Abstract

A SYSTEMIC REVIEW OF MALLA (ARSENIC TRIOXIDE) ACROSS AYURVEDIC LITERATURE

*Dr. Rajneesh Kasoudhan, Dr. Bibha Rani Ratna, Dr. Kavita Tiwari, Dr. Anurag Mishra

Abstract

Rasashastra is a specialized field of Indian traditional medicine focused on utilizing metals, minerals, animal products, and toxic plants for therapeutic purposes. The medicinal compounds, termed Rasadravyas, are organized into three primary groups: Maharasa, Uparasa, and Sadharana Rasa. Malla ranks as the second mineral therapeutic agent within the Sadharana Rasa category. Also known as Gouripashana, Malla is equivalent to White Arsenic or Vitreous in English. Its chemical composition is Arsenic trioxide, making it more toxic than other arsenic compounds used in Rasashastra. Given its high toxicity, extensive pharmaceutical preprocessing is mandatory before internal consumption. Key preparatory steps include Shodhana (purification), Marana (calcination), and Sattvapatana (essence extraction). This comprehensive review examines Malla's historical context, geographical distribution, classification frameworks, purification protocols, calcination methods, essence extraction techniques, synthetic preparations, therapeutic dosages, recommended dietary guidelines (Pathya), and prohibited foods (Apathya) as documented in classical Rasashastra literature.

Keywords: Rasashastra, Sadharana rasa, Malla, Gauripashana, Arsenic trioxide.