odor of kanjika was perceived.
pH test:
pH test was done after the completion of fermentation.
It was 5.08
Table processing data of duration and yield during the process of preparation of
kanjika.
Date of Date of Duration Quantity Quantity Water Quantity
initiation completion of rice of radish of yield
13.8.09 27.8.09 15 days 8kg 2kg 40ltr 34ltr

1. Authentication, Procurement and Validation of the Type of
Abhraka ( R.R.S 2/11)
According to text the Grahya, acceptable variety of Abhraka should bear
following properties,
The acceptable variety of Abhraka is krsna vajrabhraka with following properties,
Snigdha – smooth and glazed surface on appearance
Prthudalam – made up of compactly arranged layers.
Varnasamyuktam – bears desired colour
Bharatoadhikam – heavy weight
Sukhanirmochya patram – Its layer can be easily separated by hands
Ideally Krsnavajrabhraka having these 5 properties should be accepted.
Procurement:
Biotite variety of Mica resembles almost all the criteria’s told for Krsna
Vajrabhraka.Sample procured from Sree Kalyana Rama Mines,Gudur,Andhra
Pradesh.
2. Validation of Krsnavajrabhraka
Though Krsnavajrabhraka was identified according to its physical
properties to validate its Vajrabhraka type it was subjected to heating to observe
its reaction on fire.
Materials Required:
Gas stove
Metal tongs
Sample of raw Abhraka

Procedure:
Pieces of Abhraka were subjected to fire and heated to red hot.
Observation:
No separation of layers or sound was heard, so it was confirmed that provided
sample was of Vajrabhraka type.
3. ABHRAKA SODHANA (R.T 10/20)
Drugs : Raw Abhraka, Freshly drawn cow’s milk
Procurement of milk:
Freshly drawn milk was collected from farm and then the process is carried
out with this completely untreated fresh cow’s milk.
Equipments Required: iron pan, long ladle, steel vessel (10ltr capacity), gas stove,
weighing balance, pyrometer, measuring jar, pH meter.
Procedure:
5 kg of Abhraka was weighed and washed in plain water. This was taken in
iron pan and heated on gas stove till it become red hot.
In a steel vessel, required amount of milk was taken with the help of
measuring cylinder.
The pH of milk was calculated before and after nirvapa.
The chips of Abhraka were turned upside down with the help of ladle to
ensure uniform exposure to heat.
When the Abhraka patras become completely red hot in colour, they were
immersed quickly into the milk.
After few minutes, the milk was separated by filtering through iron sieve and
soft pieces of Abhraka were collected in an iron pan to subject it for next
nirvapa.

Remaining quantity of milk was measured by measuring cylinder.
pH of milk after nirvapa was also noted.
Temperature of burner and Abhraka were noted by using pyrometer.
Table showing the changes observed while doing Nirvapa:
No. of Observations while Time Observations Changes

nirvapa heating taken to after quenching observed in the
become liquid
red hot
I Initially it become Hardness reduced. Milk got boiled
silvery Silvery-grey and thick layer
white in colour .After 3hr colour. Milk cream of cream floated
1 hr it 45min gets adhered on the surface. A
changed to brownish between the layers pleasant odor of
and of Abhraka patra. milk was
some part showed perceived.
pale brick-red colour.
Bottom of the vessel
became red hot.
Edges of Abhraka
patra showed red
colour.
II Milk got evaporated Abhraka became Milk turned to
with a peculiar odor. more brittle and light coffee
Abhraka become soft. Milk got brown colour
blacker in colour. boiled with a with cream
Milk cream that was bubbling sound. floating on it.
trapped between the Small flakes of
layers caught fire. 7 hrs Abhraka flew up
After 2 hours, 40% of while quenching.
flakes shown pale To prevent the
coppery colour. Small loss, the vessel

flakes of Abhraka was immediately

flew in the air while covered with a lid
mixing it up. soon after
dipping.
III Peculiar smell of 10 hr 40 Abhraka become Milk turned
burned milk was min much softer and into light brown
perceived. Abhraka 60% of it colour.
patra become more converted to
brittle than before. flakes.
IV Similar as 3rd 9hr Softness of Same as 3rd
Nirvapa. 15min Abhraka nirvapa
V Similar as 3rd 9hrs Very soft Milk turned to

Nirvapa light grey
colour.
VI Similar as 3rd Nirvapa 10hrs Very soft Milk turned to
light grey colour
VII Similar as 3rd 10hrs Very soft Milk turned to
Nirvapa light grey
colour
Precaution:
Proper care should be taken while immersing red hot Abhraka in milk.
In the initial stage, during drying, dense fumes were produced causing
suffocation and irritation to eyes.So, proper care should be taken by using
goggles and mask.
Continuous stirring was necessary as Abhraka stuck got to pan; its removal
caused rapid dessication of Abhraka.
Sometimes at red hot stage ,Abhraka catches flame due to burning of residual
milk fat.

Table showing the changes observed in quantity of liquid used, pH of the liquid
and Temperature of liquid.
No. of Quantity of liquid pH of the liquid Temperature of
nirvapa liquid
Before After Before After Before After
heating heating heating heating heating heating
I 4ltr 2.5ltr 4.94 4.89 25° C 72°C
II 7ltr 2.840ltr 4.93 4.87 25° C 65° C
III 6ltr 1.650ltr 4.89 4.82 25.1° C 66° C
IV 7ltr 1ltr 4.88 4.84 26° C 68° C
V 7ltr 2.25ltr 4.87 4.45 26.9° C 47° C
VI 7ltr 2ltr 4.87 4.85 26.8° C 48° C
VII 7ltr 1.5ltr 4.80 4.79 26.9° C 58° C
After Shodhana, the obtained quantity was washed in water to remove the milk
adhered to it was removed. Then again it was heated in iron pan till the moisture was
lost.
So, the validation of the process of Shodhana,
¾ Weight of Abhraka taken for shodhana – 5kg
¾ Weight of Abhraka after shodhana – 6kg 140 g
¾ No. of Nirvapa – 7
¾ Shodhanartha Drava – Cow’s milk
¾ Stage of Nirvapa – Red hot stage
¾ Average temperature at the red hot stage of Abhraka - 710°C

¾ Average temperature attained by burner – 750°C
¾ Average temperature attained by vessel - 719°C
¾ Date of initiation – 16.12.09
¾ Date of completion – 26.12.09
¾ Duration for 7 nirvapa – 10 days
4. DHANYABHRAKA NIRMANA (R.T.10/26-28)
Requirements: Dhanyabhraka: 5kg
Paddy: 1 kg 600 gm
Kanjika: 16ltr
Equipments: Woolen cloth thread, vessel (20ltr capacity)
Procedure:
Shodita Abhraka was properly mixed with paddy. This was kept in a woolen
cloth and tied into a pottali.
Then the pottali was kept in a vessel and kanjika was poured till it gets
immersed in it.
This pottali was kept immersed in kanjika for a day.
The next day the pottali was shifted to a big steel vessel containing water and
macerated well with hands.
The water becomes deep black in colour. Then the pottali was shifted to new
vessel containing water to facilitate maximum extraction.
This was continued till complete extraction of Dhanyabhraka occurred. This
was confirmed by chafing the bag between hands and getting some hard
particles inside, which were nothing but stones and tough particles of
Abhraka. In total 5-6 vessels were used for complete extraction of
Dhanyabhraka.

All the vessels were kept overnight. The next day morning, upper clear portion
of water was decanted till a streak of sediment Dhanyabhraka appeared in it.
Residue in all the vessels was collected in a steel vessel and kept for
evaporation.
The mixture was stirred constantly to achieve drying rapidly. Constant stirring
should be done to to give equal exposure and avoid sticking.
During evaporation, typical foul smell was produced. At last a lustrous black
colored coarse powder of Dhanyabhraka.
Precaution
Addition of kanjika is necessary to avoid revealing of pottali.
During mardana, hands must be protected using gloves as constant exposure of
hands in kanji may lead to irritation causing itching.
Fine particles of Dhanyabhraka also remain entangled in woolen cloth. So
completion of mardana should be followed by removal of residue, achieved by
soaking the woollen cloth in water and collecting its sediments. This reduces
the quantitative loss of Dhanyabhraka.
For evaporation, steel vessels with wide mouth should be preferred to avoid
loss by sticking and to enhance the rate of parching.
Observation:
Foul smell of kanji was perceived.
Kanjika turned to black color after maceration.
Then kanjika was kept for sedimentation.
Then it was decanted to collect the sediment.
The collected sediment was evaporated to remove the moisture content.
Soft small particles of Abhraka were collected after evaporation.

Summary:
¾ Quantity of Dhanyabhraka obtained – 5kg
¾ Date of initiation -
¾ Duration of the process – 7 days
¾ Duration of soaking – 1 day.
¾ Date of completion – 3.1.10
5. MARANA (R.T 10/39-42, AFI Part I, 18/1)
Equipments: Measuring cylinder, spatula, grinder, steel vessel, long spoon, plastic
sheet, steel tray, upala, arka patra samputa. Weighing balance.
Ingredients: Arkamoola, water, arkapatra.Dhanyabhraka
Arka kashaya preparation:
Procedure:
Arkamoola – 5kg
Water – 40 ltr.
Steel vessel (50ltr) was taken with 40 ltr water and crushed pieces of arkamoola were
added to it and boiled and reduced to 1/8th.The kashaya was filtered through a Cora
cloth.
Amount of kashaya obtained – 5ltr
Bhavana
Dhanyabhraka was put into grinder and arkamoola kashaya was added in little
quantity so as to wet the dhanyabhraka.
It was levigated till it attained proper consistency enough to make chakrika or
pellets.

Chakrika Nirmana/Pelletisation:
Plastic Mould with diameter of 2cm was made.
A steel tray was covered with plastic sheet and the mould was placed on it.
A small amount of paste was introduced into the mould and the surface of it
was pressed with spoon so as to make the upper surface smooth.
Then the mould was carefully removed so that the shape remains intact.
This was kept for drying under shade.
The dried pellets can be separated easily as it does not stick to plastic sheet.
After complete drying the pellets were weighed. Average weight of single
pellet was found to be 2 gm.
After drying the pellets become very brittle. So it should be removed from the
plastic sheet carefully.
Confirmation test of drying:
When pellet get separated easily just by a thrust of the nail/fingertip, without
leaving any residual part adhered to plastic sheet, it was supposed to be dry.
Completely dried pellet shows a smooth, flat lower surface.
They were brittle and could be easily broken by hands.
Suggestion:
A plastic sheet must be replaced after every 5/6 dryings.
Plastic sheet – thick plastic sheet should be used to prevent tearing.
After every use, the plastic sheet should be cleaned thoroughly and dried.
In case of plastic sheet alternate surface can be used on alternate days as it
increases life span.

Putana:
Equipments: Mud sharava’s (mud plates with same dimension), Kora cloth, Gopi
chandan (for plastering), upala (cow dung cakes), match box, fresh leaves of Arka.
(Calotropis gigantia)
Two mud sharava with same dimension were selected.
Sharavas were kept in water for some time.
Fresh leaves of Arka were cleaned in water and wiped.
In one sharava, a layer of fresh leaves of Arka were arranged.
The pellets were arranged in a layer. Totally two layers of pellets were
arranged in it. Around 65 pellets got accomodated in the sharava. The pellets
were in shining black colour. These pellets were weighed and it was 700gm.
The pellets were covered by another layer of Arka patra and closed with the
other sharava.
The joint of two sharava’s were plastered by cora cloth smeared with
gopichandan.
This sharava samputa was kept under sunlight for drying.
The gajaputa pit was cleaned and initially fire was given with a few cow dung
cakes so as to dry the pit and to prevent the loss of heat through the walls of
pit. Then the pit was cleaned again.
The cow dung cakes were arranged up to half of the pit and the sharava
samputa was kept on it. Then the remaining portion was filled with cow dung
cakes. The pit accommodated 310 cow dung cakes with a diameter of 15cm
and weighing 98-100gm.The total weight of cow dung cakes were 33kg.
A little fuel was poured on one cow dung cake and fire was lit so as to
facilitate proper burning.

It took around 7 hours for proper burning.
After 24 hours it got cooled by itself.
After the sharava samputa get completely cooled, it was taken out.
The ash was removed from the top of sharava. The upper sharava was
removed carefully so that mud should not fall inside the sharava.
Changes Observed after Puta:
After Ist puta the colour of pellets were changed to shining brownish-black
colour.
Arka leaves were rendered to ashes.
The pellets become more brittle in nature. After powdering it was shiny black
in colour.
The colour of the pellets changed to shiny brown colour in II puta. After III
puta, the shining diminished comparatively, colour was more towards brick-
red colour. The colour changed to brick-red after IV th puta.The brick-red
colour darkened after each puta.
Table showing details of observations I – VIIth puta:
No. of puta Liquid used Change in colour Duration per Presence of

for trituration puta chandrika
Before puta After puta
I Arkamoola Shiny black Slight shining 4Days ++++++

kashaya bronze shade
II Arkamoola Shiny black Shining brown 4 Days +++++

kashaya
III Arkamoola Shiny brown Shiny brown 4 Days +++++

kashaya

IV Arkamoola Shiny brown Shiny brown 4 Days +++++

kashaya
V Arkamoola Shiny brown Shiny brown 4 Days +++++

kashaya
VI Arkamoola Brown Brick-red 4 Days ++++

kashaya
VII Arkamoola Brick-red Brick-red 4 Days +++

kashaya
Summary:
Quantity of Dhanyabhraka taken for Marana -700gm
Quantity of the product obtained after VIIthputa – 645gm
Weight loss after 7th puta – 55gm
Total number of days taken for 7 puta – 28 days
Date of initiation – 5.1.10
Date of completion of 7 puta – 2.2.10
V III – X puta:
From VIIIth puta onwards bhavana was done with Vatajata kvatha.
Preparation of Vatajata kvatha:
Quantity of Vatajata taken was same as that of the weight of abhraka bhasma
obtained after VIIth puta. i.e., 645gm

Equipments: Steel vessels, ladle, weighing balance, gas stove, Strainer, measuring jar.
Ingredients:
Vatajata – 1 part
Water – 8 parts
Procedure:
Vatajata was taken, washed properly and crushed into small pieces, 8 parts of
water was added. It was boiled to prepare ashtamamshavashesha(1/8th reduced)
kwatha, and then filtered. Quantity of vatajata was taken equal to the material
procured from previous puta( 7th puta) which was 645gm.
Vatajata kwatha and material procured after 7th puta were put together in
grinder and triturated well to prepare pellets.
Table showing details of observations from VIII – Xth puta:
No. of Liquid for Change in colour Duration Presence of

puta trituration Chandrika
VIII Vatajata Brick-red Brick-red 4 Days +++

kvatha
IX Vatajata Brick-red Brick-red 4 Days +++

kvatha
X Vatajata Brick-red Brick-red 4 Days +++

kvatha
The presence of lustre or chandrika can be seen only when it was held against
sunlight.

Summary:
Quantity of material taken for VIIIth puta – 645gm
Quantity of material obtained after Xth puta - 635gm
Weight loss – 10gm
Duration for 3 puta – 12 days.
Date of completion – 17.2.10
XI – XVIIth PUTA:
Preparation of Kadalikanda Swarasa
Whole Kadali kanda was collected from a village near Manipal. For each
trituration a piece was cut from it, washed and wiped. Juice was extracted from the
pieces by the juicer, filtered with the help of clean cloth and measured. The quantity
required for proper trituration was used.
Kadalikanda swarasa and the obtained product were put together in grinder
and triturated well till it attained a certain consistency to prepare pellets.
Table showing details of observations from XI – XVII Puta:

puta trituration Chandrika.
Before After
puta puta
XI Kadalikanda Brick-red Brown 4 Days +++

swarasa
XII Kadalikanda Brown Brown 4 Days +++

swarasa

XIII Kadalikanda Brown Brown 4 Days +++

swarasa
Kadalikanda Brown Brown 4 Days +++

XIV swarasa
XV Kadalikanda Brown Brown 4 Days ++

swarasa
Kadalikanda Brown Brown 4 Days ++

XVI swarasa
Kadalikanda Brown Brown 4 Days ++

XVII swarasa
Summary:
Quantity of Abhraka bhasma taken for XIth puta – 635gm
Quantity of Abhraka Bhasma obtained – 615gm
Duration for 7 puta – 28 days.
Date of completion of 17th puta – 16.3.10
XVIII –XX Puta:
Fresh Vatajata kwatha was prepared according to the procedure elaborated for
VIIIth to X th puta.The quantity of vatajata for kwatha was equal to the quantity
of bhasma obtained after XVIIth puta.ie, 615gm.
Rest of the procedure was conducted according to initial procedure for Marana
of VIIIth to Xth puta.

Table showing Details of observations of XVIIIth- XXth Puta:
No. of Liquid for Change in Colour Duration Presence of

Puta trituration Chandrika
Before After Puta
Puta
XVIII Vatajata Brown Brownish 4 Days +

kwatha red
XIX Vatajata Brownish Brick-red 4 Days +

kwatha red
XX Vatajata Brick-red Brick-red 4 Days +

kwatha
Summary:
¾ Quantity of Abhraka Bhasma obtained after 20th Puta – 595gm.
¾ Duration for 3 puta – 12 days
¾ Date of completion -2.4.10
Presence of Chandrika was verified with the help of Optical lens under
Sunlight.
The Bhasma obtained doesnot possess nischandrata which was the chief
desired character mentioned for Abhraka Bhasma. All the other parameters of
Bhasma like Rekhapurnata, Slakshnata, Varna, Varitara and Unama were
tested and confirmed. But the bhasma was not devoid of lustre.
So as to obtain the lusterless Abhraka Bhasma, another reference from Rasa
Ratna Samucchaya 2/44-45 was taken.
According to this reference,

Dhanyabhraka – 1 part
Guda - 1/8th part
Eranda patra rasa – Q.S
Vata patra for Samputa
Dhanyabhraka was mixed with guda. Small quantity of Eranda patra rasa was
added to it and triturated well. Then pellets were made and dried. By giving
three gaja puta in vata patra samputa lusterless bhasma was obtained.
XXI –XXIIIth Puta:
Abhraka Bhasma obtained was weighed ie,595gm. 75gm of jaggery was taken
and mixed well with Bhasma. The whole mixture turned to brownish black
colored slurry.
Fresh leaves of Eranda were collected and washed. Juice was extracted with
the help of juicer. This was filtered through a kora cloth and measured.
The mixture of Bhasma and jaggery was put in grinder and levigated for 6
hours.
On grinding the mixture turned to greenish-grey colour.
Pellets were prepared and kept for drying.
On an earthen sharava a layer of fresh Vata patra was kept and pellets were
arranged upon it and covered with another layer of leaves.
Mud – plastering was done three times and kept for drying. After proper
drying Gaja puta was given.

Table showing details of observations of XXI – XXIII Puta:

Put triruration lustre
Before After
puta puta
XXI Eranda patra Brick-red Greenish- 4 Days +

rasa grey
XXII Eranda patra Dark Grey 4 Days +

rasa green
XXIII Eranda patra Dark Brown 4 Days _

rasa green
After XXIIIrd puta lusterless bhasma was obtained, but Abhraka bhasma lost
its desired colour.ie, brick-red.
So as to regain the specified colour, it was given bhavana with vatajata kwatha
and subjected to gaja puta.
After 2 gaja puta’s, the bhasma regained its original desired colour.
¾ Quantity of Abhraka Bhasma obtained after 28th puta – 495gm.
¾ 100 gm was kept aside for analysis.
¾ Duration for 3 puta – 12 days
¾ Date of completion of 23rd puta – 17.4.10
6. AMRITIKARANA
Drugs Required: Triphala kwatha, Ghee, Abhraka Bhasma.
Equipments: Iron pan, Iron ladle, gas stove, steel vessels, cora cloth, measuring jar

Procedure:
Preparation of Triphala kwatha:
Triphala – 395gm
Water – 3160 ml
Triphala was made into coarse powder and added to 4 ltrs of water taken in a
steel vessel. This was heated on mild fire to reduce it to 1/8th.
Triphala kashaya was taken in an iron pan.316gm of ghee was added to it
along with Abhraka bhasma and stirred well to ensure uniform mixing. This
was kept on gas stove with medium flame till the moisture content was lost.
Then it was covered with a mud sharava and then kept on high flame for some
time. Then it was kept for self cooling.
After cooling the powder was taken and powdered. It was jet black in colour.
Observation:
The whole mixture turned to brown colour.
Pleasant odor of ghee was perceived.
When the fumes stopped, the whole mixture turned to black colour.
The bhasma turned to black colour. To regain the original colour Lohitikarana was
done.
Summary:
Quantity of Abhraka Bhasma obtained after the process of Amritikarana –
390gm
100 gm was kept aside for analysis.
Duration taken for Amritikarana – 1 day

. 7. LOHITIKARANA (R.T 10/65-67)
Equipments: Weighing balance, measuring jar, gas stove, steel vessels, ladle, cora
cloth
Drugs required: Manjista
Preparation of kashaya:
Manjista – 295gm
Water – 2360 ml
Procedure:
295 gm of Manjista was taken, washed properly and crushed into small pieces,
8 parts of water was added. It was boiled and reduced to 1/8th part, and filtered.
Manjista kwatha and the bhasma obtained after the process of Amritikarana
were put together in grinder and triturated well so as to make pellets.
Rest of the procedure was conducted according to the procedure for Ist puta.
Observation:
The pellets were in black colour before puta.
After Ist gajaputa, the pellets turned to brown colour.
The edge of pellets shown brick-red colour. On powdering it was in brown
colour.

