ABSTRACT
In the present research paper, the pharmaceutical preparation of Lauha bhasma (calcined iron) is being presented. The various procedures adopted in the preparation of Lauha bhasma includes Samanya Shodhana (common purification process for iron) and Vishesha Shodhana (specific purification process for iron), Lauha marana by Bhanupaka (Heating of iron under sunrays) Sthalipaka (Heating of iron in a vessel) and Puta paka (Incineration of iron). Lauha was finally subjected to the process of Amriikaran (nectarization). The process of Puta paka was undergone in electric muffle furnace (EMF) and was repeated for sixty times each under identical conditions, at the temperature of 7500 C till 35th Puta and thereafter at 7000 C till the end of the Marana process i.e. 60 Puta. During the processing of iron, Triphala kwatha (decoction of three myrobalan) has been used as liquid media for Vishesha Shodhana, Bhanupaka, Sthalipaka and Puta paka. The study showed an increase in weight of Lauha after Bhanupaka and Stahlipaka i.e.,, 216% and 105.3%, respectively. It may be due to addition of solid content of Triphala kwatha. After Puta paka, 63%weight gain was observed in final product which may be attributed to addition of ash from Triphala kwatha. The Bhasma obtained fulfils all criteria and was found safe for oral administration.
ABSTRACT
Rasendra Sara Sangraha is the oldest and most exhaustive treatise of Rasa Shastra, an important branch of Ayurveda, which revolutionised Ayurveda Pharmacopeia in the medieval period. It is one of classical works of 14th century period written by Sri Gopala Krishna Bhatt consists of 5 chapters with 2531 verses. Rasendra Sara Sangraha comprising the compilation of various times tested and therapeutically proved Rasayoga formulations. Lauha (iron) is a very essential element of the body system for treating many disease conditions as well as for physiological existence. Iron used as medicine from the Vedic period. Lauha preparations are extensively used from Acharya Charaka’s period in the form of Ayasruti and Navayasa loha. Rasendra Sara Sangraha has mentioned a total of 222 herbo mineral formulations having Lauha (iron). The present study deals with the chapter wise review of formulations of Rasendra Sara Sangraha containing Lauha as an ingredient mentioned in various disease conditions like Jwara, Arsas, krimi, Pandu, Soola, Pradara, Sodha and Gulma etc. These Lauha containing Herbo mineral Formulations has been elaborately compiled in 222 formulations.
ABSTRACT
Iron is one among the major metals present in the earth’s crust and is essential for sound sustenance of human body. Its defi ciency leads to various health ailments. Contemporary medicine advises iron supplements in iron defi ciency anemia. Ayurvedic classics also quote signifi cant information about administration of iron. Lauha Kalpas are the unique compound herbo-mineral formulations where iron (Lauha) is used as a major ingredient. Relevant literature (Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Charaka Samhita, Rasendra Sara Samgraha etc.) reviewed to gather information about Lauha Kalpas. Critical analysis of these Lauha Kalpas reveals that ancient seers administered iron in a better acceptable form. Unlike popular understanding these are not only Khalviya preparations; but Churna (powders), Avaleha (confectionaries), Rasakriya (solidifi ed decoctions), and Putapaka (incinerated) form of preparations are also found. Apart from solid dosage forms, semisolid dosage forms mentioned in classics are very much useful. Unfortunately most of the formulations are not found in the market. Hence Pharmaceutical fi rms may bring these unique dosage forms in to the market to supply the healthcare needs of the community. It is interesting that iron preparations are used in Ayurveda in different medical conditions apart from anemia (Pandu). This leaves a scope for further researches on different dosage forms of iron and their indications.