IJAMS I International Journal of Ayurveda & Medical Sciences
ISSN: 2455-6246
REVIEW ARTICLE
Corollary of Processing of Metals and Minerals in Ayurvedic System of Medicine
Sudhaldev Mohapatra, Pankaj Rai 1, Neeraj Kumar 2, CB Jha 2
Department of Rasa Shastra, A&U Tibbia College, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, 1Major SD Singh PG Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Farukkhabad, UP,
2
Institute of
Medical Sciences, BHU, Varanasi, UP, India
ABSTRACT
Ayurvedic system of medicine has been serving the ailing society since thousand years with herbal, herbo-mineral and certain animal
products. The system has its own methodology of drug manufacturing with highest care towards the safe guard of products. Different
pharmaceutical techniques like Shodhana (~purification), Marana (~incineration/calcinations), Amritikarana (making nectar like) are
practiced in manufacturing of medicines, have their own concrete worthiness. The process converts macro, rocky and toxic
metallic/mineral materials into suitable therapeutic dosage form that is popularly known as Bhasma, and this assures the safety
regarding its intended use to the patients. In the current scenario of medical practice, Ayurvedic medicines are under scan because of
their metallic bhasmas and their safety. But these medicines are used since long with no any shocking evidence of their adverse/ toxic
effect in the patient around the globe. This review write up shows the significances of Ayurvedic processings with the help of current
tools and devices like X-ray diffraction & Scanning Electron Microscopic study to enlighten the path of standardization of Ayurvedic
medicines & to explore the significance of traditional methodology for drug manufacturing.
Key words: Marana, SEM, Shodhana, X-Ray diffraction
INTRODUCTION
convert them into therapeutic effective form. Some where
Amritikarana- a special process to remove the possible remnant,
Rasa shastra (subject dealing with Ayurvedic drug manufacturing
and confirming their safety and efficacy) is enriched with
description of raw materials, manufacturing techniques, adverse
effects and therapeutic indications of metallic/mineral origin, animal
origin and certain herbal origin (those are poisonous in nature)
substances. The processing techniques developed in ancient era are
unwanted compounds/elements from the finally prepared bhasmas is
also used. In entirety, the ancient pharmaceutical techniques are
wealthy enough to prepare the noble medicines, whereas the modern
tools and devices are making it more scientific, and both in
togetherness invite inter-disciplinary research to open new horizons
for the traditional medicines.
very much logical and scientific. The Acharyas (eminent teachers)
were well known about the toxic nature of raw materials hence so
many precautions have been described during the manufacturing and
quality control for finished products before administering to the
patient. But their accessing methods were based on ancient
parameters and mostly with naked eye observation, still then the
drug prepared was effective and having hardly any adverse effect in
the subject. The wonderful processing techniques developed by the
ancient Acharyas converts the metals/ minerals into different
compound form which is beneficial to the living system. Shodhana
& Marana are chief processes used in most of the materials to
Address for correspondence:
Dr. Sudhaldev Mohapatra,
Department of Rasa Shastra, A&U Tibbia College,
Karol Bagh, New Delhi-05, India.
Email: [email protected]
Ancient methods and techniques of processing
Ancient processing methods and techniques were developed in a
series of development during medieval period. In this period, Rasa
Shastra, the particular discipline was in golden moment with its
holistic motto. Parada (mercury) is the key material of Ayurvedic
herbo-mineral preparations recognized by the ancient Acharyas.
Parada being a heavy and toxic liquid metal is involved in most of
the
processing techniques hence many tools and devices are
designed and developed to safe guard the worker from toxic effect
of metals as well as to minimize the loss and to maintain the quality
of the medicines. Different processings followed are shodhana,
marana, jarana and amritikarana etc. The techniques followed
thereon are washing, firing, trituration, wet trituraton, pounding,
grinding, roasting, rubbing, puta system of heating (quantum of heat
required to achieve the best desired product) etc.
Mohapatra, et al.: Corollary of processing of metals & minerals in Ayurvedic system of medicine
Shodhana [1]
It is a process in which unwanted substances are tried to remove, by
adopting the techniques like grinding, rubbing etc. from the material
suitable for preparation of medicines and inducing the therapeutic
quality, not merely the purification.