Table showing the details of observation of Lohitikarana:
No. of puta Change in colour Duration
I Black Blackish brown 4 days
II Blackish Slight brick-red 4 days
brown colour
III Brown Brick-red colour 4 days
Summary:
Quantity of Abhraka Bhasma before Lohitikarana – 295gm
Quantity of Abhraka Bhasma obtained after Lohitikarana – 250gm
Quantity of Abhraka Bhasma collected for Analysis – 100gm
Duration of the process of Lohitikarana- 12 days
Date of intiation-20.4.10
Date of completion-2.5.10

Analytical Study

ANALYTICAL STUDY
INTRODUCTION
Where science is challenged with the questions ‘WHAT and ‘HOW’, the discipline of
analytical science dares to solve the mysteries. Though put to practice rather retrograde
for the faculty of Ayurveda, the initiation of utilizing these modes of evaluation, after a
particular stage of awareness regarding the existence of structures of the herbal, herbo-
mineral or animal drugs, somewhat tallies with modern counterpart.
The Availabilities For and Of Rasushadhies:
• Setting of standardization aspect of raw materials, processes and final product.
• Evaluation of the above facets of standardization for all the practically feasible
and utilized processes, existing in the classical texts.
• In vitro interventions of the formulated drugs in accordance with above aspects of
standardization.
Answering for any deviation from the control is the responsibility of
every serious worker of Rasashatra. Again, a check between things, specified in
the texts and practical evidences, is a round clock process and in case of any
harmony between the two, the means by which this harmony is achieved,
preserving and maintaining it is the second aspect of this responsibility.
Practicability:
1. Though standardization is rather difficult for Rasaushadis as compared to herbal
drugs due to its various contents and complex procedure,advanced tests like
XRD,SEM-EDAX,AAS etc.give us the better idea regarding the chemical
constitution of the finished product.

Analytical Study

2. With special reference to Bhasma kalpana,change in particle size justifies the
repeated calcinations of a drug by puta.
3. N.P.S.test is proved to be a boon to assess the sanctity
PLAN OF STUDY:
Aims and Objectives:
To conduct the physico-chemical analysis of three samples of Abhraka Bhasma
viz,
a) Sample availed immediately after Marana.
b) Sample availed after the process of Amritikarana.
c) Sample availed after the process of Amritikarana and Lohitikarana.
To conduct the N.P.S test of three samples of Abhraka Bhasma
To analysis the Abhraka Bhasma qualitatively as well as quantitatively by
qualitatively by X-Ray Diffraction, SEM-EDAX and AAS (Atomic Absorption
Spectroscopy).
METHODS:
The samples were subjected for analysis by employing two different kinds of
parameters.
I. Evaluation on classical parameters:
(i) Organoleptic characters
(ii) Nishchandrata test
(iii)Rekhapurnata test
(iv) Varitara test
(v) Unam test

Analytical Study

II.Evaluation on modern analytical parameters:
(i) Loss on drying
(ii) Ash value
(iii) Acid Insoluble Ash
(iv) Ethanol soluble Extractive
(v) Water soluble Extractive
(vi) Qualitative test for iron
(vii) pH value
(viii) Namburi Phased Spot test
(ix) X-ray Diffraction
(x) SEM-EDAX( Scanning electron microscope and Energy Dispersive X-ray
Spectroscopy)
(xi) AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy)
I. Evaluation on classical analytical parameters:
Ancient scholars of Rasashastra were so much wise that they have mentioned the
analytical parameters for quality bhasma.All these parameters are dealt with different
stand points to test the perfection of Bhasma. Although most of these tests are based on
organoleptic methods of examination but some tests indicate specific physical and
chemical characters.
A) Organoleptic characters:
a) Sound:The Bhasma should have imperceptible sound on grinding the Bhasma
between the teeth.

Analytical Study

b. Appearance:
¾ Bhasma colour: Noted as per naked eye observation and correlated with the
textual description
¾ Nischandrata – The Bhasma should be free of any metallic luster or shining when
observed through an optical lens under sunlight
¾ Varitaratva – The bhasma floats on water on sprinkling.
¾ Unama/Uttama – Some grains of rice were taken and kept carefully on the layer
of floated bhasma and was observed whether the grains float or not.
c. Touch – Soft/smooth
¾ Rekhapurnata – The bhasma occupies inter-ridge space of the skin of the finger
pads.
d. Taste – The bhasma should be tasteless.
e. Odour – The bhasma should be odourless.
II.Evaluation on modern parameters:
The classical analytical tests give an idea about the physical and chemical
characters of Bhasma. Interpretation of these classical tests in terms of knowledge of
modern physics and chemistry has explored that these may be considered as finest
standards for quality of Bhasma preparation.However certain modern parameters can be
applied to evaluate the physical and chemical characterization of bhasma preparation as
per knowledge of modern physics and chemistry,to know exact physical characters like
particle size etc.and particular chemical configuration of the bhasmas.

Analytical Study

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ANALYSIS:
1. Loss on Drying:
This test was conducted to find out the moisture content of the drug.
Procedure:
Initially the petridishes were cleaned with water and dried in oven at 105°C for 2
hrs. Then 1gm of the sample was taken in a pre-weighed dried petridish and it was dried
in an oven at 105°C till constant weight was achieved. Then the petridish was taken out
and weighed after self cooling and from the weight loss the percentage on loss on drying
was calculated and expressed as % w/w.
2. Ash value:
This test was carried out to evaluate the ash content of the sample drug.
Procedure:
For this the crucibles were initially cleansed with the water and then dried in oven
at 105°C for 2 hrs.
1 gm of accurately weighed sample was taken in a pre-weighed dried crucible and
was incinerated in a Bunsen burner up to 600°C.Then crucible was taken out and self
cooling was allowed. The crucible was weighed and from the weight of the ash obtained,
the percentage of ash was calculated.
3. Acid insoluble ash:
The acid insoluble ash content test was conducted to assess the percentage of
inorganic content of the sample which is insoluble in dilute acid.

Analytical Study

Procedure:
Ash was taken with 25ml dilute hydrochloric acid in a beaker of 100ml capacity and
boiled for few minutes and cooled. Then it was filtered through 41 number Whattman
filter paper and washed with distilled water repeatedly till it becomes chloride free. Then
the filter paper along with residue in a glass funnel was kept for drying in the oven.
Later that dried paper along with the residue was shifted to pre-weighed
crucible and kept in Bunsen burner and heated up to 600°C.After cooling it was weighed
and from the weight of the residue obtained, acid insoluble ash was calculated.
4. Ethanol soluble extractive:
Macerate 2 g of Abhraka Bhasma with 50ml of Alcohol of specified strength in
closed conical flask for 24 hours, shaking frequently during 6 hours and allowed to stand
for 18 hours. Again add 25 ml of alcohol repeat above till all contents completely
dissolve in the solvent. Filter it using glass funnel with whatman paper 1. 25ml of the
filtrate is evaporated on electric water bath at 105◦ C to obtain solid (dried) extractive.
These extractives are kept in the hot air oven at 105◦ C for 5 hours and measured the
weight and repeat it to obtain two consecutive values. Calculate the percentage of
Alcohol Soluble Extractive of Abhraka Bhasma.
5. Water Soluble Extractive:
Macerate 2 g of Abhraka Bhasma with 50ml of Distilled Water in closed conical
flask for 24 hours, shaking frequently during 6 hours and allowed to stand for 18 hours.
Again added 25 ml of distilled water, repeated above procedure till all contents
completely dissolve in the solvent. Filtered it using glass funnel with whatman paper
1.25ml of the filtrate is evaporated on electric water bath at 105◦ C to obtain solid

Analytical Study

extractive. This extractive is kept in the hot air oven at 105◦ C for 5 hours and measured
the weight and repeated it to obtain two consecutive values. Calculate the percentage of
Water Soluble Extractive of Abhraka Bhasma.
6. Qualitative test for Iron
Procedure: - Ferric iron
1gm of powdered drug was heated with 2ml of 1% HCL for 1 minute and cooled.
Add 2-4 drops of 0.5% potassium ferro-cyanide solution and gently shaken. Formation of
Prussian-blue color indicates ferric iron.
7. pH value
1 gm of Abhraka Bhasma was added in 10ml of distilled water and mixed
thoroughly to get uniform suspension. This mixture was filtered using a filter paper. pH
of the extract was taken using Digital pH meter(Systronics).
8. N.P.S.Test (Namburi Phased Spot Test):

Introduction:
Namburi phased spot test was introduced in 1970 by Dr.Namburi Hanumantha
Rao.This technique is based on the principles of liquid chromatography, which helps for
the differential identification of each bhasma from other bhasmas having same element as
the main constituent.
The main aim behind commencing this innovative method is the identification of
Bhasmas and sinduras by their specific names as known in Ayurveda by virtue of their
quality difference and not by their chemical names alone.
This test provides a differential qualitative identification of each bhasma by a specific
coloured spot which is unique for only that bhasma.Thus; a prototype for each bhasma is

Analytical Study

established as a standard in the form of a specific coloured spot and will be useful for the
people who are doing research on Bhasmas.
N.P.S.T of Abhraka Bhasma:
Equipments and materials:
1) Reagents - 10% Potassium iodide (10%KL)
2.5% Potassium ferrocyanide (2.5% KCN)
2) Whattman paper No.1
3) Distilled water – For Reagents preparation
4) Capillary or Pipette – For putting the spot on paper.
5) Centrifuge and simple test tubes – For the preparation of drug solution
6) Glass rods and sheet – For drying paper and to create a platform during test
Preparation of Reagents:
1. 10% Potassium iodide:
10% Potassium iodide was dissolved in 100ml distilled water.
2. 2.5% Potassium Ferrocyanide:
2.5gms of opaque. light yellow colored flat crystals of KCN were
weighed, powdered and mixed with 100ml of distilled water, followed by stirring
till the formation of a slight turbid or translucent solution of 2.5% KCN.
Preparation of impregnated papers:
Whatman paper was held between two fingers vertically and dipped in respective
solution one at a time till they get soaked in it completely.

Analytical Study

Then those papers were collected carefully to avoid tearing and shifted to the
glass sheet for drying, avoiding the formation of air bubbles.
The drying was completed within 2 hours and then the papers were collected and
stored in a sealed plastic bag.
Procedure followed:
• Quantity of Bhasma – each sample 0.25 gms.

• Reagent – 0.5ml conc.HCl
• To be heated - each sample should be heated for a minute before adding reagent
to it.
• Time allowed to react – The bhasmas are allowed to react for 8 hrs shaking now
and then.
Modus Operandi:
0.25gms of sample was taken into a centrifuge test tube and heated for a minute.
After 30 minutes, drop by drop addition of 0.5ml of conc.HCl was done followed
by the application of a gentle heat for a minute.
The sample and reagent were allowed to react for 8 hrs with occasional shaking.
Later, the solution was allowed to settle for 5 hrs until a clear layer of supernatant
liquid was obtained.
Then few drops of clear fluid were collected by a pipette.
2 drops were put on the 10%KL and 2.5%KCN papers, from the distance of 1cm,
one after the other, exactly on the same position.
Spreading of the spots was carefully observed for changes occurred color chart of
the standard color was used for the comparison of different colors and pattern of
the spot at three different intervals. These spots were observed in natural light
with the help of the lens and for documentation photographs were taken.

Analytical Study

Phase I:
This phase extended from the moment the solution is dropped till the end of
5th minute. This phase is also called as “phase of immediate reaction”.
Phase II:
The second phase extends up to next 15 minutes after the end of 1st
Phase. It is called labeled as ‘Phase of delayed reaction’.
Phase III:
The last phase extends from the end of the 2nd phase to few hours or days
labeled as ‘stage of late reaction’.
Division of spot areas:
It can be divided into 3 main imaginary areas based on the difference of
colors.
(a) Central spot: The central area of the spot.
(b) Middle segment: The area between periphery and central spot.
(c) Peripheral segment: Includes the periphery of the spot and surrounding
area.
These 3 segments are studied carefully and recorded, thereafter comparing
with standard color charts.
Solid spot:
A solid spot is a term applied to the spot, in which there is no clear margin or
periphery of the central spot but only the complete solid spot is visible
without any margin.

Analytical Study

9. X-RAY DIFFRACTION:
X-Ray Diffraction:
This test was carried out for the crystalline phase identification of the compounds present in
the sample.
Principle :
When a beam of x-radiation is incident upon a substance, the electrons constituting the atoms
of the substances become as small oscillators. These oscillate at the same frequency as that of
incident x-radiation. These scattered waves come from electrons which are arranged in a
regular manner in a crystal lattice and then travel in certain directions. If these waves undergo
constructive interference they are said to be diffracted by the crystal plane. Every crystalline
substance scatters the x-rays in its own unique diffraction pattern producing a finger print of
its atomic and molecular structure.
The following methods are used in the X-ray Diffraction Technique.
1) Laue photographic method
(2) Bragg X-ray spectrometer method
(3) Rotating crystal method
(4) Powder method
We have adopted the Powder Method.
Powder diffraction is commonly used to identify unknown substances, by comparing
diffraction data against a database maintained by the International Centre for Diffraction
Data. It may also be used to characterize heterogeneous solid mixtures to determine
relative abundance of crystalline compounds and, when coupled with lattice refinement
techniques, such as Rietveld refinement, can provide structural information on unknown
materials.

Analytical Study

Powder diffraction is also a common method for determining strains in crystalline
materials. An effect of the finite crystallite sizes is seen as a broadening of the peaks in an
X-ray diffraction as is explained by the Scherrer Equation i.e.; r = Kλ/βcosθ
Characterization:
The X-Ray diffraction of the sample is matched against the standard reference
spectra library of software for phase identification. This certain method gives certain
emission peaks which are characteristics of elements contained in the target. The
wavelengths of peaks can be related to the atomic number of the elements producing
them, so they provide a means of identifying elements present in the target sample.
Furthermore, under controlled conditions, the intensity of the peaks can be used to
determine the amounts of the various elements present. This is the basis of “electron
probe micro analysis”, in which a small target area of the sample in pinpointed for
examination. This has important applications in metallurgical research and in determining
the metallic elements in biological materials (if present).
Crystalline phase identification of Abhraka Bhasma samples with X-ray diffraction
(XRD):-
To determine the different crystalline phases present in the samples XRD studies was
done. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were obtained using a Shimadzu XRD-6000
diffractometer with Cu - Kα as target with 40 KV voltages and 30 MA current. The X-ray
diffraction of the sample was matched against the standard reference spectra library of
software for phase identification.
Mean crystallite size of Loha Bhasma was calculated from XRD graph using the Debye–
Scherrer formula,

Analytical Study

Dhkl = (k X λ) / (βD X cos θB), where Dhkl mean effective size of crystal; k = 0.9
(constant); k, X-ray wavelength; βD, full width half maxima (FWHM) of peak, θB, Bragg
scattering angle. The mean crystallite size was calculated after averaging the crystal size
value from seven most intense reflection peaks of the XRD graph.
10. SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE (SEM):
The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a type of electron microscope that
images the sample surface by scanning it with a high-energy beam of electrons in a raster
scan pattern. An electron microscope is a type of microscope that uses a particle beam of
electrons to illuminate a specimen and create a highly-magnified image. Electron
microscopes have much greater resolving power than light microscopes that use
electromagnetic radiation and can obtain much higher magnifications of up to 2 million
times, while the best light microscopes are limited to magnifications of 2000 times.
Principle:
When the primary electron beam interacts with the sample, the electrons lose
energy by repeated random scattering and absorption within a teardrop-shaped volume of
the specimen known as the interaction volume, which extends from less than 100 nm to
around 5 µm into the surface. The size of the interaction volume depends on the
electron's landing energy, the atomic number of the specimen and the specimen's density.
The energy exchange between the electron beam and the sample results in the reflection
of high-energy electrons by elastic scattering, emission of secondary electrons by
inelastic scattering and the emission of electromagnetic radiation, each of which can be
detected by specialized detectors.

Analytical Study

The beam current absorbed by the specimen can also be detected and used to
create images of the distribution of specimen current. The raster scanning of the CRT
display is synchronised with that of the beam on the specimen in the microscope, and the
resulting image is therefore a distribution map of the intensity of the signal being emitted
from the scanned area of the specimen. The image may be captured by photography from
a high resolution cathode ray tube, but in modern machines is digitally captured and
displayed on a computer monitor and saved to a computer's hard disc. Magnification in a
SEM can be controlled over a range of up to 6 orders of magnitude from about 10 to
500,000 times.
SAMPLE PREPARATION:
• All samples must also be of an appropriate size to fit in the specimen chamber and
are generally mounted rigidly on a specimen holder called a specimen stub.
• Several models of SEM can examine any part of a 6-inch (15 cm) semiconductor
wafer, and some can tilt an object of that size to 45°.
Characteristic Information: SEM
Composition
• The elements and compounds that the object is composed of and the relative
amounts of them; direct relationship between composition and materials
properties
Crystallographic Information
• How the atoms are arranged in the object; direct relation between these
arrangements and material properties.

Analytical Study

Topography
• The surface features of an object or "how it looks",
• its texture;
• direct relation between these features and materials properties
Morphology
• The shape and size of the particles making up the object;
• Direct relation between these structures and materials properties.
EDAX/EDS
Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (abbreviated EDS, EDX, or EDAX) is an analysis
tool used to determine the elemental composition of a sampleEDAX works by analyzing
the spectrum of emitted X-rays from a sample as a beam of high energy electrons is
incident upon its surface.By comparing the emitted X-ray photon energies to expected
values from various elements one may determine which elements are present in a
particular sample, and in what ratios.
Its characterization capabilities are due in large part to the fundamental principle
that each element has a unique atomic structure allowing x-rays that are characteristic of
an element's atomic structure to be identified uniquely from each other.To stimulate the
emission of characteristic X-rays from a specimen, a high energy beam of charged
particles such as electrons or protons (as in PIXE), or a beam of X-rays, is focused into
the sample being studied.At rest, an atom within the sample contains ground state (or
unexcited) electrons in discrete energy levels or electron shells bound to the nucleus.The
incident beam may excite an electron in an inner shell, ejecting it from the shell while
creating an electron hole where the electron was.An electron from an outer, higher-

Analytical Study

energy shell then fills the hole, and the difference in energy between the higher-energy
shell and the lower energy shell may be released in the form of an X-ray.The number and
energy of the X-rays emitted from a specimen can be measured by an energy dispersive
spectrometer.As the energy of the X-rays is characteristic of the difference in energy
between the two shells, and of the atomic structure of the element from which they were
emitted, this allows the elemental composition of the specimen to be measured.
11. ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY (AAS)
Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) is a spectroanalytical procedure for the
qualitative and quantitative determination of chemical elements employing the absorption
of optical radiation (light) by free atoms in the gaseous state. In analytical chemistry the
technique is used for determining the concentration of a particular element (the analyte)
in a sample to be analyzed. AAS can be used to determine over 70 different elements in
solution or directly in solid samples
Principle:-
The technique makes use of absorption spectrometry to assess the concentration of an
analyte in a sample. It requires standards with known analyte content to establish the
relation between the measured absorbance and the analyte concentration and relies
therefore on Beer-Lambert Law. In short, the electrons of the atoms in the atomizer can
be promoted to higher orbital (excited state) for a short period of time (nanoseconds) by
absorbing a defined quantity of energy (radiation of a given wavelength). This amount of
energy, i.e., wavelength, is specific to a particular electron transition in a particular
element. In general, each wavelength corresponds to only one element, and the width of
an absorption line is only of the order of a few picometers (pm), which gives the

Analytical Study

technique its elemental selectivity. The radiation flux without a sample and with a sample
in the atomizer is measured using a detector, and the ratio between the two values (the
absorbance) is converted to analyte concentration or mass using Beer-Lambert Law.
RESULTS:
Three samples of Abhraka Bhasma i.e Sample obtained after the process of
Marana,Sample obtained after Amritikarana and Sample obtained after Lohitikarana were
analysed by employing various techniques like physical characters.chemical analysis,X-
ray diffraction,SEM-EDAX,AAS and namburi Phased Spot test. The data obtained by the
analysis has been presented and discussed in this section.
1.1 Table showing the details of organoleptic characters:
Physical characters AB - M AB -A AB - L
Sound Absent Absent Absent
Appearance Fine powder Fine powder Fine powder
Colour Light brick - red Jet black Dark brick - red
Nichandrata +ve +ve +ve
Varitara +ve +ve +ve
Unama +ve +ve +ve
Touch Soft Soft Soft
Rekhapurnata +ve +ve +ve
Taste Tasteless Tasteless Tasteless
Odor Odorless Burned odor Odorless

Analytical Study

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS:
All the three samples i.e Abhraka Bhasma after Marana,Abhraka Bhasma after
Amritikarana,Abhraka Bhasma after Lohitikarana were analysed for L.O.D,ash value and
acid insoluble ash content.It was analysed for the content of iron and silica qualitatively.
a)Loss on drying - results
II.1Table showing chemical data regarding Loss on Drying of the three samples of
Abhraka Bhasma
Name of the sample L.O.D
A.B - M 4.96%
A.B - A 8.96%
A.B - L 11.16%
(A,B –Abhraka Bhasma,M- marana,A – Amritikarana,L – Lohitikarana)
b)Ash value,Acid insoluble Ash,Extractive values -Results
II.2 Table showing comparative chemical data of Bhasma obtained after Marana,
Amritikarana, Lohitikarana
Sr.No Parameters A.B - M A.B - A A.B - L

1 Ash value%w/w 93.75% 82.4% 99.05%
2 Acid insoluble ash % 47.5% 45% 43.5%
w/w
3 Water Soluble Extractive 21.25% 7.5% 12.5%
4 Ethanol soluble 17.3% 10.05% 19.5%
extractive
5 pH value 8.24 7.25 7.40

Analytical Study

c) Qualitative Analysis:
II.3 Table showing the details of qualitative analysis:
Tests AB - M AB - A AB -L
Ferric iron Present Present Present
Silica Present Present Present
d) N.P.S.T -Results
II.4Table showing N.P.S.Test- Results on potassium iodide paper:
Sample Region Phases (min)

analysed Phase I (0-5min) Phase II (0-20) Phase III(0-
48hrs)
Central spot Dark brown Light yellow Light yellow
A.B-M Middle Light brown ring Light yellow Light yellow
segment colored ring with centre with
dark brown margin brown ring
Peripheral Light brown Dark brown Brown shade
segment halation margin with brown
halation
A.B - A Central spot Brown Brown Light brown
Middle Light brown White ring with Dark brown
segment color ring irregular margin shade
Peripheral Light brown Dense brown Dark brown
segment shade shade shade
A.B-L Central Dark Brown Yellow colored Light yellow
Spot ring colored ring
Middle Light yellow ring Light yellow ring White color

segment with irregular ring
brown margin
Peripheral Brown shade Light yellow ring Light brown
segment shade.

