PHARMACEUTICO ANALYTICAL STANDARDIZATION OF RASA BHASMA PREPARED AS PER RASA MANJARI BY USING BHUDHARA YANTRA

Abstract

Metals and minerals are being used in Ayurveda pharmaceutics and therapeutics since a very long period.
Herbomineral formulations or Rasoushadhi are considered as more potent and quick acting. Rasa (mercury) is
given prime importance in Rasashastra owing to its remarkable therapeutic potential. However, Rasa is to be
utilized in any of the three forms i.e; Mrita Parada, Baddha Parada and Moorchitha Parada. Mruta Parada
refers to Parada Bhasma which is claimed to have immense therapeutic potential and also helps to improve
longevity. Rasa Bhasma or Parada(mercury) Bhasma is a formulation mentioned in various text books of
Rasashastra viz., Rrasa Ratna Smuchchaya, Rasa Raja Sundara, Yoga Ratnakara, Bhavaprakasha,
Sharangadhara Samhita, Rasa Prakasha Sudhakara, Vaidya Yoga Tarangini, Brihat Nighantu, Rasa Manjari,
Rasa Tarangini etc. But nowadays practically Rasa Bhasma is not being prepared due to the difficulty in the
process and heat sensitivity of Parada (mercury). Here, an attempt was made to prepare Rasa Bhasma by
following the reference of Rasa Manjari with due importance to Standard Operative Procedure. Three batches
were prepared to standardize the process. Prepared Bhasma was tested following organoleptic, classical bhasma
pareeksha and physico-chemical parameters. Advanced instrumental methods like SEM-EDAX, XRD, DLS
and ICP-OES etc were followed to develop analytical standards.