Techniques involved in shodhana procedure
There are different techniques involved in the shodhana procedures
which depend on the material going to be processed. Some of these
are as follows:
 Nirvapa (heating & quenching)
 Avapa (pouring some prescribed powdered materials over melted
raw material)
 Dhalana (pouring the melted raw material into some prescribed
liquid media)
 Patan (distillation)
 Bhavana (wet grinding)
 Swedana (fomentation)
 Mardana (grinding/pounding)
 Bharjana (heating in intense heat) etc.
Significances of Shodhana
 Purifying
 Minimizing the toxic effect
 Reducing the size and changing the orientation of the grains
(Fig.1&2)
 Adding the trace elements
 Inducing therapeutic property
Fig.2:Metallographic picture of shodhita swarna makshika
(m=400x) showing irregular shape and smaller grain size
[Source- S. Mohapatra et al, Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal. Vol.02(02)
:445-450,2009]
Observation: The raw swarna makshika was conchoidal in shape
having larger grain size where as shodhita makshika was irregular in
shape and grain size was reduced.
2. Effect of Shodhana on Abhraka –[3] (Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometer study)
Table1: Changes in percentage of different constituents of
Abhraka (Black mica) found before and after shodhana in
different media
Sample
Raw Vajrabhraka
Si
33.7
Fe
24.8
Al
16.3
Mg
7.7
Triphala Shodhita Abhraka
Godugdha Shodhita Abhraka
29.7
30.2
27.3
26.8
13.5
14.9
6.8
7.2
Kanji Shodhita Abhraka
25.7
28.9
15.1
6.7
Gomutra Shodhita Abhraka
27.5
30.2
14.3
7.9
Badari Kwatha Shodhita Abhraka
28.1 31.7 16.9 9.1
Observation: The percentage changes are as shown in above table.
 Facilitating marana (process of bhasmikarana)
 Changing the ratio of different constituents which possibly more
therapeutically effective (Table 1).
Marana [4]
It is the final process of bhasma preparation for most of the raw
materials with some exceptions i.e. abhraka (black mica), tamra
Researches showing effect of Shodhana on different materials in
different analytical tools
1. Effect of Shodhana on Swarna Makshika
(Metallographic study) [2]
(copper) where amritikarana process is done to well confirm the
bhasma regarding its safety.
It is a process in which the Shodhita material is mixed with some
associated substances (like shuddha gandhaka, shuddha hingula
etc.), wherever necessary, and triturated with addition of certain
herbal juices, decoctions (specific for specific material) till it
becomes so smooth that small pellets can be prepared. Then these
pellets are dried, kept in an earthen casserole covered with another
earthen casserole, joint is sealed and fired in cow dung cake fuel.
This process is repeated till the product obtained there must have to
pass the ancient parameters of bhasma test.
Shodhita material
FIG.1: Metallographic picture of raw swarna makshika
(m=400x) showing choncoidal structure and larger grain size
Bhavana
(Wet grinding with herbal juices/decoctions/different associate drugs)
Pelletisation
Drying of pellets
Sarava Samputikarana & drying
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Mohapatra, et al.: Corollary of processing of metals & minerals in Ayurvedic system of medicine
Puta system of heating
(Firing in particular puta system of heating-Repeated till the
product satisfies all the indicated bhasma pariksha parameters)
Bhasma obtained
Ancient quality control parameters for bhasma (Bhasma
Pariksha) [5]
 Colour: for a particular raw material, a specific color of bhasma
is prepared after marana following a specific method of
manufacturing.
 Taste: the bhasmas are tasteless (~gatarasa), showing inert in
all types of reactions in ordinary conditions.
 Rekhapurna: bhasma should be very fine to enter into the minute
Fig.3: X-Ray Diffraction Study of raw Swarna Makshika
[Source- Mohapatra S et al Physico-Chemical Charecterisation of
Ayurvedic Bhasma (Swarna Makshika Bhasma) – An Approach to
Standardization. Int J Ayurveda Research, 2010; 1:82-6]
lines (cleavages) of the finger and which should never come out
Analysis of Swarna Makshika Bhasma (X-Ray Diffraction
as such.