Analytical Study

d) X-ray Diffraction results:-
On an attempt of Phase identification of major component of Abhraka Bhasma
samples following were observed:-
Sample After Marana;
In the sample, A.B. – M, major phase is of the compound having maximum
absorption (Ref I 100) at an angle 26.7670 (at 38 counts and D space 3.33)
Sample After Lohitikarana:
In the sample, A.B. – L, major phase is of the compound having maximum
absorption (Ref I 100) at an angle 26.7820 (at 151 counts and D space 3.329).
Sample After Amritikarana:
In the sample, A.B. – A, major phase is of the compound having maximum
absorption (Ref I 100) at an angle 26.840 (at 40 counts and D space 3.322)
e)SEM- results:-
Scanning Electron Microscope Image of selected fields of Abhraka Bhasma samples
have shown the surface topography (images1, 2, and 3)
The particle size range was also observed which is depicted in the following table:-
II.5 Table showing the details of particle size range:
Sample Magnification Particle size in µ

Minimum Maximum
A.B.-M 750X 3.73 7.93
A.B. -A 750 X 3.22 7.47
A.B.- L 2000 X 1.9 6.08

Analytical Study

e) EDAX (Scanning electron microscope and Energy Dispersive X-ray
Spectroscopy) results:
II.6 Table showing the details of EDAX:
Metals AB - M AB - A AB - L
Magnesium 7.18 7.88 8.34
Aluminium 21.84 21.52 22.16
Silica 40.51 41.13 41.73
Calcium 1.396 0.87 0.81
Iron 29.06 28.596 56.935
Phosphorus Nil Nil 1.01
f) AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy) results:-
II.7 Table showing the details of AAS:

Metals Concentration in mg/kg
AB-M AB – A AB - L
Magnesium 13123 13850 16352
Aluminium 206500 230400 239500
Calcium 970 840 1410
Iron 35830 42280 42840

Toxicity Study

TOXICITY STUDY:
Toxicology, ‘traditionally known as the ‘science of poisons’ began with early
cave dwellers, who recognized poisonous plants and animals and used their extracts
for hunting or warfare. Simultaneously, with time, to determine the effectiveness of
particular compound and the concept of toxicology was developed.
Toxicology basically is defined as the study effects of chemical agents on
biological material with special emphasis on the harmful effects. After gaining
relevant information on the harmful effects of a compound the levels for its safe usage
or the degree of its safeness is established, this is also known as its (compound) bio-
safety level.
Types of Toxicity Study:
1) Acute Toxicity Study
2) Sub Acute Toxicity Study
3) Chronic Toxicity Study
4) Irritation Study
5) Allergic Sensitization
6) Reproductive Toxicity
7) Carcinogenicity
8) Mutagenicity
9) Biocompatability Study
10) Ecotoxicological Study
11) Supplementary Toxicity Studies
1. Acute Toxicity Study:
This study provides information regarding the possible health hazards which
are likely to occur, if human are exposed to a single dose of a substance. This way,


Toxicity Study

can help determine the level of usage of that substance. This study also serves as a
basis for classification and labeling & also intial information on the mode of toxic
actions of a substance.
The various routes of exposure for acute toxicity can be:
a) Oral
b) Dermal
c) Inhalation
d) Intravenous
e) Intraperitoneal
f) Other protocol specified route
2. Sub Acute Toxicity Study:
This study provides a detailed information on the toxic effects caused by
repeated exposure and also the delayed effect which may result due to the cumulative
effect of the chemicals on the tissues or other biological mechanisms.tis study also
helps in establishing the level of the safe usage of a compound.
The likely routes are:
a) Oral
b) Dermal
c) Inhalation
d) Intravenous
e) Intraperitoneal
f) Other protocol specified route
The period of exposure may vary from 14 – 90 days.


Toxicity Study

3. Chronic Toxicity Study:
Chronic toxicity is done to characterize the profile of a substance in a
mammalian species following prolonged and repeated exposure. The routes of
exposure are most likely the ones to which the humans are exposed to that particular
compound.
4. Irritation Study:
The surface effects of a chemical on the skin and the mucous membrane is
important because accidental contamination is always a possibility, hence to check
any such effects the following studies are performed.
a) Irritation to mucous membrane
b) Primary skin irritation
5. Allergic Sensitization:
Repeated exposure of a test substance can activate the immunological system
that can be activated by prior exposure and the response may be characterized by
various external factors like erythema & oedema. This study gives information
regarding the sensitization of the immune system towards a particular compound.
6) Reproductive Toxicity:
Many chemicals can affect the fertility and reproduction, often in an insidious
manner without any overt signs of toxicity .Fertility of males & females can be
affected or adverse effects on the developing embryo or fetus may result due to the
exposure of chemicals. Keeping in view the health of mankind as well as its progeny
the following studies are conducted:
A. Segmental studies
Segment I : Deals with the general reproductive performance of males & females.
Segment II: Teratogenicity


Toxicity Study

Segment III: Effect on lactating dams and pups
B. Two/Three generation Studies
7. Carcinogenicity:
Main objective of this study is to check any neoplastic lesions caused by any
compound when exposed for a prolonged period.
8. Mutagenicity:
Adverse effects caused by any chemical/compound on the genetic material of
the cells i.e .DNA, or by altering its structure or function can be checked out by:
a) In-Vitro method: Ame’s test
b) In-Vivo method: Rodent Dominant lethal study, Micronucleus study
9. Biocompatability Study:
To determine the toxic effects of the medical devices (if any) as well the
effects by leachables, the following studies are performed:
a) In-Vivo method: Systemic/Intracutaneous toxicity/Implantation
b) In-Vitro method: Cytotoxicity
10. Ecotoxicology Studies:
Effects caused by various chemicals on the beneficial organisms in the
environment can be checked by:
a) Bee Toxicity
b) Fish Toxicity
c) Toxicity to birds
d) Toxicity to Daphnia
11. Supplementary Toxicity Studies:
a) Neurotoxicity studies on Egg laying hens
b) Synergism & Potentiation Studies ( Combined effects of various chemicals)


Toxicity Study

Classification of Toxicology:
Toxicology discipline can be broadly classified into the following sub
divisions:
1) Descriptive Toxicology: Involves the performance of toxicity tests to obtain
information that can be used to evaluate the risk that exposure to a chemical poses to
human beings and to the environment.
2) Mechanistic Toxicology: This study is to determine how chemicals exert
deleterious effects on living organisms. These studies are important for facilitating the
search for safer drugs.
3) Regulatory Toxicology: This is to judge whether or not a drug or other chemical
has a low enough risk to justify making it available for its intended purpose.


Toxicity Study

TOXICITY STUDY - RESULT
Toxicity means the poisonous effect of a substance.According to Paracelsus
(1493-1541), “ All substances are poisons; there is none which is not a poison.The
right dose differentiates a poison and remedy. All the scholars of rasashastra have
mentioned about the ill effects of improperly prepared metal and mineral
preparations.Even Acharya Sushruta has mentioned the ways to judge the toxicity of
food and drugs before use and has also mentioned to use lower animals and birds like
dog, crow etc.for this purpose.
In this study Abhraka Bhasma after the process of Marana,Amritikarana and
Lohitikarana evaluated for their toxic effect in the body. As Amritikarana is an
intermediate process mentioned for removing the residual toxicity that may be present
in the Bhasma even after the process of marana. So as to evaluate the necessity and
the possible changes brought about by the process of Amritikarana in Abhraka
Bhasma toxicity study is being carried out.So an attempt is made in this direction to
assess the possible toxic effect caused by the sample obtained after the process of
Marana.
ACUTE TOXICITY STUDY:
It refers to immediate harmful effects generated by single sufficiently
large dose of test drugs.
Materials and Methods:
(i)Animals:
Wistar strain Albino rats of either sex weighing between 150g to 200g were
selected randomly for the experiments. They were obtained from the Animal House
attached to the pharmacology laboratory of ALN Rao Memorial Ayurvedic College,


Toxicity Study

Koppa. They were housed in breeding cages at an ambient temperature with a natural
day and night cycles. The animals had free access of Amrut brand rat pellet feed and
tap water.
(ii)Drugs and Chemicals:
Test Drugs: 3 Samples- Sample availed after Marana
Sample availed after Amritikarana
Sample availed after Lohitikarana
Control :- received tap water
Samples of Abhraka Bhasma after Marana,Amritikarana, Lohitikarana were
taken in requisite amount in separate small porcelain mortars and few drops of Tween
80 solution were added, it was further ground for a few minutes and the volume was
made up to 2ml with distilled water.
(iii) Route of Administration:
The drugs were administered in suspension form in Twin 80 and
distilled water orally with the help of no.3 rubber catheter attached to a disposable
syringe.
(iv) Dose:
The dose of Abhraka Bhasma is 2 ratti according to classics of Rasashastra.In
the present study, the human dose of all the samples has been decided to be 2 ratti,i.e
250mg per day. Considering the adult human dose of all the samples of Bhasmas to be
250mg, the dose for experimental study was calculated by extrapolating the human
dose to animal dose based on the body surface ratio.
The suitable dose of rat was calculated by referring the table of Paget and
Barnes.


Toxicity Study

Rat dose: Adult human dose × body surface area convertible factor
= 250× 0.018mg
= 4.5mg/200g body weight of rat
For converting mg/kg –this dose is multiplied by a suitable factor i.e 5 =22.5mg/kg.
For toxicity study the limit dose was fixed as 2000mg/kg.
Hence, that rat dose is 180 mg/kg body weight (eight times of therapeutic dosage)
(v) Plan of Study:
Total 16 rats including 8 males and 8 females were divided in 4 groups each having
2 males and 2 females.
Name of Gr. Received Dose
1.Group - 1 Sample after Marana 36mg/200gm body weight
2.Group - 2 Sample after 36mg/200gm body weight
Amritikarana
3.Group - 3 Sample after 36mg/200gm body weight
Lohitikarana
4.Group - 4 Tap water Ad libitum
Drug administration and animal allocation were well randomized to prevent
experimental bias.
Observation:
Gross behavior and exitus were observed for 7 days in all the groups. No gross
behavioural abnormality observed in all the three groups except for the instances of
scratching in Group I. No exitus was observed.


Toxicity Study

Individual Animals Clinical Observation:
Animal: As there were no differences in clinical observation in any animals a common

representative table is shown
Time after TS administration (min)
Clinical Sign 30-40 120-135 240-255 360-375 720-735 1440-1445
Abnormal gait(rolling) X X X X X X
Abnormal gait(tip toe) X X X X X X
Aggressiveness X X X X X X
Akinesia X X X X X X
Analgesia X X X X X X
Catelepsy X X X X X X
Convulsions X X X X X X
Defecation X X X X X X
Excitation X X X X X X
Exopthalmos X X X X X X
Fear X X X X X X
Fore paw treading X X X X X X
Head Twitches X X X X X X
Jumps X X X X X X
Lacrimation X X X X X X
Lethality X X X X X X
Loss of corneal reflex X X X X X X
Loss of grasping X X X X X X
Loss of Traction X X X X X X
Loss of balance X X X X X X
Motor co-ordination X X X X X X
Muscle Tone X X X X X X
Piloerection X X X X X X
Ptosis X X X X X X
Reactivity to touch X X X X X X
Respiration X X X X X X


Toxicity Study

Salivation X X X X X X
Scratching X X X X X X
Sedation X X X X X X
Straub X X X X X X
Tremor X X X X X X
Writhes X X X X X X
Stereotypes(chewing) X X X X X X
Stereotypes(head X X X X X X
movements)
Stereotypes(sniffing) X X X X X X
DAY
Clinical Sign
2 3 4 5 6 7
AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM
Abnormal X X X X X X X X X X X X
gait(rolling)
Abnormal gait(tip X X X X X X X X X X X X
toe)
Aggressiveness X X X X X X X X X X X X
Akinesia X X X X X X X X X X X X
Analgesia X X X X X X X X X X X X
Catelepsy X X X X X X X X X X X X
Convulsions X X X X X X X X X X X X
Defecation X X X X X X X X X X X X
Excitation X X X X X X X X X X X X
Exopthalmos X X X X X X X X X X X X
Fear X X X X X X X X X X X X
Fore paw treading X X X X X X X X X X X X
Head Twitches X X X X X X X X X X X X
Jumps X X X X X X X X X X X X
Lacrimation X X X X X X X X X X X X


Toxicity Study

Lethality X X X X X X X X X X X X
Loss of corneal X X X X X X X X X X X X
reflex
Loss of grasping X X X X X X X X X X X X
Loss of Traction X X X X X X X X X X X X
Loss of balance X X X X X X X X X X X X
Motor co-ordination X X X X X X X X X X X X
Muscle Tone X X X X X X X X X X X X
Piloerection X X X X X X X X X X X X
Ptosis X X X X X X X X X X X X
Reactivity to touch X X X X X X X X X X X X
Respiration X X X X X X X X X X X X
Salivation X X X X X X X X X X X X
Scratching X X X X X X X X X X X X
Sedation X X X X X X X X X X X X
Straub X X X X X X X X X X X X
Tremor X X X X X X X X X X X X
Writhes X X X X X X X X X X X X
Stereotypes(chewing) X X X X X X X X X X X X
Stereotypes(head X X X X X X X X X X X X
movements)
Stereotypes(sniffing) X X X X X X X X X X X X
√: Present ; X :Absent; +: Not observed
Result:
In the acute toxicity study, the animals in all three test drugs group did not
manifest any signs of toxicity and no exitus (death) was observed up to 8 times more
than therapeutic dose.


Toxicity Study



Discussion

DISCUSSION
Abhraka Bhasma is a widely used formulation in Ayurvedic practice. It is used
either alone or as an ingredient of several herbo-mineral formulations. Considering the
wide applicability and therapeutic benefits, studies are being planned on various aspects
of Abhraka Bhasma.As a necessary step to eliminate any possible residual toxic effect
and make Abhraka Bhasma therapeutically safe and effective. This is a step indicated
after a prolonged process on Abhraka.After Amritikarana,an additional step of
Lohitikarana is indicated with main intention of regaining he lost colour during
Amritikarana.
A scientific curiosity always exists regarding the necessity of Amritikarana as it is
specially mentioned in selected types of Bhasma like Abhraka and
Tamra.Pharmaceutical, Chemical and biological aspects of Amritikarana are found to be
essentially investigated. Considering these points in mind the said study “A Comparative
Pharmaceutico-Analytical Study of Abhraka Bhasma Samples Prepared with and without
Amritikarana” was planned. Major objective of the study included comparing the samples
of Abhraka Bhasma prepared with and without Amritikarana, by giving due importance
to their analytical and biological (safety aspects) studies.
CONCEPTUAL STUDY
This section involved the compilation of maximum available literary materials
related to Abhraka from the texts of Rasashastra and modern parallel literatures. The
materials collected were systematically arranged. The review of historical aspect had
indicated Abhraka is one of the oldest minerals mentioned in the texts. References could
be observed in the texts of B.C. period like Kautilya Arthashastra(400-300 B.C),early


Discussion

A.D period like Nyaya Darsana (2nd century A.D).However elaborated aspects of
Abhraka with Rasashastra point of view had its place in Rasendra Mangala &
Kakshaputa Tantra during early Rasashastra period(7-8th century A.D).
An exhaustive description in relation with synonyms, classifications, Shodhana,
Marana, properties, formulations etc. can be observed in the texts of Rasashastra written
in later period.Abhraka,correlated with the raja of Parvati,has given much importance in
Rasashastra ,next to Parada.In the classification it has found its place in different groups
like Rasa,Rasa varga,Uparasa varga,Upadhatu varga,Loha varga,Sakti varga etc
depending upon various texts of Rasashastra. When synonyms of Abhraka are observed
they indicate the different aspects of drug.
For eg.synonym like Gouriteja, indicates its origin,Bahupatra and Ambara indicates
structure,Rasamoola indicating utility in Rasa Samskara and Ajara indicating therapeutic
benefits. Accordingly synonyms with etymology are mentioned in conceptual part.
In Ayuveda elaborated explanation is available regarding the collection for herbal
raw materials including the parameters like the place of growth ,part to be collected,
method of collection etc.Such references are minimum in the context of Rasa dravya
except for the grahya lakshana described for Abhraka,Vaikranta etc.A special reference is
available in the context of Abhraka especially in the texts like Rasaratna
Samucchaya,Rasa jala nidhi etc.A minimum depth from where the Abhraka has to be
collected ranges between 2 & 13 feet. Ideally a minimum of 12 feet should be the depth
from where Abhraka is to be collected and this aspect was proved scientifically, it seems
that if Abhraka is collected from superficial layer it may be without any crux and may not
be useful. When the formation of earth is considered it is clear that as we go towards the

Discussion

center of the earth the percentage of iron in any ore will be increased. In the context of
Abhraka, Krishna Vajrabhraka is ideal mainly due to its high iron content. Such a type of
Abhraka may be expected either in mantle or core layer of earth. Hence the minimum
depth might have been described.
When classification of Abhraka in various texts are compiled and observed major
classification are on two parameters.
1) On the basis of colour
2) On the basis of effect of heat
Popular classification is of Rasa ratna samucchaya where 16 types are
mentioned on the basis of above parameters.Here each type of Abhraka namely Sveta,
Peetha, rakta, Krishna are of Pinaka, naga, manduka and vajra varieties. For therapeutic
purpose Krishna vajrabhraka is considered as the best sample. Ideal characters of
Abhraka lakshana in Rasaratna samucchaya & Rasa Tarangini indicate very important
mineralogical characters to consider best sample of Abhraka.These features are expressed
across the parameters like
a) Colour – eg.Neelanjana Sannibham,Varna samyukta
b) Lustre _ eg Mahojjwalam
c) Structure – eg.Snigdha
d) Specific Gravity – eg.Guru
e) Cleavage – Prthudalam
f) Effect of fire – eg Naivachhinam,Vahnau na sabdam,Vahnau kshiptam na
vikritim
g) Utpatti – eg Uttara shailotha

Discussion

Among these parameters effect of fire can be considered as most important. When
this parameters are compared with mineralogical data of Mica samples following
observations can be made.
a) Color
This plays an important role in the classification and selection of Abhraka.In the
case of Mica specifically black colored Mica i.e., biotite can be compared as Krishna
Vajrabhraka.
b) In the reference of lustre like Mahojjwalam is considered, in the context of Mica it is
a pearly type of lustre mostly due to the exfoliation of layers and silics content.
c) The terms like bahupatram & prthudalam can be compared with the layers that are
densely arranged in Mica with a compact arrangement of ions yielding its lattice
form & showing cleavage.
d) The terms like guru & bharatoadhikam refer to the high density of Mica depends
upon the contents like silica, Aluminium oxide & Ferric oxide.
Details of Mica Classification are also given contextually.Trioctahedral Mica, brittle
Mica etc are mentioned contextually.Biotite is given more stress as black biotite is
correlated with vajrabhraka.It has the monoclinic crystal system with a groove C/M.It has
got slightly high specific gravity i.e, 2.8 – 3.4 than other types. A short description of
silicates is also given contextually.
This was followed by the description of SHODHANA of Abhraka, general
objectives of Shodhana like elimination of harmful matter, modification of undesirable
physical properties, enhancement of therapeutic action etc are mentioned. Concept of
samanya and vishesha shodhana was also highlighted. Among different methods of

