Abstract

BRIEF REVIEW OF GANDHAKA WITH IT'S KUSTHAGHNA PROPERTY

Dr. Sourav Jain*, Dr. Avadhesh Kumar Bhatt, Dr. Ajay Kumar Sharma and Dr. B. L. Saini

Abstract

Gandhaka (sulphur) is the first mineral drug in ‘Uparasa group’.[1] It is a multi-valent non-metal which is abundant. In its native form, sulpher is a yellow crystalline solid, which is odourless and tasteless.In Rasashastra, Gandhaka stands next to Parada in importance. It is considered as an essential agent for the various process of Parada such as Murchchana[2] and Jarana[3] etc. It is believed to impart many desirable properties to Parada and reduce its toxic effects.[4] Probably because of this, Parada is mostly administered internally in association with Gandhaka, as Parada preparation without Gandhaka is considered to be more toxic. In addition to its value for making the Parada therapeutically useful, it is also used in various processes of Parada such as Murchchana, Jarana, Bandhana etc. In ayurvedic text Gandhaka is described as Kushthagna. Due to its antimicrobial and antifungal property it works on skin disorders. Almost maximum type of ayurvedic formulation used for skin disorder have Ghandhaka as ingredient.

Keywords: Gandhaka, Uparasa, Parada, Kushthaghna.