Study):
 Anapsumajjanam: bhasma should float on the water; this
Due to the processes effect, the above CuFeS2 is converted to a
mixture of many compounds.
indicates lightness of the bhasma.
 Apunarbhava: bhasma is made to react with mitrapanchaka
The peaks observed in X-ray Diffraction are Fe2O3, FeS2, CuS, SiO2
(ghee, gunja, tankana, guggulu and honey) and should found non
reactive; that indicates bhasmas cannot be reduced easily to its
original form and could be stored for longer time.
 Nirutha: bhasma is made to react with piece of silver and should
found inert.
 Amla Pariksha: bhasma containing copper compound is made to
react with sour substances like lemon juice, curd and observed
for any color change. No color change confirms the absent of free
metal and good quality of bhasma.
 Avami: bhasma should not cause nausea and/or vomiting which
speaks of the quality of bhasma.
 Nirdhuma: the prepared bhasma should not produce smoke when
subjected to fire, e.g. parada bhasma and haritala bhasma.
 Nischandra: The prepared bhasma should be lusterless, as this
signifies the absence of free metals.
Fig.4: X-Ray Diffraction Study of Swarna Makshika after
Marana
Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) study of Swarna
Makshika:
This study shows significant reduction of grain size from raw
Significances of Marana
material to Bhasma i.e. grain size of raw material is 6-8 micron
 Converting the elements into different compounds and
where as the grain size of bhasma is 1-2 micron. The reduction of
size is due to process effect.
compounds to some other compounds
 Reducing the size significantly (Fig.5&6)
 Inducing therapeutic quality
 Adding the trace elements
 Changing the different constituents qualitatively & quantitatively
which possibly may cause more therapeutic effect [Fig. 3&4 (for
Makshika); Fig.7&8 (for Abhraka)]
Researches showing effect of Marana on different materials in
different analytical tools
1. Effect of Marana on Swarna Makshika:
Fig.5: SEM STUDY OF RAW SWARNA MAKSHIKA
[6]
Analysis of raw Swarna Makshika (X-Ray Diffraction Study):
All the peaks in X-ray Diffraction are CuFeS2
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Mohapatra, et al.: Corollary of processing of metals & minerals in Ayurvedic system of medicine
Significances of Amritikarana
 Applied for certain raw materials whose compounds have
less tolerance on internal administrations for therapeutic
purposes i.e. tamra (Copper)
 Amritikarana process eliminates the possible unwanted
compounds remained in the bhasma.
 It ensures the safety of the bhasma to a better extent.
Fig.6: SEM STUDY OF SWARNA MAKSHIKA BHASMA
[Source- Mohapatra S et al Physico-Chemical Characterization of
Ayurvedic Bhasma (Swarna Makshika Bhasma) – An Approach To
Standardization. Int J Ayurveda Research, 2010; 1:82-6]
Analysis of Copper bhasma and the bhasma after Amritikarana
(X-ray Diffraction study): [9]
The study revealed two facts:
- Tamra bhasma contains HgS, CuS, Hg2O, and Cu2S, as major
peaks in the study
2. Effect of Marana on Abhraka (X-Ray Diffraction Study): [3, 7]
of the peaks. Mercurial compounds particularly Mercury oxide was
Analysis of raw Abhraka
Raw Abhraka contains a complex compound in X-Ray Diffraction
+2
- Tamra bhasma after amritikarana contains CuS compound as most
found eliminated which is a known toxic compound.
+3
report, i.e. K (Mg, Fe )3 (Al, Fe ) Si3O10 (OH, F) 2
DISCUSSION
Processing in Ayurveda system of healing plays a great role to
convert the rocky, toxic and macro materials into suitable
therapeutic dosage form. Different processes like shodhana, marana
Amritikarana have their own significances in general. But due to
combining effect of the entire processes final finished product is
obtained. Bhavana (wet trituration), pelletization, drying of pellets
and heating business in traditional putas are vital stages for
preparing a genuine bhasma. Repetition of the firing and trituration
possibly helps to achieve the final product having uniform
Fig.7: X-Ray Diffraction report of raw Abhraka
Analysis of Abhraka Bhasma
Due to the processes effect the above complex compound is
converted to mixture of many compounds.