Discussion

Abhraka Shodhana the popularly followed method Nirvapa is selectively elaborated. It
looks that main intention of Abhraka shodhana is to remove water and fat soluble
impurities followed by the destruction of stratified structure of Abhraka by converting it
into a granular form to facilitate Marana. It seems that procedure of nirvapa is helpful in
this regard.
All the 3 stages of nirvapa like phase of heating, phase of quenching and post
quenching interaction with liquid medium play their own role in bringing out requisite
changes. In case of Abhraka during the phase of heating, as the temperature increases the
particles gain energy and vibrate strongly occupying more spaces. This results in
expansion of solid. In the mean time water molecules get evaporated and come out
through the layers along its parallel cleavage planes. During the phase of quenching
liquid media used immediately penetrates dissolving out water soluble impurities along
with breaking of ionic bonds. Due to sudden f all in temperature other strong bonds also
may break making Abhraka more brittle. Immediately after quenching the heated
particles which are in random position come in contact with the specific liquid so that
each molecule of mica get surrounded by the liquid forming grain containing liquid
media. For the process of nirvapa various liquids like Godugdha,Tanduliyaka patra
rasa,kanjika,kulatha kwatha,takra,gomutra,badara kwatha,triphala kwatha,nirgundi rasa
etc are mentioned.Godugdha is considered as the most ideal nirvapa drava.It removes
both water and fat soluble impurities and also helps in softening the materials.
DHANYABHRAKA NIRMANA is an additional procedure mentioned for
Abhraka.Ananda Kanda refered as one among the Pancha Samskara of Abhraka.It is very
important pre-requisite for Abhraka Marana, It is very essential to reduce the hardness of

Discussion

Abhraka and convert it into fine particles.During the process due to the friction with the
sharp edges of paddy and woolen fibres along with the pressure of palms, brittle layers of
shodita Abhraka get converted into coarse powder. When it is squeezed out of woolen
cloth the particle size become fine. The particles filtered out of the woolen cloth may
incorporate some special attributes of the liquid media like Kanjika.
Next important process discussed was MARANA.Definition,objectives of
marana,steps involved in the process of marana,importance of media, concept of
bhavana,mardana,chakrika nirmana,sharava samputa have been mentioned. Concept of
puta including its definition ,its importance,effect,classification etc have been
incorporated contextually.In the same context standardization of upala was also
discussed.Upala was standardized based on the reference of Maha puta.Correlating the
volumetric dimension of mahaputa with the number of cow dung cakes mentioned,
approximate volume of upala was deducted approximately(486cm3).On the basis of
volume of one upala approximate radius of 8.79cm and thickness of 2.5cm was fixed for
the upala.Comparing the volume of gajaputa with that of mahaputa estimated, the number
of upala’s that could be accommodated is approximately 375.An attempt was made to
calculate the possible weight of upala in relation with the total weight of cow dung cakes
that can be accommodated inside gaga puta.It was estimated that approximate weight of 1
cow dung cake would be 97.8gm on average and number of upala’s required to fill
gajaputa was estimated to be around 348.Methodology followed was discussed in detail
in the context.
Abhraka Marana was specifically described with a enumeration of drugs of
Maraka gana and number Putas.In the context of Abhraka marana ,more importance is

Discussion

given to the higher number of putas.It is mentioned that Bhasma of a drug may attain anti
–disease property after 10 putas,the same bhasma when subjected to 100- 1000 puta
attain rejuvenative property. It is quite possible that as per the literature if more number
of putas are given there will be repeated ionic reaction between the cations and anions
generating newer ionic compounds. More number of putas may convert more metallic
portion into oxides which may generate more valuable properties. Due to repeated
bhavana used before every puta there will be the exposure of the un-reacted particles to
more interaction with herbal compounds.This is to further help in complete conversion
and enhancement of therapeutic potentials.
Various bhasma lakshana’s with special reference to Abhraka Bhasma was also
being discussed. Specific colour of Abhraka Bhasma, the brick-red colour ( Ishtika varna)
is most probably because of Ferric oxide content of the product.Nischandratva or absence
of lustre is the most important Bhasma lakshana required in the context of Abhraka
bhasma.It is estimated that the lustre in Abhraka Bhasma is probably due to silica. The
crystalline form of silicon dioxide seems to be the responsible factor for the lustre which
on successive puta get converted into amorphous form gradually losing lustre.Another
possibility suspected is the sodium silicate which is in insoluble form may also impart
some lustre.Most probably by repeated levigation during putana process a part will be
converted into sodium sulphate which helps in making silicate into soluble form so that
chandrata is reduced. Various media used for Abhraka Marana have their impact on
chemical conversion and also therapeutic values. Dosage anupana, therapeutic properties
of Abhraka Bhasma have also been explained in the context.

Discussion

Description of marana was followed by the concept of AMRITIKARANA.This
is the key process that was evaluated in the present study. As defined in Rasa
Tarangini,Amritikarana is a process carried out to eliminate the residual toxicity of
certain Bhasma.This process is popularly used in the context of Tamra and Abhraka
Bhasma even though it is also referred in the context of Loha Bhasma.As the name
indicates this process is to bring into Amrita like properties in the bhasma.Amritikarana is
considered to have its effect not only in improving safety but also efficacy. It is
considered that Amritikarana is aimed at removing the residual impurities and also
rukshata that is produced by repeated heating. In addition to increase the potency
commonest method followed in the context of Amritikarana is to heat Abhraka Bhasma
with triphala kashaya and goghrita in an iron pan till the complete loss of moisture
(R.T.R, R.S, R.J.N).Goghrita alone, goghrita along with kumara swarasa are also
indicated.
During the process of Amritikarana the colour of Abhraka bhasma which was
brick-red immediately after marana turns blackish. It is estimated that the ferric oxide
(Iron III oxide) formed by repeated puta during marana is responsible for the colour. On
heating Abhraka Bhasma with triphala kashaya and goghrita a part of the iron III oxide
may change to ferrous (iron II oxide) which is black. Addition of triphala kashaya also
may be a factor that contributes in darkening the colour towards brownish or blackish.
After the process of Amritikarana, LOHITIKARANA is advised. Main purpose
of Lohitikarana is to regain the lost colour.Bhavana with rakta varga dravya and gaja puta
are advised for Lohitikarana.Most probably during this process, a part of ferric oxide that
was converted into ferrous form forming ferreso ferric oxide is rapidly converted into

Discussion

Fe2O3 to regain brick-red colour. Usage of rakta varga dravya kashaya like manjista
kashaya may have its own contribution in the process.
Description of Abhraka is followed by individual drug review. Here mainly the
drugs used for bhavana purpose were described. Basic information of these herbs
including macroscopic characters, analytical standards, constituents and classical
properties are described.
PHARMACEUTICAL STUDY:
This forms the most important part of study in the field of Rasashastra, the division of
Ayurvedic pharmaceutics involves the practical implementation of the conceptual
description of preparing medicines. Taking the classical reference as the base, utilizing
available facilities, instrumentation and modern knowledge, development of Standard
Operating procedure is the basic objective of the study. Present study mainly involves
standard preparation of Abhraka Bhasma as per classical guidelines. It is the process of
Amritikarana followed by Lohitikarana that has to be validated and evaluated. Hence the
whole pharmaceutical study i.e. is aimed at manufacturing of Abhraka Bhasma was done
under following stages.
1) Authentication, Procurement and validation of grahya Abhraka
2) Process validation of Abhraka Shodhana
3) Process validation of Dhanyabhraka nirmana
4) Process validation of Abhraka Marana
5) Validation of process of Amritikarana
6) Validation of process of Lohitikarana
7) Standard operative procedure of Lohitikarana

Discussion

Initially kanjika was prepared for the purpose of Dhanyabhraka
nirmana.Preparation was done based on the reference of Vaidyaka Paribhasha Pradipa,
using shastika shali, balamoola and water.It took 15 days for the complete fermentation
of kanjika.Final liquid obtained had a peculiar sour strong odour of kanjika and had a pH
of 5.08.Its odor and acidic pH indicate the development of weak organic acids.
1) Authentication,Procurement and validation of grahya Abhraka
On procurement of sample of Abhraka was authenticated and quality was
validated on the basis of classical guidelines. As per the reference of R.R.S, the properties
like snigdhata (smooth and glazed surface), prthudalam (compactly arranged layers),
Varna yuktata (desired blackish colour), Bharadhikya (heavy weight/more specific
gravity), sukha nirmochya patra (easy separability of the layers) were searched for in the
sample as ideal characters. Once all these properties were confirmed most important step
of validation of Krishna vajrabhraka was done by observing the reaction on fire. It was
found that when the pieces of Abhraka were subjected to fire and heated to red hot
condition remain unchanged i.e. the layer were not separated or no sound was produced.
This had confirmed the sample as ideal vajrabhraka type.
2) Process validation of Abhraka Shodhana
Nirvapa of Abhraka in freshly drawn cow’s milk is mentioned as most ideal
method of shodhana in R.T and hence this method was selected. Seven nirvapa were done
in godugdha,using fresh godugdha for every nirvapa.It was found that during successive
nirvapa the time taken by the drug to become red hot gradually increased which is
probably due to the presence of higher liquid content after successful nirvapa.It was seen

Discussion

that during quenching as the heat is suddenly transferred to milk, milk was getting boiled
forming thick layer of cream on the surface.
The changes in the Abhraka Patra could be observed from Ist nirvapa itself. Gradually
Abhraka patra become more brittle and soft. Layers get separated, flakes become smaller
and softness increased. From IVth nirvapa onwards Abhraka become more and more soft
and after final nirvapa it was found to be very soft to touch. It was observed that
godugdha which is slightly acidic by nature remain almost unchanged in its pH except for
a marginal reduction. A huge percent of milk get reduced during nirvapa.The temperature
of milk was also suddenly increasing by 2-3 times than its original temperature. The
observation was that at red hot stage Abhraka has an average temperature of 710° C.
3. Process of validation of Dhanyabhraka
During the process Shudha Abhraka /shodita Abhraka was mixed
with 1/4th amount of paddy ,tied and wrapped in woolen cloth ,tied firmly and kept
immersed in kanjika.Strong rubbing and maceration was done repeatedly in the palms.
Friction with sharp edges of paddy fibres of woolen cloth and the hand resulted in
breaking down of Abhraka into smaller particles and facilitation of extraction into
kanjika.Soaking in kanjika also might have helped in dividing the particles. Stage of
soaking was followed by stage of chaffing, stage of sedimentation and stage of
evaporation.
4)Process validation of Abhraka Marana
This is the key step in formation of Abhraka Bhasma.Here the reference of R.T 10th
Taranga quoted in A.F.I part 18/1 was selected. Here first 7 putas were given by using
arkamoola kashaya as medium,VIIIth to Xth puta – Vatajata kwatha was used as

Discussion

medium,XIth- XVIIth puta bhavana of kadali kanda swarasa was used. From XVIIIth –
XXth puta again vatajata was made use of as bhavana dravya.
Additional three putas were given with jaggery and eranda patra swarasa as
medium.These additional puta as per reference of R.R.S was selected as bhasma
obtained at the end of selected reference still had chandrika.these additional three puta
eventhough removed chandrika,brick-red colour of Abhraka bhasma was lost. Hence two
more gajaputa were given by using vatajata kwatha as bhavana dravya which had resulted
in the development of desired varna and all other bhasma lakshana.
For I – VIIth puta the medium used arkamoola kashaya was prepared as per
general kwatha nirmana procedure. After giving bhavana with this kashaya to
dhanyahbraka ,chakrika were prepared with the help of plastic mould. Average weight of
chakrika was maintained as 2gm with a diameter of 2cm and a thickness of about
1/2cm.It is very important to prepare chakrika of uniform thickness and also as thin as
possible. It is important that the pellets were flat, not uneven or spherical.
Conduction of heat through chakrika can be interpreted by Fourier’s Law.
According to this law, the rate of heat flow through a uniform material is proportional to
the area and the temperature drop and inversely proportional to the length of path of
flow.So the pellets must be flat in shape rather than spherical so that easy uniform flow of
heat is ensured. If the pellet is spherical there will be temperature difference between the
surface and core. In addition area of a flat pellet is also more than a spherical pellet of
same weight. So it may facilitate more flow of heat to the pellet. This law also states that
the ratio of heat flow Dq/dt through a homogenous solid is directly proportional to area

Discussion

A, of the section at right angles to direction of heat flow and to the temperature difference
along the path of heat flow dt/dh.
dQ/dt= λA dT /dx
Another important reference in the context of marana is regarding the number of
puta.It is explained that more the number of puta better will be he bhasma.As the number
of putas are repeated, material turns lighter ,particle the finer. The concept is given much
more importance in the context of Abhraka Bhasma where upto 1000 puta are advised.
Heat exchange from puta to the material inside sharava can be explained by Hess’s law of
thermodynamics. As per the law ,the enthalpy change for a reaction that is carried out in a
series of step is equal to the sum of enthalpy changes for the individual steps i.e,the
amount of heat evolved as absorbed in a chemical change is the same whether the process
takes place in one or several steps. During the process of putapaka chemical changes
takes place in the material so that compounds are formed. For this chemical change, heat
energy is absorbed from the puta.
During the first set of putas pellets were covered with arka patra.Chakrika were
arranged in not more than 2 layers minimizing intervening air space. Colour of chakrika
that was shiny black gradually changed to bronze shade-shining brown and from VIth
puta into brick red colour.Brick-red colour was maintained throughout the second set of
puta i.e., VIIIth- Xth with vatajata kashaya.However lustre persisted. During the puta with
kadalikanda rasa XIth – VIIIth puta brick-red colour changed to brown. Then further three
puta were given with vatajata kashaya, brick-red colour re-appeared and the lustre was
minimized. As the traces of lustrous particles were observed when seen with the help of
optical lens under sunlight, further set of three puta with guda and eranda patra rasa in

Discussion

vatapatra samputa was planned. Most probably the presence of tannins in jaggery along
with other organic materials in eranda patra, lustre disappeared in bhasma after three
puta.But colour of bhasma turned greenish-grey to grey and finally brownish.Lost brick-
red colour was regained by two additional puta with vatajata kwatha bhavana.
5) Validation of process of Amritikarana:
Prepared Abhraka Bhasma was subjected to the process of Amritikarana as per
protocol. The reference of A.P was considered for the study.Abhraka Bhasma taken in an
iron pan added with triphala and goghrita with separate ratio, heated over a medium
flame till dryness. The pan was closed and heated at strong fire for some time and
allowed for self cooling.Abhraka Bhasma that was brick-red in color was converted into
dark black powder after this process.This is possibly due to the tannin content of triphala
that got concentrated on solidification. There is also a possibility that a part of ferric
oxide change its phase to ferrous forming ferreso ferric oxide complex which again
contribute black colour.
6) Standard Operative Procedure of Lohitikarana:
The process of Lohitikarana was carried out as per the reference of R.T to regain
the lost color of Abhraka Bhasma.Manjista as an ideal representative of rakta varga is
selected as a herbal medium for this process.Manjista kashaya that was prepared as per
the classical method of kashaya was used as bhavana dravya.Three gaja puta were given
during the process of Lohitikarana.During first gaja puta black color of bhasma started
changing to blackish brown, brick-red started appearing after second gajaputa and finally
at the end of 3 rd gaja puta brick-red color appeared.Whole process of Lohitikarana took
about 12 days.It had resulted in the loss of about 45gm of bhasma.It looks that the

Discussion

levigation with manjista kashaya and heating process in 3 successful gaja puta must have
helped in the formation of more ferric iron especially in oxide form resulting in brick-red
colour.
ANALYTICAL STUDY
Analysis of prepared samples with both classical and modern parameters form an
essential part of study.As this study was expected to give certain on the
chemical,structural nature of the test samples.
Plan of study included testing the samples of Abhraka Bhasma obtained
immediately after Marana (Sample AB- M), after Amritikarana (Sample AB – A), and
after Amritikarana and Lohitikarana (Sample AB – L).Samples were evaluated with basic
organoleptic characters and classic parameters of bhasma pariksha (table I.1 in analytical
study).
Difference in colour was noted among the samples .Sample AB –M was light
brick-red in colour where AB – L was dark brick-red, Sample AB – A was jet black. All
the samples were tasteless indicating the absence of metallic nature due to the formation
of compounds. All the samples were nishchandra which is possibly because of the
conversion of insoluble silicates into final soluble amorphous form. All the samples were
soft and smooth to touch indicating the fineness of particles. All the samples were
odorless except for a faint burnt odor in sample AB-A which is probably due to the
burning of organic materials in Triphala and goghrita.All the samples were varitara with
positive unama pariksha with further substantiates the particle fineness and lesser specific
gravity of sample. All the bhasmas were rekhapurna again confirming particle fineness.

Discussion

Chemical analysis was carried out with the parameters like Loss on Drying
(L.O.D), Ash value, Qualitative chemical tests etc.When the chemical data regarding the
L.O.D was observed it was minimum in case of sample AB-M and gradually increasing
after Amritikarana and Lohitikarana.This may be a parameter that supports its textual
description of rukshata as a disadvantage of Abhraka Bhasma that is not subjected to
Amritikarana.
A higher amount of ash value observed in all the samples corresponds to the
standards prescribed .Substantially higher amount of acid insoluble ash formed in the
samples indicate good amount of inorganic compounds that are soluble in weak acids.
These materials may have special therapeutic values.
The samples were extracted in 1% HCl and added with 0.5% Pot.ferrocyanide
solution; Prussian blue colour appeared in all the test samples confirming the presence of
ferric iron.
N.P.S.T is a modification of circular paper chromatography. This method was
developed by Dr.Namburi Hanumantha Rao.He had shown that by N.P.S test a clear
differentiation of individual products in a group is possible and also product can be
identified by its classical name not by the chemical name. The colour change is observed
across 3 different phases of Abhraka Bhasma on potassium iodide and potassium ferro-
cyanide treat papers where characteristic and corresponded to the standard
description.N.P.S.T findings of 3 different samples are newly explored and can form in-
house referral standards.
X-ray Diffraction method was followed to determine the different crystalline
phases present in the samples of Abhraka Bhasma.In all the three samples maximum

Discussion

absorption was observed at an angle between 26.7 & 26.85 with a D space of 3.32-3.33.In
comparison with referred standards and also the previous study (Ween-Tsung,Hung,ue of
regenerated ferric oxide for suppressing dioxide formation in chlorinated organic
compounds and the real waste solvent combustion).The major phase of crystallite in all
the samples look to be hexagonal ferric oxide..
Scanning Electron Microscope Image of the samples at a magnification of 750 X
to 2000 X has shown the micro fine particles in table II.5 in analytical study. It is
observed that particle size is reducing after successive heating i.e. particle size in bhasma
after amritikarana alone was lesser than sample AB – M.Particle size was still smaller in
sample AB – L.
Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy i.e EDAX couples with SEM was used for
the quantitative estimation of selected elements in the samples. The results indicate that
iron content was maximum in the sample AB – L (56.785%) when compared with sample
AB – M (29.06%) and sample AB – A (28.596%).It was seen that calcium content was
gradually reducing from stage to stage in the samples. There was no apparent change in
the values of Aluminium,magnesium and silica content among the sample. Phosphorus
appeared in traces only in sample after Lohitikarana, may be the contribution of bhavana
dravya manjista kashaya.
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS)
As EDAX is semi quantitative more sensitive method for the estimation of
elements given at ppm levels was planned with the help of AAS.Metal estimation in the
samples were done using atomic absorption spectrophotometer model AA240.The
metallic elements iron,calcium,aluminium,magnesium were estimated in all the three

Discussion

samples. All these elements found to be at maximum concentrations in the sample AB –L
(Table II.7)
TOXICITY STUDY
As per the definition of R.T Amritikarana is a process advised to remove the
residual toxicity of the sample. As the enhancement of safety and efficacy are the primary
objectives of Amritikarana process it was planned to evaluate the samples for acute
toxicity study. The intention was to comparatively evaluate the sample of Abhraka
Bhasma that has not been subjected to Amritikarana against the samples after
Amritikarana and of both amritikarana and lohitikarana.It was thought that this study help
to give a proper reasoning and stress the necessity of Amritikarana process for Abhraka
Bhasma.However considering the constraint of time and other limitations only acute
toxicity study of samples were planned.
Usually the purpose of Acute toxicity test is to obtain information on biological
activity of a drug and given insight into the mechanism of action. Traditional method of
estimation of LD 50 value is no more practiced mainly because of the large number of
animals. Hence many alternative methods are being practiced in different parts of the
world which include limit test, fixing dose procedure toxic class method, up and down
method etc.For the present study, limit test method the fixed dose of the drug at
2000mg/kg was planned.The method was modification of OECD guidelines 403 &
401.Considering this experience of scholars regarding the safety profile of Abhraka
Bhasma, this dose was planned. Wister Albino rats of either sexes were randomly
selected and grouped for the study. Three test groups having 4 animals each were

Discussion

compared with the control group. After administration of the drugs in a single fixed dose,
the animals were observed periodically for seven days.
Mortality and clinical observations were evaluated.When the animals were
observed intensively at 0.5min,2,4,6,12,24,48 hour and daily twice thereafter for seven
days. A list of 36 signs and symptoms including abnormal gait, aggresiveness, catalepsy,
convulsions, scratching, rigors etc as indicated in OECD 423 guidelines were observed.
No gross behavioral abnormality or exitus were observed in any of the test groups. Only
the instances of scratching were observed within first hour of administration in group I
which return to normalcy afterwards. Hence it can be said all the three samples can be
considered as safe as per the acute toxicity study reports even the dose eight times more
than the therapeutically dose.(i.e. limit dose of 2000mg/kg)
However a detailed toxicity evaluation including sub acute and chronic toxicity
protocol with due importance to the bio-chemical and histo –pathological parameter may
prove to be more informative.

