Abstract

PARADA SHODHANA: A PHARMACEUTICAL STUDY

Dr. Sapanjeet Kaur*, Dr. Ravneet Kaur Chahal, Dr. Abhishek, Dr. Om Prakash Sharma

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Abstract

Rasa Shastra is a branch of preparation of Ayurvedic medicines that contain materials from natural sources which includes plants, minerals/metals and animals and significantly Parada(mercury). The name of this branch has been given after Parada called Rasa in Rasa Shastra indicates the use of Parada in various Ayurvedic medicines along with other metals/minerals known as Rasaushadhis. But before using it in formulations, purification process of Parada should be carried out so as to eliminate its adverse effects on the body. Aims and objectives- Purification of Parada (mercury) was carried out as per classical reference of the Rasa Tarangini and its organoleptic characters were observed. Materials and Methods- Different references by different authors in ayurvedic books are available for Shodhana of Parada. For the present study, Ashudha Parada was triturated with equal quantity of Sudha Churna (limestone) in a mortar pestle for 36 hours. Further it was triturated again with Lashuna Kalka (garlic paste) and Saindhava (salt) mixture for 36 hours. For Naga dosha nivarana, again Parada was triturated with Ishtika churna, Grahadhuma, Haridra churna, fine cut wool, Ghritakumari swarasa. Then for Vanga dosha nivarana, Parada was triturated with Ankol, Indrayan, Haridra churna, Ghritakumari swarasa. Detailed observations and organoleptic characters were noted during the procedure. Result and conclusion- Total quantity of Ashudha Parada was taken- 350g and obtained quantity of Parada from Sudha Churna was– 280g, further from Lashuna Kalka and saindhava lavan obtained quantity of mercury was 232g. After Naga and Vanga dosha nivarana obtained Parada was 212g and 195g respectively. Following this method of Shodhana (purification), mercury can be purified and used for various pharmaceutical procedures also as an ingredient in various Ayurvedic formulations making it therapeutically potent.

Keywords: Parada, Mercury, Shodhana, Purification process, Trituration.