Conclusion

CONCLUSION & SUMMARY
Conclusion
• Abhraka Bhasma is a widely used product in Ayurvedic clinical practice.It is
either used alone or as an ingredient in various herbo-mineral formulation
• .Amritikarana is a special process explained explained in the context of Abhraka
Bhasma with an intention to remove any possible residual toxic effects and make
it therapeutically safe and effective.
• Lohitikarana is a process advised after Amritikarana of Abhraka Bhasma with the
intention to regain the lost colour of Bhasma.
• The textual description of types of Abhraka, grahya lakshana of Abhraka are very
scientific in mineralogical point of view as the same can be elicited in Mica
samples.
• The process of nirvapa especially in godugdha involving the stages of heating,
quenching and post-quenching reaction with the media of nirvapa is very
scientific and very useful in bringing out necessary physic-chemical changes.
• The process of friction,filteration and interaction with acid medium have their
own role in reducing the particle size of shudha Abhraka and making it suitable
for Marana by the process of Dhanyabhraka Nirmana.
• The type of puta, the number of puta and the specific herbs mentioned as bhavana
dravya have their own role in not only bringing out necessary physic-chemical
changes but also increasing safety and therapeutic efficacy during the process of
marana.

Conclusion

• A partial conversion of ferric oxide into ferreso ferric oxide form may be
expected during the process of Amritikarana.
• During the process of Lohitikarana addition of rakta varga dravya kashaya during
levigation and successful gaja puta again increase the amount of ferric oxide
bringing back the brick-red colour of bhasma.
• Procured Abhraka was authenticated hence, quality validated on the basis of
textual grahya lakshana especially reaction on heating.
• Abhraka Shodhana was carried out by the process of nirvapa in godugdha which
has converted Abhraka into soft pieces or flakes.
• The stages of soaking,chaffing,sedimentation and evaporation during
Dhanyabhraka nirmana resulted in the formation of fine shining particles of
Abhraka
• Abhraka Marana was carried out as per the reference of R.T 10th Taranga quoted
AFI Part I 18/1,but additional 3 puta were given by using eranda patra rasa and
guda in order to remove the traces of chandrika.Two more puta with vatajata
kashaya resulted in the development of brick-red colour of Bhasma.
• The process of Amrithikarana carried out as per A.P concerted Bhasma in to jet
black colour.
• When Lohitikarana was done with Manjishta kashaya bhavana colour could be
regained.
• When the Bhasma samples were evaluated organoleptically and with classical
parameters difference in the colour was observed among bhasma

Conclusion

• Basic chemical parameters like L.O.D, Ash value, extractive values were found to
be informative.
• Qualitative test revealed the presence of ferric iron and silica in all the samples,
N.P.S test was characteristic.
• Instrumental methods like XRD revealed ferric oxide as a major crystallite in the
samples.
• SEM revealed the particle size finest in the sample subjected to Lohitikarana
• Elemental analysis was carried out by EDAX and AAS.
• Acute Toxicity Study indicated all the three samples are safe at a dose of
2000mg/kg.
Summary
The present study entitled “A Comparative Pharmaceutico-Analytical Study of
Abhraka Bhasma samples prepared with and without Amritikarana” consists of
various topics discussed under various headings.
Introduction:
Here the importance of Rasaoushadi are highlighted, importance of Abhraka
Bhasma with special stress to its S.O.P are emphasized.
Objectives of Study
After referring previous works done, key objectives of the study, relevance of
the study, study protocol have been mentioned. Study protocol included Conceptual
study, Pharmaceutical study, Analytical study, Toxicity study, discussion, summary
and conclusion.

Conclusion

Conceptual study:
Exhaustive review of literature was done in the section. Various information related
to Abhraka like its synonyms, classification, Shodhana, Marana, Amritikarana,
Lohitikarana, dosage, anupana, therapeutic indications have been elaborated. Relevant
information of mica from modern literatures was also collected, analysed and correlated.
Individual ingredients used in the process of preparing Abhraka bhasma were
also detailed.
Methodology
The practical application of conceptual part as per the objectives was done at
three levels namely pharmaceutical study, analytical study and acute toxicity study.
In pharmaceutical study, processed Abhraka sample was scientifically tested for
quality subjected to the process of Shudha Abhraka, Dhanyabhraka, and Shodana,
marana, amritikarana and lohitikarana.The products at three different stages were
separately collected for comparative study. They included Abhraka Bhasma immediately
after marana, after Amritikarana, after Amritikarana and lohitikarana.All the relevant
observations have been compiled tabulated and presented.
In the analytical study the test samples are evaluated with organoleptic
parameters, classical bhasma pariksha, and modern physico-chemical tests advanced
analytical techniques like XRD, SEM-EDAX, AAS etc.
In Acute Toxicity Study the entire three test drug samples are evaluated for
toxicity in Wister strain Albino rats of either sex.

Conclusion

Results
This consists of results of practical study and analytical and acute toxicity study.
In the result of Pharmaceutical study, duration of preparation, quantity of product
obtained at different stages, noticeable stages during each process have been tabulated
and presented.
In Analytical study the results are expressed in the form of tables, photographs,
graphs etc. After subjecting the last samples for organoleptic, classical, modern, physico-
chemical and instrumental analysis.
In Acute toxicity study, the results were observed in the form of clinical
observations as per OECD 423 guidelines.
Discussion
In this part key observation of conceptual study, outcome of pharmaceutical
study results of analytical and toxicity study. An attempt was made to critically analyze
them with possible scientific explanation.
Conclusion
Study was concluded by highlighting the outcome of study at different section
along with the limitation of the study and suggestion highlighting the scope for further
evaluation.

Bibliography

BIBLIOGRAPHY
BOOKS:
¾ Acharya Sadananda
Sharma, Rasa Tarangini by Pandit Kashinath Shastry,11th edition,Motilal
Banarasidas,New Delhi 2004.Chapter 10
¾ Ayurvedic Formulary
of India, The controller of Publications, Civil Lines, New Delhi, Part I, 18/1.
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Ayurveda Prakasa by Sri Gulraj Sharma Pandit Shiv Sharma, 4th edition 1994,
Chaukhamba bharati Academy Varanasi. Chapter 2
¾ Sri Vagbhatacharya
virachita Rasa Ratna Samucchaya Savimarsha Rasaprabha hindi Vyakhyopeta by
Indradev Tripati,Chaukhambha Sanskrita Samsthana,Varanasi.Chapter 2
¾ Ayurvediya Rasashastra
by S.N.Mishra,Edition 6th,1996 Chaukhambha Orientaliya,Varanasi.page no.298
¾ Text Book of
Rasashastra by Dr.K.Rama Chandra Reddy,Chaukhambha Sanskrit
Bhawan,Varanasi.page no.277
¾ Rasendra Sara Sangraha
of Sri Gopal Krishna Bhatt,Text with English Translation Parimita Bhodhini
Commentary ,by Dr.Parimi suresh,Dr.Vinaya kumara
Dhannapunnaeni,Chaukhambha Sanskrit sansthan ,Varanasi..Chapter 1

Bibliography

¾ Bhaishajya ratnavali of
Govinda dasji Bhishagratna commented upon by Vaidya Shree Ambika Datta
Shastri, English Translation by Kanjiv Lochan, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan,
and Varanasi.
¾ Ayurvediya Rasashastra
by Dr.C.B Jha, Chaukhambha Bharati Publication, Varanasi.
¾ The Ayurvedic
Pharmacopiea of India, Part I Volume IV, First Edition Page No.73-74, published
by Controller of Publications, Civil Lines, New Delhi.
¾ Data Base on Medicinal
Plants used in Ayurveda, 2001 Vol 5 page no.171, 69 compiled by P.C.Sharma,
M.B Yelna, and T.J.Delne. Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and
Siddha,New Delhi
Plants used in Ayurveda, 2001, Vol III page no.11, 158,282, compiled by
P.C.Sharma, M.B Yelna, and T.J.Delne. Central Council for Research in
Ayurveda and Siddha,New Delhi
Plants used in Ayurveda, 2001 Vol II page no.69 compiled by P.C.Sharma, M.B
Yelna, and T.J.Delne. Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha,New
Delhi.

Bibliography

¾ Rasa Jala Nidhi Part I,
Bhudeb Mookerji with English Translation by author nababhikar Press, Calcutta.
Chapter 1,page no.2
¾ Pharmacognosy of
Indigenous Drugs Vol I, by K.Raghunathan & Miss Roma Mitra, Central Council
for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, India.
¾ Application of
Standardized Namburi Phased Spot Test in Identification of Bhasma and Sindura
Preparations of Ayurveda, Dr.Namburi Hanumantha Rao, And Central Council
for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, India.
¾ Pharmacopoeia
Standards for Ayurvedic Formulations, Revised edition, 1987, CCRAS, New
Delhi.
¾ Ananda Kanda,
Siddhiprada Hindi Vyakhya Sahita, by Sri S.N.Mishra, Chaukhambha Orientalia,
Varanasi.Vol II, Chapter 1.
¾ Roll R Hofer- Bosse
Th,and Kayser D.(1986),New Perspectives in Acute Toxicity Testing of
Chemicals,Toxicol.Lett.Suppl.31,86.
Diener W., Sichha L., Mischke U.Kayser D. (1989). Niue Wege Zur Bestimmung der
akuten Toxizat von chemikalien.Bundesgesundheitsblatt 32,336-610.

Bibliography

¾ Diener W., Sichha L.,
Mischke U.Kayser D and Schlede (1995). The Biometric Evaluation of the OECD
Modified version of the Acute Toxic class Method (Oral).Arch.Toxicol 69,729-
734
¾ Diener W and Schlede
E.(1999) Acute Toxic class Methods: Alterations to LD /LC 50 Tests ALTEX
16,129-134
¾ Schlede E and Mischke
U Diener W., and Kayser D (1994) The International validation study of the
Acute Toxic class Method (Oral).Arch.Toxicol 69.659-670.
¾ OECD (2001)
guidelines Guidance document on Acute Oral Toxicity Testing. Environmental
Health and Safety Monograph series on Testing and Assessment N.24 Paris.
¾ OECD (2000) Guidance
document on the recognitah, Assessment and use of clinical signs as humane
endpoints for experimental Animals used in safety evaluation. Environmental
Health and safety Monograph series on testing and Assessment N 19.
¾ OECD (1998)
Harmonised Integrated Hazard classification system for human health and
environmental effects of chemical substances as endorsed by the joint meeting of
the chemicals committee and the working party on chemicals in November
1998,part 2 ,p.11

Bibliography

¾ Lipnick R,L,Cotruvo,J
A,HILL R,N,Bruce R.D,Stitzel K A,Walker A.P,Chu I, Goddard M,Segal
L,Springer J A and Myers R C (1995).Comparison of the Up and Down.
Conventional L D 50 and fixed dose Acute Toxicity Procedures.Fd.Chem.Toxicol
33,223 231.
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Hayes. (1994).Chap.16.Acute Toxicity and Eye Irritancy. Principles and Methods
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USA.
DSSERTATION
WORKS:
¾ A Pharmaceutical
standardization of Abhraka Bhasma (Evaluation of effect of different number of
putas in its single preparatory method.) by Dr.Deepali Korde in 2003.Gujarat
Ayurved University, Jamnagar.
¾ Pharmacetical
Standardisation of Yashada Bhasma by Dr.Renuka Joshi in 2004. Gujarat
Ayurved University, Jamnagar
¾ A comparative
pharmaceutics-clinical study of Lauha Bhasma and mandura Bhasma w.s.r to its
Panduhara effect by Dr.Prashant Sarkar in 2005. Gujarat Ayurved
University,Jamnagar

Bibliography

¾ A Pharmaceutical
standardization of Somanathi Tamra Bhasma and its Grahi effect on Grahani
Roga by Dr.Tushar Solanki in 2004. Gujarat Ayurved University,Jamnagar
¾ A Comparative
Pharmaceutico – clinical Study of Praval Bhasma & Praval Bhasma in special
reference of management of Hyperacidity by Dr.Apoorva Bhat in 2003. Gujarat
Ayurved University, Jamnagar.
¾ Preparation of Somanathi
Tamra Bhasma and its clinical study in Parinama Shoola by Dr.Gopi Krishna .M.
Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore.
Journal:
Journal of Ayurveda, Vol.II -3, Jul-Sep 2008 – Comparative Pharmaceutical
study of Abhraka Bhasma with Madhumehari Kwath Putit Abhraka Bhasma.

Conceptual Study
CONCEPTUAL STUDY
HISTORIC REVIEW:
¾ Markandeya Purana and Vishnudarsanottara purana mentioned about Abhraka
Druti. Abhraka is considered as the Rajas of Parvati. To prop up the value of Abhraka
ancient scholars mentioned it as Raja of Parvati and Parada as Shukra of Lord Shiva. It
has an important role in Rasashastra next to Parada.
¾ In Kautilya Arthashastra (400-300 B C) one reference was located regarding the
use of Abhraka by the goldsmith while preparing ornaments, as a substitute for gold.
¾ In Nyaya Darsana by Gautama Muni (2nd A.D) one quotation like
‘KACABHRAKASPHATIKANTARITO PALABDHE’ is found where only name of the
Abhraka is stated.
¾ In Amarakosa (3rd A.D), Amar Singh has adduced it as “Abhrakam Girijamalam”.
¾ In 7-8th A.D “Rasendra Mangala” and Kakshaputa Tantra, first mentioned t e name
and use of Abhraka, further progress is as follows.
KALA TEXTS Description regarding Abhraka

7-8th A.D RasendraMangal, Shodhana,Dritikarana
Kakshaputa Tantra
9th A.D Rasa Hridaya Tantra, For PakshaChedana of Parada
Rasopanishad
10th A.D Rasarnava Extraction of Mica
Sodhana,satwapatana
13th cent A.D Rasaratna Sodhana,marana,
samuchaya Satwapatana
Therapeutic use as a single drug
in various ailments.
Rasapadhati Dhanyabhrakikarana,
Marana,Nishchandrikarana,proper
ties like
Vrishya,Balya,Pramehaghna
15th cent A.D Lohasarvasvam Sodhana,Marana,
-By Yadavji Trikamji Satwapatana
Amritikarana Page 6

Conceptual Study
Acharya
Rasendra chintamani Satwa-bhasmikarana,Guna- karma
Rasa Saara
16th cent A.D Rasa Saara Sangraha Sodhana,Marana,
Satwapatana
17th cent A.D Ayurveda Only exhibit the description
prakaasha regarding Dehavada.
Yoga Ratnakara Therapeutic uses of Abhraka
Rasa Tarangini
20th cent A.D Abhraka is used as a important
Mineral in industry
Drug in Ayurveda
Abhraka Vargikarana:
Abhraka is classified under various categories by different authors as follows;
Abhraka has the most important place in the field of Rasashastra next to Parada, in both
Lohavada and Dhatuvada.
The Granthas like Goraksha Samhita (Bhu 2/20), Rasendra
chudamani (10/1), and Rasa paddhati (1/36), Rasa Prakasa sudhakara (5/2) .Rasaratna
Samucchaya (2/21) Dipika Commentary, Rasendra Purana (7/2).
OTHER CATEGORIES
VARGA REFERRNCE
1.Rasa 1.Rasa Ratna Samuchhaya (2/1)
2.Rasendra Purana(7/4)
2.Uparasa 1.Ayurveda Prakasa
2.Bhava Prakasa(Dh.Varga/101)
3.Rasa Ratnakara
4.Brhat Rasa Raja Sundara
5.Ananda Kanda
Amritikarana Page 7

Conceptual Study
6.Rasa Jala Nidhi

7.Rasa Manjari
3.Upadhatu 1.Anupana manjari
2.Rudra Yamala Tantra
3.Sarangdhara Samhita (madh,khanda 11/53)
4.Sabdakalpadruma
5.Yogaratnakara
4.Loha Varga 1.Rasamrita
5.Sakti varga 1.RasaRatna Samuchhaya
2.Rasarnava
Synonyms:
This can be classified
According to origin: 1) Girija
2) Gouriteja
3) Girijabija
According to structure: 1) Ambara
2) Bahupatra
3) Subhra
According to action: 1) Utility in Parada Samskara- a) Rasamula
b) Pitaka
c) Bhrnga
d) Vajra
Amritikarana Page 8

Conceptual Study
2) Utility in vyadhi nasana – a) Abhra,Abhraka
b) Ananthaka
c) Ajara
d) Sandatvanasana
NIRUKTI:
• ABHRAKA
Its structure resembles to that of a cloud.
• ABHRA
No substance gets adhered to it or it removes the impurities from the body by giving them
force or movement.
• ANANTAKA
No change takes place in it when heated in fire.
• AMBARA
It produces sound in the fire. The synonyms like Ambara, Kha and Gagana are
indicatives of the meaning sky highlighting its enormous qualities
• AJARA
It keeps the old age in the bay.
• BAHUPATRA
Many layers or leaves are found in it.
• GIRIJA
It is produced in the mountains or hills.
• GIRIJABIJA
Girija is a synonym of Goddess Parvati. It is considered as bija of Parvati.
• GOURITEJA
It is considered as tejas of Goddess Parvati.
• PITAKA
It destroys the disease as well as the liquidity of Mercury.
Amritikarana Page 9

Conceptual Study
• RASAMULA
It is the base mineral in the bandhana karma of Parada.
• SANDHATVANASANAM
It corrects the infertility or impotency.
• SUBHRAM
It is white in colour.
• VAJRA
It acts like Vajra in the Pakshachheda of Parada.
List of synonyms of Abhraka according to various texts:-
SYNONYMS R.T A.P R.Ra.S A.K R.P.S

1 Abhraka + + + + +
2 gagana + + + + +
3 bhrunga + + +
4 abhra +
5 kha + +
6 vyoma + + +
7 vajra + +
8 khana + + +
9 girija + +
10 bahupatra + +
11 ananthaka +
12 aakasa + + +
13 ambara + +
14 amala + +
15 garajadwaja +
16 megha + +

Conceptual Study
17 anthariksha + +
18 vajra
19 umaabhavam +
Abhraka Guna:
According to R.J.N II 1/
Abhraka is a great increaser of vitality. It removes from the system an abnormal or
excess of vayu and pitta and does away with waste. It cures diseases and increases
longevity energy and strength. It soothes the system, increases appetite, removes phlegm,
increases the power of digestion of food and produces cooling effect. It cures all sorts of
diseases when given with suitable anupana.
Types of Abhraka according to Various Parameters:
The attributes mentioned above are possessed by that Abhraka only which is
procured from a mine, having a depth of a minimum12ft .
There are four kinds of Abhraka
1. Pinakam
2. Naga
3. Manduka
4. Vajra
Table showing the reaction of different types of Abhraka on fire:-
Sr.no. Variety Change on fire Sound Produced Effect if taken

internally
1 Pinaka Separates the leaves Chit, chit sound Mahakusta
With specific sound Malabandha
Mrtyu
2 Naga Separates leaves Whistling sound Bhagandara,
with specific sound Mandala kusta

Conceptual Study
Maha kusta
3 Manduka Jumps in fire Sounds like frog Svasa,Apasmara,
Mrtyu
4 Vajra Unchanged No sound Vyadhi -
produced vardhakya-
Mrtyu nasaka-
Sarva rogahara
Each of this is again sub divided into four different classes according to their colour.
a) Sweta(White)
b) Rakta(Red)
c) Peeta(Yellow)
d) Krsna(Black)
• Swetabhraka is used in processes imparting a white colour to a substance. (Eg.in
transformation of Lead to Silver).
• Rakta Abhraka is used in imparting a red colour to a metal.
• Peeta Abhraka is used in processes imparting a yellow colour to a substance, as
for example, in transformation of metals into gold.
• Although these four different kinds of Abhraka have been recommended for use in
medicines, the Krsna vajra abhraka is infinitely superior to the other three kinds in
efficacy. Only that kind of Abhraka is to be made use of in medicine which is soft, full of
layers, colored, heavy and it’s easily capable of being split into its constituent layers.
Occurrence:
Though India is the largest producer of Mica in the world, it is also produced in large
quantities a few other countries like Angola, Australia, Brazil, U.S.A, Union of South
Africa etc.

Conceptual Study
Occurrence in India:
India produces more than 50% of total quantity of Mica of the world. Muscovite type
of mica which is valuable for its importance in industrial sectors is extracted in large
quantity from India. A clear idea regarding the availability of mica from different states
of India can b e obtained from table below.
Sr. No. Name of the state Place Type of mica available
1. Andhra Pradesh Nellore, Visakhapatanam White(precious)
White and Black
2. Bihar Kodorama White and Black
Hazaribag Pinkish
3. Jammu & Kashmir Patri Black
4. Kerala Malabar White
5. Madhya Pradesh Balghat White
6. Orissa Keonjhar,Sundargarh White,Black
7. Rajasthan Ajmer,Mewar White & Black
Out of the total production of mica in India almost 70% of obtained from Bihar.
Precious Muscovite type of Mica is available from the mines of Bihar, Orissa and Andhra
Pradesh while Rajasthan produces maximum quantity of mica next to Bihar.
Grahya Abhraka Lakshana:(R.R.S.2/11,R.T 10/13)
Snigdham – Smooth and shiny
Pruthudalam – broad layers.

Conceptual Study
Varna Samyuktam /Neelanjanopamam– with the desired colour, krsna Varna is
considered as superior.
Bharatoadhikam – heavy
Sukha nirmochya patram – layers could be easily separated
Apart from this all, the Rasacharyas have unanimously accepted the
Krshnavajrabhraka as the ideal one and capable of eradicating all sorts of ailments.
So, based on the above criteria’s, the sample was identified in the pharmacy. The
sample availed for the present study was procured from Sree Kalyana Rama
Mines,Gudur,Andhra Pradesh.
As biotite resembles the qualities of Krsna Vajrabhraka, the identifying remarks such as
hardness, specific gravity, colour, crystalline structure, conduction of heat, shining
pattern etc.of it should be taken into account for the selection of good variety.
Abhraka or Mica is made up of ionic crystals. This is how we can interpret these
Grahya Lakshanas in Scientific way through a chemist’s view.
Ionic crystals
In Ionic crystals, the particles forming the crystal are positively negatively charged
ions, i.e cations and anions, which are held together to electrostatic force of attraction i.e.
ionic bonds.
Reciprocity between properties of Ionic Crystals and Abhraka:
1. Physical State:
As per classics, Prathitam and ghanam
Ionic compounds are crystalline solids at room temperature.

Conceptual Study
2. Kathorangam,Vanhau Kshiptam na vikriti
They are quite hard, have low volatility and high melting points. Since in ionic crystals,
the cations and anions are held together very tightly in their allotted positions by very
strong electrostatic forces of attraction, very high amount of energy (in the form of heat)
is required to separate the anions and cations from one another against the force of
attraction. Consequently the ionic crystals are quite hard (through brittle), have low
volatility (i.e. have low pressure) and have high melting and boiling points. Here
hardness is the measure of its strength or rigidity while toughness or brittleness defined
on the basis of the energy needed to break the material. One must remember that Mica is
hard but brittle as it can be separated in layers easily.
3. Stability – Naivacchinnam Vaham Ksiptam na Vikriti
Ionic crystals are very stable compounds as the oppositely charged ions very
close to one another and the similarly charged ions are as away from one another as
possible.
4. Prthudalam, Ghanam, bahupatram( Packing of ions in ionic crystals)
In order to occupy minimum space, the ions arrange themselves systematically in
an alternating cation-anion pattern called crystal of lattice. Thus we see that ionic solids
consist of three dimensional solid aggregates. The structure (i.e. geometry) of an ionic
crystal depends on radius ratio of the cation and anion.
5. Mrdulam, Sukha Nirmocya patram. (Highly brittle)
Ionic solids are highly brittle, i.e. if a little external force is applied on ionic is
crystals, and they are generally easily broken. This property is called brittleness.

Conceptual Study
6. Bharatodikam,Guru (High density)
The electrostatic force of attraction existing between the cations and anions in ionic
crystals brings these ions very close to one another. This result into small volume of the
crystal and consequently the ionic crystals has high density.
7. Electrical conductivity:
Ionic crystals do not conduct electricity when they are in the solid state. The reason
is that cations and anions, on account of electrostatic forces existing between them,
remain tightly held together with each other in the ionic crystal and hence occupy their
fixed positions in the crystal lattice. The ions, therefore, cannot move freely to any large
extent when an electric current is passed through the ionic crystal. MICA
A group of minerals having perfect basal cleavage and capable of splitting into thin
laminae is called mica. Chemically they contain complex silicate of aluminium and
alkalis with hydroxyl. They crystallize in monoclinic system. Some varieties may contain
iron, magnesium, lithium and rarely fluorine, barium, manganese and vanadium. The
highly perfect cleavage, which is the most prominent characteristic of mica, is explained
by the hexagonal sheet-like arrangement of its atoms.
The word "mica" is thought to be derived from the Latin word micare, meaning "to
glitter", in reference to the brilliant appearance of this mineral (especially when in small
scales).
MICA CLASSIFICATION
Chemically, micas can be given the general formula X2Y4-6Z8O20(OH,F)4 in which
X is K, Na, or Ca or less commonly Ba, Rb, or Cs; Y is Al, Mg, or Fe or less commonly
Mn, Cr, Ti, Li, etc.; Z is chiefly Si or Al but also may include Fe3+ or Ti. Structurally,

Conceptual Study
micas can be classed as dioctahedral (Y = 4) and trioctahedral (Y = 6). If the X ion is K or
Na the mica is common mica whereas if the X ion is Ca the mica is classed as brittle
mica.
Trioctahedral micas
Common micas:
• Phlogopite
• Biotite
• Zinnwaldite
• Lepidolite
• Muscovite
Brittle micas:
• Clintonite
There are seven important mica minerals:
• Muscovite or potassium mica
H2KAl3(SiO4)3
• Paragonite or sodium mica
H2 NaAl3(SiO4)3
• Lepidolite or lithium mica
K Li Al(OH, F)2Al(SiO4)3
• Phlogopite or magnesium mica
H2KMg3Al(SiO4)3

Conceptual Study
• Biotite or magnesium iron mica
(H2K)(Mg, Fe)3Al(SiO4)3
• Zinnwaldite or lithium iron mica
Li2K2Fe2Al4Si7O24
• Lepidomelane or iron mica
(H, K)2(Fe, Al)4(SiO4)5
Muscovite is the commonest of all and whenever the word mica is used it is understood
to mean muscovite.
Other names of Mica:
• Cat-gold
• Cat-silver
• Glimmer
• Glist
• Katen-silber
• Katzen-silber
• Katzengold
• Or des chats
• Rhomboidal Mica
BIOTITE
Biotite is a sheet silicate.Iron, magnesium, aluminium, silicon, oxygen, and
hydrogen form sheets that are weakly bond together by potassium ions. It is sometimes
called "iron mica" because it is more iron-rich than phlogopite. It is also sometimes

Conceptual Study
called "black mica" as opposed to "white mica" (muscovite) -- both forms in some rocks,
in some instances side-by-side.
PROPERTIES
Like other mica minerals, biotite has a highly perfect basal cleavage, and
consists of flexible sheets, or lamellae, which easily flake off. It has a monoclinic crystal
system, with tabular to prismatic crystals with an obvious pinacoid termination. It has
four prism faces and two pinacoid faces to form a pseudohexagonal crystal. Although not
easily seen because of the cleavage and sheets, fracture is uneven. It has a hardness of
2.5–3, a specific gravity of 2.7–3.1, and an average density of 3.09 g/cm³. It appears
greenish to brown or black, and even yellow when weathered. It can be transparent to
opaque, has a vitreous to pearly luster, and a grey-white streak. When biotite is found in
large chunks, they are called “books” because it resembles a book with pages of many
sheets.
General
Category – Silicate Mineral
Chemical formula – K (Mg, Fe++) 2(AlSi3010) (F, OH) 2
IDENTIFICATION
Molar mass – 433.53g
Color – Dark Brown, Greenish Brown, Blackish Brown, Yellow, White
Crystal system – Monoclinic (2/m) Space Group: C 2/m
Twinning – Common on the {310} less common on the {001}
Cleavage – Perfect on the {001}

Conceptual Study
Fracture – Micaceous
Tenacity – Brittle to flexible. Elastic
Mohs Scale Hardness – 2.5-3.0
Luster – Vitreous to pearly
Streak – Grey
Diaphaneity – Transparent to translucent to opaque
Specific gravity – 2.7-3.1
Density – 2.8-3.4
PHLOGOPITE
Phlogopite is a yellow, greenish, or reddish-brown member of the mica family of
phyllosilicates. It is also known as magnesium mica.Phlogopite is the magnesium end
member of the biotite solid solution series, with the chemical formula KMg3AlSi3O10 (F,
OH) 2, or (KF) 2(MgO) 6 (Al2O3) (SiO2)6(H2O) 2. Phlogopite is a yellow, greenish, or
reddish-brown member of the mica family of phyllosilicates. It is also known as
magnesium mica.Phlogopite is the magnesium end member of the biotite solid solution
series, with the chemical formula KMg3AlSi3O10(F, OH)2, or (KF)2(MgO)6
(Al2O3)(SiO2)6(H2O)2.
General:
Category – biotite, mica, phyllosilicates
Chemical formula – K (Mg, Fe, Mn) 3Si3AlO10 (F, OH) 2
Molar mass – 419.25
Color – Yellowish or greenish-brown
Crystal Habit – Tabular, scaly masses, rarely perfect phenocryst

Conceptual Study
tablets.
Crystal System – Monoclinic (2/m) Space Group:C 2/m
Cleavage – Perfect basal
Fracture – bends without breaking
Mohs Scale hardness – 2-2.5
Luster – Pearly, sometimes slightly metallic
Streak – Colorless
MUSCOVITE
Muscovite (also known as Common mica, Isinglass, or Potash mica is a
phyllosilicate mineral of aluminium and potassium with formula KAl2(AlSi3O10)(F,OH)2,
or (KF)2(Al2O3)3(SiO2)6(H2O). It has a highly-perfect basal cleavage yielding
remarkably-thin laminæ (sheets) which are often highly elastic. Muscovite has a Mohs
hardness of 2–2.25 parallel to the [001] face, 4 perpendicular to the [001] and a specific
gravity of 2.76–3. It can be colorless or tinted through grays, browns, greens, yellows, or
(rarely) violet or red, and can be transparent or translucent. The green, chromium-rich
variety is called fuchsite.
Muscovite is in demand for the manufacture of fireproofing and insulating
materials and to some extent as a lubricant. The name of muscovite comes from
Muscovy-glass, a name formerly used for the mineral because of its use in Russia for
windows. It is anisotropic and has high birefringence. Its crystal system is monoclinic
General
Category - Silicate mineral
Chemical formula - KAl2(AlSi3O10)(F,OH)2

Conceptual Study
IDENTIFICATION
Color - White, grey, silvery
Crystal habit - massive to platy
Crystal system - Monoclinic (2/m) Space Group: C 2/m
Twinning - common on the [310] less common on the {001}
Cleavage - Perfect on the {001}
Fracture - Micaceous
Tenacity – Elastic
Mohs Scale hardness -2–2.5 parallel to {001} to 4 right angle to {001}
Luster – Vitreous
Streak – White
Diaphaneity - transparent to translucent
Specific gravity -2.76 - 3
ZINNWALDITE:
Zinnwaldite, KLiFeAl (AlSi3) O10 (OH, F) 2, is a potassium lithium iron
aluminium silicate hydroxide fluoride silicate mineral in the mica group
The Silicate Class:
The silicates are the largest, the most interesting and the most complicated class of
minerals by far. Approximately 30% of all minerals are silicates and some geologists
estimate that 90% of the Earth's crust is made up of silicates. With oxygen and silicon the
two most abundant elements in the earth's crust silicates abundance is no real surprise.
The basic chemical unit of silicates is the (SiO4) tetrahedron shaped anionic group with a
negative four charge (-4).The central silicon ion has a charge of positive four while each

Conceptual Study
oxygen has a charge of negative two (-2) and thus each silicon-oxygen bond is equal to
one half (1/2) the total bond energy of oxygen.
This condition leaves the oxygen’s with the option of bonding to another silicon ion
and therefore linking one (SiO4) tetrahedron to another and another, etc.The complicated
structures that this silicate tetrahedrons form is truly amazing. They can form as single
units, double units, chains, sheets, rings and framework structures. The different ways
that the silicate tetrahedrons combine is what makes the Silicate Class the largest, the
most interesting and the most complicated class of minerals.
Classification
Silicates are divided into the following subclasses, not by their chemistries, but by
their structures:
• Nesosilicates (single tetrahedrons)
• Sorosilicates (double tetrahedrons)
• Inosilicates (single and double chains)
• Cyclosilicates (rings)
• Phyllosilicates (sheets)
• Tectosilicates (frameworks)
• The Phyllosilicate Subclass
In this subclass, rings of tetrahedrons are linked by shared oxygen’s to other rings
in a two dimensional plane that produces a sheet-like structure. Typically, the sheets are
then connected to each other by layers of cations. These cation layers are weakly bonded
and often have water molecules and other neutral atoms or molecules trapped between
the sheets. The micas are an important group of minerals. They represent the classic

Conceptual Study
phyllosilicate mineral and are usually the first minerals to be thought of from this
subclass of the Silicates Class. Micas are significant rock forming minerals being found
in all three rock types: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. The term "mica" is so
familiar to the general public that it is often considered a mineral in itself. The Mica
Group is actually a rather large group of minerals with over 30 members. Being true
phyllosilicates, all micas are thus composed of sheets of silicate tetrahedrons. The silicate
sheets are composed of interconnected six member rings. These rings are responsible for
the micas typical six sided pseudo hexagonal symmetry, in actuality they are only
monoclinic or triclinic. Each tetrahedron in the rings shares three of their oxygen’s with
three other tetrahedrons and all the tetrahedrons in a given sheet point their unshared
oxygen in the same direction. The structure of micas is stacked like a building with
several different layers. Two tetrahedral layers (T) with their tetrahedral points pointing
toward each other, sandwich small metal ions such as aluminum in an octahedral layer
(O). This tetrahedral-octahedral-tetrahedral (TOT) sandwich is stacked with layers of
large cations such as potassium or calciEach tetrahedron in the rings shares three of their
oxygen’s with three other tetrahedrons and all the tetrahedrons in a given sheet point their
unshared oxygen in the same direction. The structure of micas is stacked like a building
with several different layers. Two tetrahedral layers (T) with their tetrahedral points
pointing toward each other, sandwich small metal ions such as aluminum in an octahedral
layer (O). This tetrahedral-octahedral-tetrahedral (TOT) sandwich is stacked with layers
of large cations such as potassium or calcium. There are three major divisions within the
Mica Group; the True Micas, The Brittle Micas and the new division called The
Interlayer-deficient Micas. The True Micas have a majority of singularly charged ions in

Conceptual Study
the A position (ions such as potassium and sodium). The Brittle Micas have a majority of
doubly charged ions in the A position (ions such as calcium or barium). The Interlayer-
deficient Micas, which used to be called the Hydro micas, have fewer i ions than other
micas, hence the name.
The True Mica
Dioctahedral:
• Aluminoceladonite (Potassium Aluminum Magnesium Iron Silicate Hydroxide)
• Boromuscovite (Potassium Boro-silicate Hydroxide)
• Celadonite (Potassium Iron Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide)
• Chromphyllite (Potassium Chromium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide Fluoride)
• Ferro-aluminoceladonite (Potassium Aluminum Iron Magnesium Silicate
Hydroxide)
• Ferroceladonite (Potassium Iron Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide)
• Muscovite (Potassium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide)
• Variety: Fuchsite
• Nanpingite (Cesium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide)
• Paragonite (Sodium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide)
• Roscoelite (Potassium Vanadium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide)
• Tobelite (Ammonium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide)
• Trioctahedral:
• Annite (Potassium Iron Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide)
• Aspidolite (Sodium Magnesium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide)
• Biotite (Potassium Magnesium Iron Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide Fluoride)

Conceptual Study
• Eastonite (Potassium Magnesium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide)
• Ephesite (Sodium Lithium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide)
• Hendricksite (Potassium Zinc Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide)
• Lepidolite (Potassium Lithium Aluminum Silicate Fluoride Hydroxide)
• Masutomilite (Potassium Lithium Aluminum Manganese Silicate Fluoride)
• Montdorite (Potassium Iron Manganese Magnesium Aluminum Silicate Fluoride
• Norrishite (Potassium Lithium Manganese Silicate)
• Polylithionite (Potassium Lithium Aluminum Silicate Fluoride)
• Phlogopite (Potassium Magnesium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide)
• Preiswerkite (Sodium Magnesium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide)
• Siderophyllite (Potassium Iron Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide)
• Tainiolite (Potassium Lithium Magnesium Silicate Fluoride)
• Tetra-ferri-annite (Potassium Iron Silicate Hydroxide)
• Tetra-ferriphlogopite (Potassium Magnesium Iron Silicate Hydroxide)
• Trilithionite (Potassium Lithium Aluminum Silicate Fluoride)
• Zinnwaldite (Potassium Lithium Iron Aluminum Silicate Fluoride Hydroxide)
GENERAL PROPERTIES AND USES OF MICA
• Mica has a high dielectric strength and excellent chemical stability, making it a
favored material for manufacturing capacitors for radio frequency applications.
• It has also been used as an insulator in high voltage electrical equipment.
• It is also birefringent and is commonly used to make quarter and half wave plates.
• Because mica is resistant to heat it is used instead of glass in windows for stoves
and kerosene heaters.

Conceptual Study
• It is also used to separate electrical conductors in cables that are designed to have a
fire-resistance rating in order to provide circuit integrity.
• Because mica can be pressed into a thin film, it is often used on Geiger-Müller
tubes to detect low penetrating Alpha particles.
• Aventurine is a variety of quartz with mica inclusions used as a gemstone.
• Pressed mica sheets are often used in place of glass in greenhouses.
• Mica is often found in mineral cosmetics.
• Some brands of toothpaste include powdered white mica. This acts as a mild
abrasive to aid polishing of the tooth surface, and also adds a cosmetically-pleasing
glittery shimmer to the paste.
• Mica is used in the production of pearlescent pigments
• Muscovite mica is the most common substrate for sample preparation for the
atomic force microscope.
• Freshly-cleaved mica surfaces have been used as clean imaging substrates in atomic
force microscopy, enabling for example the imaging of bismuth films, plasma
glycoproteins, membrane bilayers, and DNA molecules.
• Mica slices are used in electronics to provide electric insulation between a heat-
generating component and the heat sink used to cool it.
COMPOSITION OF MICA
Chemical Composition: Physical Composition
Silica (SiO2) 43-48% Specific Gravity (gm/cm3) 2.82
Aluminia (Al2O3) 33 t0 37% Refractive Index 1.58

Conceptual Study
Potash (K2O) 8 to 12% Apparent Density (lbs/Cu.ft)
Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3) 1.5 to 3 % Wet Bulking Value (Gal/lb.)
Calcium Oxide (CaO) 0.1 to 0.5 % HARDNESS (Moh’s scale)
Magnesia (MgO) 0.1to 1% pH value (B.S.3483)
Titanium Oxide (TiO2) 0.5 to 0.7% pH for distilled water 5.2
Manganese (MnO2) Trace Oil Absorption (B.S.3483) 40-60gm
Sodium Oxide (Na2O) 0.5 to 1.5% Linseed oil per 100gms Mica
Phosphorus (P) 0.02% Water Soluble (B.S.1765) Max.0.05%
Sulphur (S) 0.01% Insolubility in Hydrochloric Acid 94%
Loss on Ignition 3.5 to 5% Moisture at 100°C
Phericity Factor 0.01
SHODHANA:
In Ayurveda, purification is called shodhana. Shodhana is the process
through which the external and internal impurities of metals and minerals are removed.
The process of shodhana is designed for the very alterations for the original properties of
a substance. If searched for the specificity of the nature of the substances to be put to use
to and the sodhana processes adopted for them, it can be easily seen that the process has
to be comparatively soft for softer substance. Substances like Parada, Gandhaka, Gairika,
Kampillaka,Visopavisha,Sudhavarga dravya etc.are treated and handled more gently than
the more tougher substance like are Abhraka, Loha, Tamra, Makshika, Naga, Vanga,
Yasada etc. which are exposed to more rigorous activities. Specifically for metals, to
convert them into consumable, assimiable, body friendly, form it is important that their
compact, hard structure be broken.

Conceptual Study
The drugs or minerals which are mentioned for purifying that particular substance
is mixed with it then peshana, kshalana, swedana etc process are done to eliminate the
mala or impurities.
Minerals, basically are impure, i.e. not fit for internal administration. They contain
many impurities - toxins and may cause many untoward effects in the body. In order to
neutralize these toxins, the minerals are subjected to many purificatory measures in
which , many a times, physical and chemical impurities are removed at the same time
neutralizing the toxins. Also, these processes help in potentiating the minerals, as many
medicinal herbs are used during these processes. A specific shodhana process is
mentioned for a specified mineral or metal.
Chemical purification is different from medicinal purification. In chemical
purification it is only elimination of foreign matters, whereas in medicinal purification
the objects are involved in the
1. Elimination of harmful matter from the drug
2. Modification of undesirable physical properties of the drug
3. Conversion of some of the characteristics of the drug to different stages
4. Enhancement of therapeutic action
There are two kinds of shodhana. The first type, samanya shodhana (general
purification),is applicable to a large number of metals and minerals as heating the thin
sheets of metals and immersing them in oil (taila),buttermilk (takra),cow’s urine
(gomutra ),and other materials. The second type, Vishesha shodhana (special
purification), is applicable only to specific metals and minerals and certain preparations.
Vishesha shodhana includes bhavana, svedana, nirvapana, mardana etc.

Conceptual Study
In this present study, i, e for the shodhana of Abhraka ,Nirvapa is selected.
Nirvapa:
Substances like metals are heated to red hot and immediately immersed in the
liquids like water, oil etc. Such a process is named as Nirvapa or Snapana.
This process is similar to that of Quenching i.e. plunging in liquid media at room
temperature like water, kanji, milk etc.
Here, change occurs at three stages,
i) Phase of heating
ii) Phase of quenching
iii) Post quenching interaction between solid hot material and liquid media.
Biotite is a complex of reactive, poor, transition, metals as well as metalloids and non
metals. But according to chemistry the metallic ions are always held together by metallic
bonds while non-metallic ions are held together by strong covalent bonds formed by
sharing electrons. Biotite is made up of covalent bonds between non-metallic ions and
metallic ions. But these ions of metals and non- metals are combined together to form a
molecule with the help of ionic bonds formed by electrostatic forces between anions and
cations.
Probable mode of action of Nirvapa:
One can hypothetically explain the mode of action of Nirvapa on the basis of Kinetic
Theory of Matter.
1. Phase of heating:
i) Solid crystals at a rest have packed particles which are closed together in a lattice form
and vibrate in their fixed position.

Conceptual Study
ii) But when temperature increases the particle, gain energy and vibrate more strongly and
occupy more spaces. This causes the solid to expand
iii) At the same time, water molecules evaporate and come out through mineral separating
Abhraka in various layers along its parallel cleavage planes.
iv) Due to increase in intra atomic distance, electrostatic forces get weakened.
v) Due to continuous heating, particles get enough to break forces holding them together
and they can move around.
2. Phase of Quenching:
Water media immediately penetrates inside and water soluble impurities get
dissolved in it due to breaking of remaining ionic bonds.
While sudden change in temperature causes breaking of other strong bonds too and
this destroys its flexibility and makes it more brittle.
3. Post Quenching interaction between liquid media and minerals during instant cooling:
Due to heating the particles which are in random position when come in contact
with liquid media, each molecule of the minerals get surrounded by liquid and self-
cooling takes place forming grain containing liquid media.
This may be the reason of imposing of properties of bhavana or nirvapa dravya on
minerals.
If this process of quenching is done for 7 times, naturally it is going to –
i. Reduce hardness
ii. Impose the properties of various media
iii. Cause the colour change.

Conceptual Study
Thus at the completion of the process of Shodhana the original matter is physically
deformed with the other elemental additions and transformations through the various
liquids used. This leads to unique physic chemical structural changes in the original
substance.
Various references of Shodhana of Abhraka explained in different classical texts are
as shown in the table:
Reference Ingredients Method

Rasarnava 4/16 Godugdha, Nirvapa for 7 times
A.P 2/109 thanduliyakapatra rasa.aaranala Nimajjana for 8 yama
Ra.Pra.Su 5/13-14 Kanjika,kulatha kwatha,takra,gomutra Swedana in each medium
for a day.
Ra.Pra.Su 5/14-15 Kanjika,Triphala Nirvapana in each liquid
kvatha,Godugdha,Gomutra,bhringaraja for 7 times
swarasa
R.T 10/18 Kanjika Nirvapana for 7 times
R.T 10/19 Amla drava Mardana in khalwa
yantra
R.T 10/20 Godugdha,Vara kvatha Nirvapana for 7 times
R.T 10/21. Badari kvatha Nirvpana for 7 times and
R.J.N 1/ mardana
R.T 10/23 Godugdha Nirvapana for 7 times

A.P 2/109
R.T 10/24 Amla drava
Tanduliyaka rasa Mardana in Khalva for a
day each

Conceptual Study
Rasa Manjari Badari kvatha Nirvapa for7 times

R.Sa.S 1/150
A.P 2/110 Godugdha,Gomutra,Vara kvatha,kanjika

R.R.S 2/16-17 Nirvapa for 7 times in
R.Chu 10/16 each media
R.Sa.S 1/149
R.Sa.S 1/151 Agastyapuspa toya Paste prepared of
Surana kanda Agastya puspa toya and
Abhraka kept inside
surana kanda and plant it
in the ground near
cowshed for a month.
R.J.N.1/ Nirgundi juice Nirvapa for 7 times
Dhanyabhrakaranam
This is one among the Pancha Samskara of Abhraka. This is described only for
Abhraka. Converting stratified Abhraka into granular form with the help of paddy and
Jute bag is called as Dhanyabhraka.
As Abhraka is found in ignicious rock, during cooling layer wise compact
arrangement generates mica sheets. So, it is also possible that in between the layers of
those small pieces, physical impurities may exist.
So,
1) To reduce the hardness of Abhraka
2) To form more fine and standard size to Abhraka particle to increase the area of
exposure.
3) To remove the remaining physical impurities.


Conceptual Study
4) And also to impose the properties of Amla Rasa through Kanji on it.
Acharyas have introduced process of Dhanyabhrakarana after Sodhana and before
marana.
Action:
a) Remove of physical impurities.
b) Due to the porosity of jute bag, Abhraka is converted to the coarse powder of
standard size. So, it is possible to get the Dhanyabhraka of various particle sizes by
altering the cloth.
c) Due to various actions of Amla rasa, new properties are induced on it.
Procedure:
Shodita Abhraka – 1 part
Paddy – 1/4th part
Kanji – Q.S
Shodita Abhraka and paddy is tied in woolen cloth and kept for a
day. Then it is vigoursly rubbed so that the fine particle of Abhraka comes out through
the pores. These fine flakes of Abhraka are called Dhanyabhraka.
Mode of action:-
a) Interaction between kanji and minerals during soaking period.
b) Mardana with respect to effect of pressure + Dhana + jute bag
c) Interaction between kanji and minerals during soaking period:
Kanji is produced by the fermentation process of rice and plain water. When tested
it shows the pH 3 -3.4 which means it is strongly acidic in acidic in nature. The acids are

Conceptual Study
known to have corrosive properties. So, one can guess that action of acids on Abhraka for
24 hours surely will help to reduce the hardness.
According to Charaka Samhita,
While describing the Atiyoga of rasas he has mentioned that Atiyoga of amla rasa
produces laxity, this clearly indicates amla rasa is having dissociative property by which
it softens the drug under purification.
Amla rasa is having the capacity to open minute pores of the srotasa due to its
tikshna property. Due to Amla rasa kanji also removes the excess fat which is imposed on
Abhraka due to nirvapa in Godugdha. Thus due to the jarana, tikshnatva and kshalana
properties of amla rasa,kanji helps in the reduction of hardness and in the reduction of
particle size. Srotovikasana may take place their which removes the excessive oily
portion and remaining impurities.
MARANA
Marana is an indigenous process of Rasashastra to make Bhasma out of metals and
minerals. This process is also known as Bhasmikarana. It is not advisable to use metals
and minerals in their natural forms as a medicament for internal use.
Definition:
शोिधतान ् लोहधा वाद न ् वम ःवरसा दिभ:।
अ नस योगतो भःमीकरणम ् मारणम ् ःमृतम ्॥
(D.G.V)
Levigation of metals and minerals with liquid extracts of medicinal herbs and later
their exposure to heat is called as process of calcinations i.e. Marana. In case of metals,

Conceptual Study
non-metals and the materials of mineral origin Marana (incineration) process is most
important, as it helps to convert these into Rasibhavana state (absorbable form or organo-
metallic compound form) by addition of Marana drugs, Bhavana herbs and putas (heat
treatment).
Objectives of Marana Process:
1) Marana means to kill the metals and minerals. Metals and minerals lose their self-
characteristics. It get convert into such compound form which on internal use is
absorbed into the system.
2) Doshahani-Destroys the impurities
3) Sookshmikarana – promotes permeability through minuteness
4) Laghutvotpadana – promotes easy circulation and assimilation through lightness.
5) Gunantaradana – bestows multiple efficacy
6) Improves immune system of the body.
Steps involved in the process of Marana:
The series of procedures, involved to prepare good quality of Bhasma, in general in
it sequential order is mentioned as follows:
a.Bhavana (Impregnation in liquids)
b. Mardana (Trituration)
c. Chakrika Nirmana (Pellatisation)
d. Samputikaranam (Sealing inside earthen saucers)
e. Putanam (Incineration)

Conceptual Study
Within one Bhavana and Putapaka complete conversion of metal or mineral into
desired compound form is not possible, hence repetition of whole process for several
times is necessary.
BHAVANA & MARDANA
This is the first process applied to raw materials after shodhana process. In this
process the shodhita materials are triturated with indicated liquids [i.e swarasa, kwatha,
dugdha etc.] for mentioned time span. By, performing this process Shodita materials are
going through following changes.
1. Particle size become smaller and smaller after each bhavana.
2. Shodhita material and Bhavana dravya come in close contact to make a
homogenous mixture.
3. Bhavana dravyas act like a binding material for the forthcoming pellet formation
stage.
4. By using particular bhavana dravya one can induce the desired therapeutic effect in
to the end products.
CHAKRIKA NIRMANA:
This is an intermediate process of marana, in which bhavita and mardita dravyas
are subjected to pellet formation for achieving following objectives.
a) It facilitates the drying process so that the duration will be less.
b) By forming pellets one can adjust higher amount materials into a limited space of
sharavas.
c) It helps to spread homogenous heat to each particle of the material.

Conceptual Study
d) It enhances the surface area of the materials to allow maximum heat transfer during
puta process.
e) It help to counter act the loss of prepared drugs after successive puta with
advantage of easy handling.
SHARAVA SAMPUTA:
In this process dried pellets are kept in a sharava and with the help of another
sharava and mud-plastering with cotton cloth strips,sandhi bandhana is made to prepare
sharava samputa. This process is carried out with following objectives:
1. To protect the materials form contamination from ash produced by fuel.
2. To apply uniform and standard heating to each pellets.
3. To prevent complete oxidation of the materials kept inside the sharava samputa.
4. To check undesired excessive heating of the materials due to its insulation properties.
References of Marana of Abhraka in different media:
Bhavana dravya Type and number of puta’s Reference

required
1 Kasamarda swarasa 10 gaja puta R.J.N 1/.R.T10/30-32
Ravi ksheera 10 gaja puta
2 Nagavalli dala rasa 5 gaja puta
Vasa rasa 5 gaja puta R.T10/33-34
Nygrodha payas 5 gaja puta
5 gaja puta
3 Thanduliya drava 10 gaja puta
Punarnava rasa 10 gaja puta R.T 10/35-37
Vatangura rasa 10 gaja puta

Conceptual Study
4 Musta kashaya 5 gaja puta

Kadalikanda rasa 5 gaja puta
Thanduliyaka rasa 5 gaja puta
Bhringaraja rasa 5 gaja puta R.T 10/38
Triphala kashaya 5 gaja puta
1 gaja puta after adding equal
amount of gandhaka
5 Ravi moola drava 7 gajaputa
Nyagrodha moola 3 gajaputa R.J.N 1/
kvatha R.T 10/39-42
Kadalikanda rasa 7 gajaputa
6 Ksheera traya
Kakamachi
Gokshura
Apamarga
Vatapraroha 10 gajaputa each R.T.10/43-45
Gomutra 100 gajaputa in total
Tulasi
Kadalikanda
7 Guda-1/8th part
Eranda patra swarasa 10 gajaputa R.T 10/46-48
(bhavana for 6 hrs) (Vatapatra samputa) R.J.N 1/ 2nd vol
8 Moolaka swarasa 21 gajaputa R.T 10/49-51
(1-2 days)
9 Vatapraroha kvath 10 gajaputa
(1 day bhavana) (eranda patra samputa)
Kalivrksha 10 gaja puta R.T 10/52-55
Vasa swarasa 10 gaja puta
Kshudraa kashaya 10 gaja puta
10 Andha moosha+ 1 part tankana A.P 2/116-117

Conceptual Study
1 gaja puta R.J.N 1/

11 Ravi moola drava 7 Gaja puta
(Arka patra samputa) A.P 2/119-122
Vata jata kvatha 3 gaja puta R.Sa.S 1/163-164
12 Kasamarda swarasa 10 Gaja puta

Musta kvatha
uliya kvatha 10 gaja puta A.P 2/123
13 Hamsapadi rasa 7 varaha puta
Punarnava panchanga 7 Varaha puta
rasa R.P.Su.5/16-20
Thanduliya rasa 7 varaha puta
Vasa kvatha 7 varaha puta
Along with 1/3th
tankana
14 Kasamarda rasa 100 gaja puta
Musta kvatha 60 gaja puta
Thanduliyaka rasa 60 gaja puta R.P.Su.5/21-23
th
Along with 1/4 part
tankana
15 Taamboola rasa 4 gajaputa
Vata moola tvacha 4 gaja puta
rasa
Vasa rasa 4 gaja puta R.P.Su 5/24-26
Brahmi rasa 4 gaja puta
Matyakshi rasa 4 gaja puta
Punarnava rasa 4 gaja puta

Conceptual Study
15 Matyakshi rasa ½ gajaputa

Punarnava rasa 6 gaja puta
With tankana-1/16th 7 Ardha gaja puta
part R.R.S 2/17-20
Vasa rasa 7 Ardha gaja puta
Thanduliya rasa 7 Ardha gaja puta
17 Kasamarda rasa 10 gaja puta
Nagara musta 10 gaja puta R.R.S 2/22
Thanduliya rasa 10 gaja puta
18 Haridra rasa
Amalaki rasa 6 gaja puta R.R.S.2/23
With tankana
19 Vatamoola tvacha
kvatha
Tamboola patra rasa 20 gaja puta R.R.S 2/24-25
Vasa rasa R.J.N 1/
Matyakshi rasa
Meenakshi rasa
20 Musta kvatha 25 gaja putas A.K II part 1/153-154
(Bhavana 25 times)
Gomutra,Triphala 25 gaja putas
kvatha
(bhavana 25 times) 1 gajaputa
Kasamarda rasa 3 gajaputa
Godugdha (bhavana 3
times)
21 With tankana in Andha moosha A.K II 1/145-156
and subject to tivra agni. Rasa Khanda 6/15-16

Conceptual Study
22 Amla drava (3 days) Koshti,Khadira angara A.K II 1/162-167

1/10 th maricha
churna Heating
Agastya swarasa(6
times)
Shigru swarasa
Punarnava swarasa (6 3 gaja putas
times bhavana each)
Sita,madhu,goghrita,g 3 gaja putas
odugdha
Matsyakshi(3 times)
Vandhya
karkoti(3times)
23 Arka ksheera 7 gaja putas A.K II 1/175
Arkamoola kvatha
24 Aaranala(1 day) 1 gaja puta A.K II 1/173-174
Patolimoola rasa
Dadhi 7 gajaputa
Yava chincha drava 7 gaja puta
25 Kanji(3 hour) A.K,II 1/176-179
Karpasamoola rasa 21 gaja puta R.J.N 1/
(1day)
Goksheera (1 day)
26 Tankana (2 parts) in R,Sa.S 1/162
Andhamoosha
27 Rambhadi kshara toya Gomaya vahni R.Sa.S 1/152-153
Nirvapa in dugdha

Conceptual Study
28 Rambha rasa/kvatha Along with saindhava lavana in R.Sa.S 1/161

Snuhi moola kvatha Rambha patra samputa using
Arka moola kvatha charcoal as fuel.
29 Matsyakshi 6 Ardha gaja puta R.J.N 1/

Punarnava 7 Ardha gaja puta
Vasa With tankana
Thanduliyaka 7 Ardha gaja puta
30 Amalaki With haratala and tankana 6 R.J.N 1/

gaja puta
31 Godugdha (1000) 1000 gajaputa R.J.N 1/
32 Vataksheera 10 gaja putas R.J.N 1/
33 Punarnava,Meghanada 1 gajaputa Rasaratnakara
(1 day each) Rasa Khanda 6/11-12 1/2
Chincha,surana,Musta Arkaputa samputa
(I day each) 3 gajaputa
34 Raviksheera or 7 gajaputa R.ratna 6/35

ravimoola drava
35 Gomutra,tulsi,bakuchi With tankana R.ratna
.surana 1 gaja puta Rasa khanda 6/33-34
(1 day bhavana each) 3 gaja puta
Jayanti
36 Goghrita,Triphala Pachana,25 gaja puta R.ratna
kvatha 3 gajaputa Rasa khanda 6/13-14
Musta 25 gajaputa
Kasamarda rasa 3 gaja puta
Godugdha

Conceptual Study
37 Palandu rasa
Vasa rasa
Nirgundi rasa
Ardraka rasa 1 Ardha gajaputa each Rasamritam 2/176-178
Guduchi rasa
Arkaksheera
Snuhi ksheera
Kumari rasa
Various drugs in Maraka Gana ( R.T 10/56)
Ksheeratraya Triphala Devadaru
Kakamachi Ajarakta Agastya patra
Musta Kantakari Guduchi
Ghritakumari Guda Mandukaparni
Vatapraroha Eranda Devadaru
Gomutra Chitraka Brihati
Bivamooladala Dadimadala Tiktaka
Vasa Taleesa Gokshura
Saptaparna Dhatura Tulasi
Agnimantha Vajigandha Talamooli
Tagara Patali Sankhapuspi
Lodhra Prishniparni Durva
Nagavalli Rambhakanda rasa Bhringaraja

Conceptual Study
Puta:
UxÉÉÌS SìurÉ mÉÉMüÉlÉÉqÉç mÉëqÉÉhÉ ¥ÉÉmÉlÉqÉç mÉÑOûqÉç |
lÉå¹Éå lrÉÔlÉÉÍkÉMüÈ mÉÉMüÈ xÉÑmÉÉMÇü ÌWûiÉqÉÉæwÉkÉqÉç || - (R.R.S1/47)
That which provides with the knowledge of the measure of extent of cooking various
substances like Parada is Puta. And this knowledge is necessary as neither less nor more
The amount of heat required to cause the paka of rasa,uparasa,loha etc with the agni
produced with the help of utpala,tusha etc is puta.
Puta is the process in which the degree of heat,which is necessary for the
incineration of rasa,maharasa,uparasa or metals. It is seen that the degree of heat is
neither less nor more than necessary in this process.This can be further classified as:
Puta is a visible, measurable parameter to understand as to what a drug undergoes when
exposed to conditions favourable for a reaction. Nowhere in the definition, is a direct
mention of the word “Agni” made. Hence we can say that this referred “Paka” can be
anything that brings about a change.
Advantages of Puta:
a. To bring the materials to a micro fine particle size level for better assimilation
capacity.
b. To change the chemical nature and physical properties and by that, to induce desired
colour,luster and likewise properties.
c. To induce the desired therapeutic efficacy in raw materials.

Conceptual Study
Importance
Puta generates the following properties into the Bhasmas:-
(1) Dosa vinasha (7) Laghutva
(2) Guna Prakarhsa (8) Sheeghra Vyapti
(3) Niruthatva (9) More effective than Jarita Parada
(4) Dipana (10) Raukshya
(5) Varitaratva (11) Saukshmya
(6) Apunarbhava (12) Varna
The definition of Puta and its achievement are placed consecutively, thus indicating
the that if the “Paka” is proper, the drug will bear the mentioned qualities.(The
achievement” mention of these qualities is an evidence that ours seers were well aware of
the metallurgical aspect of metals.)
Types of Puta:
S. No. Name of the Dimensions Total no of
puta Classical Metric system. Upala
1. Mahaputa (2 Hasta)3 91×91×91 1500
2. Gaja puta (1 rajahasta)3 57×57×57 1000
3. Kukkuta puta (2 vitasti)3 46×46×46 100
4. Varaha puta (1 Aratni)3 42×42×42 500
5. Laghu Puta 8 upala 23×23×23 8

Conceptual Study
6. Bhudara puta - 20×20×20 -
7. Gorbara puta (1 vitasti)3 height 23×23×23 Upala churna
8. Bhanda puta Brihat bhanda 17000 -
9. Valuka puta Brihat bhanda 17000 -
Out of all these Putas,in the preparation of Abhraka Bhasma Gaja Puta is mentioned
puta.So, here we will have a bird eye view on Gaja Puta.
Gaja Puta:
A pit which measures 1 raja hasta (about 22.5 inches) in length,width,depth is
made and cowdung cakes are filled into brim of this pit. Then the properly sealed musha
containing mineral drugs is placed upon the heap of cowdung cakes and half the number
of cowdung cakes are spread upon the musha and fire is lit. This puta is called gaja puta
is said to be very beneficial. By these one can say that Gaja Puta means “ a cavity having
a measurement of 24 angulas or 22.5 inches.”The number of upalas mentioned for Gaja
puta is thousand.
*Vanopala:
Cowdung cakes naturally available in the grazing area,where cows graze.The dung
excreted by the cows,dry there alone and picked later and used as Vanopala.
Standardisation of Upala as per the reference of Mahaputa:
According to authors pit mentioned for Gaja Puta (i.e, 1 rajahasta) accommodate only
375 Upala’s.
Measurement of Pit for Mahaputa = 90×90×90 cm3

Conceptual Study
Volume of Mahaputa = 729000 cm3
Number of Upalas mentioned in Mahaputa = 1500
Volume of 1 Upala = 729000/1500
= 486 cm3
Volume of 1 Upala = πr2 × t
486=22/7 × r2×2cm
r2= 486 ×7/22×2
r =√3402/44
= √77.39
= 8.79cm.
‘t’ taken as 2.5cm
Then ‘r’ = √486× 7/22×2.5
= √3402/55
=√61.85
r = 7.86 cm
d = 15.72 cm
Weight of Upala before drying = 415.6gm
Weight of Upala after drying = 96.7gm
Loss on drying = 318.9gm
Thickness after drying =2.1 cm
Measurement of pit of Gaja Puta = 1’10” ( l×b×h)
= 22”×22”×22”
= 55×55×55 cm3

Conceptual Study
Volume of gajaputa = 166375 cm3
Reasoning: with regard to Mahaputa the number of Upalas which can be accommodated
in the pit
= 97gm×1 Upala × 1500 upala
729000 = 1500: 166375: ?
Number of Upalas that can be accommodated = 166375 × 1500/729000
In the Gaja puta = 342.34
Volume of upala’s that can be accommodated in it =33.680 kg
Number of Upala’s required to fill the Gaja Puta pit = 33.680/96.7
= 348.29
Standardisation of single upala:
4 upala’s are made with diameter ranging from 15.5cm, 15.5cm, 15cm and 15.5
cm. and thickness of about 2.5cm respectively. These are dried under sunlight.it took 15
days for complete drying of the upala.
Table showing the difference in weight,diameter and thickness of cow dung cakes
after drying.
No. Weight Diameter Thickness

(Before (After drying) (Before (After
drying) drying) drying)
1 415.6gm 87gm 15.5cm 13.6cm 2.5cm
II 480gm 110gm 16cm 15.7cm 2.5cm
III 445gm 112gm 16cm 15.6cm 2.5cm
IV 427gm 85gm 15,5cm 14.6cm 2.5cm

Conceptual Study
Number of Puta:
The scholars of Rasashastra widely vary in their opinion regarding the number of
Putas to be given for preparation of Abhraka Bhasma.Acharyas prescribe the putas
ranging from 1 to 1000.(1,3,7,10,20,30,50,100,1000) (A.P.2/106 ),for the preparation of
Abhraka Bhasma. Also according to reference,as the number of puta goes on increasing
potency of the drug also replicates.So maximum number of puta should be given
specially in case of Abhraka and Lauha.
Bhasma production can be deformation of the ore into therapeutically efficacious
form, entirely different from its original form. The process of calcination can be defined
as a endothermic reaction in which energy supplied in the form of heat.
Factors affecting the rate of reaction:
(1) Surface area:
If a solid is being reacted with a liquid,greater the surface area,causes more
exposure of the solid to the liquid which increases the rate of reaction.
The same principle is used in Abhraka marana.Abhraka is made up of a stratified
structure having compactly arranged layers.So,along with its purification ,separation of
the layers as well as reduction of its hardness is important and to achieve that pre-
processes of marana i.e,Sodhana and Dhanyabhrakarana are explained.
(a) In Shodhana compactness of stratified ore is destroyed by separation of layer. But
reduction in the hardness of Abhraka occurs, due to the fragility. The ore gets broken
up into numerous small pieces and layers, increasing the area of exposure, which
increases rate of reaction.
(b) In Dhanyabhrakarana tough purified Abhraka is broken into pieces, its stratified

Conceptual Study
nature remain persistent. To convert the stratified form into granular form, this
process is done which enhances the rate of reaction by increasing the opportunities of
better exposure of particles to liquid media.
(2) Temperature:
A reaction can be made to go faster or slower by changing the temperature
of reactants i.e.Temperature α Rate of reaction. Also for Abhraka marana, the higher
temperature of nearly 980°C is produced which again enhances the rate of reaction.
(3) Concentration:
Concentration of Bhavana drugs also increases the rate of reaction by increasing
the chances of collisions between the molecules.
ABHRAKA BHASMA
िन िा णम ् ःव छम ् सुसू मम ् ःपश कोमलम ्।
अॅम ् मृतम ् वजनीया रसत ऽ वच ण:॥ (R.J.N 1/)
िन िकम ् सुसआ
ू मम ् च लोचना जन स नभम ्।
तदा तु मृतिम यु म ् ना यथा मृतम ्।
मृतम ् िन िताम ् यातम णम ् चामृतोपम ्॥ (A.P.2/104)
Mica is said to be incinerated,if it is deprived of its glaze and becomes as fine as
collyrium, otherwise, it is to be considered as un-killed.
The lakshana ‘s mentioned for Abhraka Bhasma are:
• Devoid of lustre
• Red in colour
• Pure

Conceptual Study
• Minute
• Soft to touch
All the texts have highlighted nischandrata or absence of lustre as the main feature
in Abhraka Bhasma.
According to R.P.S 5/26 ,the author has specifically mentioned the effects of
Chandrika-yukta Abhraka Bhasma. He has mentioned that chandrika yukta Abhraka
Bhasma takes life as that of visha,vajra and agni.
All the other Bhasma Pariksha’s are applicable to Abhraka Bhasma also.
Bhasma Pariksha:
1) Bhasma Varna:
The colour of the final bhasma should be similar to that mentioned in classical
texts,which is specific for individual bhasma.In this case it is Ishtika varna or brick-red
colour.
2) Nischandratvatam:
Absence of metallic lustre when viewed under sunlight. This is the main feature to
be present in Abhraka bhasma.
3) Rekhapurnata
It should be so soft and fine as to get entrapped between the creases of thumb and
index finger.
4) Slakshnata
It should be soft to touch.

Conceptual Study
5) Anjana sadrusha sooksmata
Fineness comparable to collyrium which is non – irritating to the eyes on
application.
6) Varitara
It should float on still water,on sprinkling on to its surface.
7) Unama
A rice grain placed carefully on the floating film of bhasma,should not sink.
8) Gata rasatvam
Properly processed bhasma’s are,in general,tasteless.
9) Dantanam Kachakachabhavam
No grittiness observed on mastication of bhasma, which fails, in case of
coarseness of bhasma.
10) Nirdhumatvam
Bhasma, when sprinkled on coal, should not emit smoke, signifying absence of
inorganic residue.
11) Apunarbhava
Bhasma should not revert to its original state, on heating in a samputa with, equal
quantity of dravaka gana.
12) Nirutha
When exposed to heat (equivalent to heat of preparation) along with silver, it
does not ‘stick’ to silver, meaning does not increase the weight of silver, the bhasma is
properly formed.

Conceptual Study
ABHRAKA BHASMA GUNA
A lot of therapeutic properties have been attributed to Abhraka Bhasma by various
Acharyas of Rasashastra in their respective texts.
Rasa Panchaka
Most of the Acharyas have mebtioned Rasa Panchaka of Abhraka Bhasma as
follows:
Rasa – Kashaya.Madhura
Guna – Snigdha,Laghu
Virya – Sita
Vipaka – Madhura
Prabhava – Rasayana
Dosa Karma: Vatapittaghn,Tridoshagna
Table showing Karma of Abhraka Bhasma:
Karma R.T A.P R.P.S R.Chi
Prajnabodhi + +
Vrishya + +
Aayushya + + +
Balya + + +
Dipana + +
Smritikara + + _
Jwarahara + +
Yogavahi + +

Conceptual Study
Santanakaraka + + +
Sukhravridhikara + + + +
Chakshusya +
Keshya +
Varnya +
Medhya +
Sthanyavardhaka +
Ruchikara + +
Dhatuvridhikara +
Pranavardhaka +
Table showing Rogaghnata of Abhraka Bhasma:
Rogaghnata R.T R.R.S R.P.Su. A.P
Sarvarogahara + +
Maharoga + +
Jwara +
Grahani + +
Raktapitta + +
Kshaya + +
Pandu + +
Prameha + +

Conceptual Study
Mutrakrcchra + +
Mutraaghaata + +
Vrana +
Hridroga +
Kaphamaya +
Ruja +
Jara +
Shopha +
Shoola +
Kushta +
Aruchi +
Mandagni + +
Bhutonmaada +
Kasa +
Regarding the causative factor of lustre in Abhraka Bhasma there are 2 opinions:
I. According to some,it’s same as that of metallic lustre and present due to Aluminium
content of Raw Abhraka. While according to Minerology,it is due to high silica
content of ore.The book of mineralogy ‘Getting Acquainted with Minerals’,reveals
that Mica bears a non-metallic pearly lustre due to its exfoliated structure as well as
due to oxide contents.

Conceptual Study
II. Also by reviewing the analysis if Abhraka Bhasma,one can say that there is a marked
reduction in the percentage of silica after each 10 puta as compared to the reduction
in the percentage of Al2O3.
III. One may arise the question,regarding the presence of silica in the Nishchandra
Bhasma. It may be considered as the water soluble portion of silica which doesnot
produce any lustre.
So, by reviewing these points,I.II and III one can say that,
Abhraka bears a non – metallic,pearly lustre which may be produced by SiO2 content of
that ore.
PATHYAPATHYA DURING SEVANA KALA OF ABHRAKA BHASMA
During the duration of treatment with either form of the Abhraka the intake of
following things should be avoided.
Apathya
Karira (Capparis aphyllha), Karevella (Momordica charantia), Karkata (Cucumis
utilissimus), Kola (Zizyphus jujuba), Amalakam (Garcinia indica), Taila (Vegetable oil),
Kshara, Vrntaka (Solanum melongena). [R.T 10/116]
Kshara ,Amla,Dvidala (legumes) Karkati,Karavellaka,Vrntaka,Taila,Kareera. [A.P]
Prohibition regarding the use of Sachandra Abhraka Bhasma
If Sachandra Abhraka bhasma is used internallyit may cause,
1. PRAMEHA AND AGNIMANDYA (R.R.S 2/13)
2. DEATH BY INTESTINAL PERFORATION (A.P 2/5)
3. AGNIMANDYA,KRIMI and INTESTINAL PERFORATION (R.S.S 1/152)
4. DEATH (R.P.S 5/15)

Conceptual Study
Treatment:
According to R.J.N,to treat these idiopathic disorders,Umaphala with water
should be administered for 3 days where Umaphala means Atasi (Linum usitossimum) by
Dr.S.N.Mishra while Amalaki (Embillica officinalis) by Dr.D.A Kulkarni .(R.R.S 2/26)
Dose of Abhraka Bhasma
वे ल योष सम वतम ् घृतयुतम ् व लो मतम ् से वतम ्।
(R.R.S 2/51)
The dose is 1 Valla i.e, 375mg (1-2 ratti)
The Anupana as vidanga choorna and trikatu along with ghrita.
AMRITIKARANA
Very few metals like copper or iron and minerals like Abhraka still bear some
impurities after the Marana. In such cases the whole process is repeated until a purified
and therapeutically safer product for internal use is obtained. In addition, a process called
Amritikarana is done to make these metals safer.
sÉÉåWûÉSÏlÉÉqÉç qÉ×iÉÉlÉÉqÉç uÉæ ÍzÉ¹SÉãwÉÉmÉlÉÑ¨ÉrÉå |
Ì¢ürÉiÉå rÉxiÉÑ xÉÇxMüÉU AqÉ×iÉÏMüUhÉÇ qÉiÉqÉç || (R.T 2/58)
Amritikarana is a process by which certain bhasmas are made just similar to Amrita
in properties and tests have mentioned that by this treatment remaining doshas of the
bhasmas are minimised or removed.
The process consists of heating the product from marana procedure in the presence
of some herbal materials to improve safety and therapeutic effect.In this process the
required amounts of triphala decoction, cow’s ghrita and dhatu bhasma are placed in an
iron pot. Mild heat is applied until the medicinal fluids are completely evaporated.

Conceptual Study
Bhasma that remains at the end of this process is safer and possesses higher therapeutic
efficacy.
By the process of amritikarana, bhasma will attain gunavridhhi along with
varnahaani ie, the colour of the bhasma is lost.
The main aims of the Amritikarana
(1) To remove the remaining impurities from the Bhasmas.
(2) To reduce the rukshata produced by Agni Samskara.
(3) To increase the potency of Bhasma.
The drug processed in this method turns into amritatulya and thus the effect in the
body. Also if at all any of the avashista dosha left out in Marana will get nullified in
amritikarana process. If Abhraka is not totally converted into homologous substance ,by
amritikarana gets totally converted into a homologous substance which help in digestion
and absorption of the drug in the body.
Amritikarana process according to different references:-
Ingredients Procedure Reference

1.Triphala kvatha-16 pala Heating in iron pan till the R.T 10/68-69
Goghrita-8 pala complete loss of moisture R.J.N 1/
Abhraka bhasma-10 pala A.P 2/130
2.Abhraka bhasma – 1 part Heating in iron pan till ghee R.T 10/71
Goghrita-1 part gets jirna A.P 2/239
R.J.N 1/- vol II
3.Kumari rasa- 1 part Heating in iron pan till the R.T 10/70
Goghrita – I part complete loss of moisture
Abhraka bhasma -10 parts
xÉÌuÉzÉåwÉÇ xqÉ¨ÉïurÉ AÂhÉxrÉ mÉÑlÉUqÉ×iÉÏMüUhÉå lÉ aÉÑhÉuÉ×Î®È WûÉlrÉåiÉiÉç | (R.J.N vol II 1/)

Conceptual Study
These processes hold good in the case of dead mica,not red in colour.The qualities
of dead mica,red in colour,do not improve by the process of nectarisation.On the other
hand,red mica undergoes deterioration in efficacy by this process.
AÂhÉpÉxqÉlÉÈ mÉÑlÉUqÉ×iÉÏMüUhÉålÉ aÉÑhÉuÉ×Î®È uÉhÉïWûÉÌlÉ¶É eÉÉrÉiÉå | (R.T 2/58)
While describing uses of this samskara,Acharyas have quoted a disadvantage too,called
as Varnahani (colour loss) i.e Brick-red colour bhasma changes to brown or black colour.
The secret behind this can be revealed by referring to the periodic
table.Iron is the main constituent in Abhraka bhasma.Iron is a transition element (4th
period),forms 3 and 2 types of oxides respectively. These oxides of an element may
transform to one or other type on heating.
Iron forms three types of oxides.
1. Iron (II) ferrous oxide –FeO (black powder produced by heating iron oxalate in
absence of air)
2. Iron (III) Ferric oxide – Fe2O3 (Red powder prepared by heating iron hydroxide in
strong heat)
3. Iron (II,III) Ferroso Ferric Oxide-Fe3O4(Bluish black prepared by heating in air or
steam to redness)
Iron (III) oxide is the basic oxide readily reacting with dilute acids to form
corresponding iron (ii) salts,this makes it the most absorptive form of iron,which will be
digested in stomach.
Iron (II) changes rapidly to Iron (III) when it is exposed to air. When Iron (II,III) treated
with acids ,it immediately yields the iron(II) and Iron(III) salts in solution.

Conceptual Study
Thus from the above mentioned reactions one can conclude that,due to process of
Amritikarana-
(A) In first step iron III changes to iron II, III
(B) In second step Iron III changes to Iron II as earthen sharava is covered causing
absence of air.
So, the red colour which was due to Iron III is lost and Bhasma become brownish
black in colour. That is why to overcome this disadvantage; they have introduced another
procedure called Lohitikarana.
LOHITIKARANA:
The process is done to regain the colour of bhasma which is lost in the
process of Amritikarana. In process the bhasma is given bhavana with Raktavarga
dravyas and subjected to 2-3 gajaptas.
The reference is taken from R.T 10/65-67
Abhraka bhasma should be given bhavana with any of the drugs like gangeruki
(Grewia tenax), bhadramusta (Cyperus rotundas), vataksheera (Latex of Ficus
bengalensis), vatamoola jala (decoction of root of Ficus bengalensis), haridra drava
(decoction of urcuma longa), manjistha kvatha( decoction of Rubia cordifolia) etc and 2-
3 gaja putas are given to obtain the desired colour.
According to A.P 2/133-134
If the desired colour of bhasma is not obtained after the process of amritikarana
then bhasma is given bhavana with Rakta varga dravyas and 2-3 gaja putas are given to
obtain the mentioned brick-red colour of Abhraka bhasma.

Conceptual Study
After Amritikarana,the colour of Abhraka bhasma is lost.As there occurs change in
the chemical composition of the bhasma.The main content being the ferric compound
which is the cause of brick-red colour in it. While heating with tripahala kvatha and
ghrita in aerobic condition, the ferric gets converted into ferrous form or ferreso-ferric
compound. So to bring back the ferric form of iron content in the bhasma,which is
necessary for the absorption in the gut(eventhough it is converted into ferrous form to
assimilate in the body after binding with the receptors),again the bhasma is subjected to
strong heat in anaerobic condition after giving bhavana with rakta varga dravya.
So, in this process,
a) Iron (II) rapidly changes to Iron (III) due to exposure to air.
b) Iron (II, III) may get converted into iron (III) by the action of organic acids.

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“A COMPARATIVE PHARMACEUTICO-ANALYTICAL STUDY OF

ABHRAKA BHASMA SAMPLES PREPARED WITH AND WITHOUT

Dissertation submitted to the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health

Under the guidance of

Department of Post Graduate Studies in Rasashastra

DECLARATION BY THE CANDIDATE

I hereby declare that Dissertation or Thesis “A Comparative Pharmaceutico-

CERTIFICATE BY THE GUIDE

This is to certify that the Dissertation entitled “A Comparative Pharmaceutico-

I hope this will be a great contribution to the scientific world of life.

I recommend the same for evaluation by adjudicators.

Date : Signature of the guide

CERTIFICATE BY THE CO – GUIDE

This is to certify that the Dissertation entitled “A Comparative

Date: Signature of the co- guide

ENDORSEMENT BY THE H.O.D, PRINCIPAL

This is to certify that the Dissertation entitled “A Comparative Pharmaceutico-

Dr. J. Dinesh Nayak Dr. Satyanarayana Bhat

Declaration By The Candidate

for academic or research purpose.

© Rajiv Gandhi Univerity of Health Sciences, Karnataka.

At this amenity of successful completion of my work,I surrender myself to the

I feel for my affectionate parents,Dr.N.Ravivarma & Dr.J.Sulochana,whose

I sincerely thank my honourable guide, Dr.Dinesh Nayak, HOD, Department

It is a matter of great pleasure and honor to express my heartfelt gratitude to

I extend my sincere respects to honorable chairman of the institution,

I solicited my deep and profound sense of gratitude to my teachers –

I express my indebted love to my brothers, Jyothis Varma & Nithin.R.Mohan,

I am thankful to Dr.Udaya Bhat, Dr.R.Udupa, Ms.Prakriti, Department of

I offer my sincere thanks to Dr.Devika Shetty, Research Officer, Quality

My special thanks to non-teaching staff of MIAMS, Manipal, Mr.Yogesh,

I express my thanks to my collegues Dr.Sajna, Dr.Gauthaman, Dr.Shradha,

R.T – Rasa Tarangini

A.P – Ayurveda Prakasa

R.R.S – Rasa ratna samucchaya

A.K –Ananda Kanda

R.P.S – Rasa Prakasa Sudhakara

R.J.N – Rasa Jala Nidhi

R.Chu – Rasendra Chudamani

R.Sa.S – Rasendra Sara Sangraha

D.G.V –Dravya Guna Vijnana

R.Chi – Rasendra Chintamani

R.S.S – Rasendra sara Sangraha

A F I –Ayurvedic Formulary of India

A.P.I.-Ayurvedic Pharmacopiea of India

• Plan of the Study

• Historic review of Abhraka

PHARMACEUTICAL STUDY 78-101

ANALYTICAL STUDY 102-122

TOXICITY STUDY 123-133

CONCLUSION & SUMMARY 153-157

as well as unusual natural phenomena. Thus the scientific approach to understand

anything involves observation, measurement of entities that can be quantitated the

accumulation of data, and analysis of the findings distinguished from an intuitive

In other words, science is a gradual evolution. It is not a sudden invention,

Ayurveda as a science, is not an exception for it. The imperishable fundamentals of

because of their scientific eternal background. Such subjected to scientific fundamentals

something new to the existing knowledge.

the entire field of inorganic pharmaceutical preparations like metallics, non-metallic

On internal administration of metals and minerals i.e. Rasaushadis, in

gratitude of efficacy, for this standardization of the Rasoushadis is very necessary.

Abhraka Bhasma is a very popularly used preparation in Ayurveda either as a

single preparation or in several formulations. Processes of Abhraka are referred as