The major peaks observed in X-ray Diffraction are SiO2, & Fe2O3
consistency, colour, smoothness in relation to core and periphery of
pellets, of last firing having all desired characters of bhasma.
The mechanism of preparation of bhasma following the traditional
methodology can be explained as a heterogeneous chemical process
occurring in two phases: 1. Solid – liquid phase, 2. Solid – gas phase
and is controlled by the interfacial reactions. The interfacial reaction
depends on the surface area of the metal or mineral exposed to the
environment of particular temperature and pressure. Once the
reaction process (oxidation or reduction) starts, the surface is
covered with various organo-inorganic compounds and metallic
oxides. Further reaction process progresses according to the
environment provided (quantum and pattern of temperature). [10]
The basic aim of marana is to achieve a noble dosage form from the
metals/minerals having therapeutic value which is achieved by
Fig.8: X-Ray Diffraction report of Abhraka after Marana
controlling the temperature and using proper associated materials
with calibration of tools and devices used there on.
Amritikarana [8]
In the field of nanotechnology and its application in medical
Amritkarana is a special process done {for particular material those
sciences, the ancient Indian pharmaceutics can play a significant
are known to be more toxic like tamra (copper)}, in traditional drug
role for particle size reductions through puta system of heating. The
manufacturing sector with the aim to remove the toxic effect
researchers are trying to prepare metallic nano particles through
remained in bhasmas even after the process of bhasmikarana to
biosynthesis, to avoid the difficulty of the process, save the labor
make it nectar like. The process is done to assure about the safety of
cost, as well to be eco-friendly. But how far is it fulfilling the
the product in all the way.
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Mohapatra, et al.: Corollary of processing of metals & minerals in Ayurvedic system of medicine
holistic approach of traditional pharmaceutical processing through
IV. Bhabesh Das et al, Metallographic Study of Metallic
which different trace elements are added to achieve a proven
Bhasmas, PhD Thesis, Dept. of Rasa Shastra, Banaras Hindu
therapeutic importance, is debatable. However, the biosynthesis of
University 1989.
metallic nano particles and its utility for preparing the Ayurvedic
3. I. Pankaj Rai, et al, Study on Shodhana Process of Krishna
dosage form with required process modification may prove
Vajrabhraka Dept, of Rasa Shastra, Banaras Hindu University
beneficial to the overall traditional health care structure.
2007.
II. C.B.Jha, et al, Standardization of Abhraka Satvapatana, Dept.
of Rasa Shastra, Banaras Hindu University 1991.
CONCLUSIONS
 Traditional processes have great impact for conversion of
therapeutically ineffective, rocky, toxic materials into therapeutic
effective forms.
 Standard Operative Procedure (SOP) gives assurance about the
quality of medicines to the consumer.
 SOP ensures safety of medicines to the consumer.
 Amritikarana plays a vital role in Tamra bhasma to make it
effective therapeutically and to eradicate the possible toxic
compounds from the bhasma.
 Manufacturer’s faults not only harm the consumer but also cause
threats to the system.
4. Ibidem (1) Rasa Tarangini; Chapter 7, Verse 1-2; p.153.
5. I. D.A. Kulkarni, editor. Rasa Ratna Samuchhaya of Acharya
Bagbhata; Verse-2/26, 10/48-50. New Delhi, India: Meharchand
Laxman Das Publication reprint 1998; p.23, 187.
II. Ibidem (1) Rasa Tarangini, Chapter 2, Verse 52-57; Chapter 7,
Verse 3-4; p.22-23, 154.
6. Mohapatra S, Jha CB, Physico-Chemical Charecterisation of
Ayurvedic Bhasma (Swarna Makshika Bhasma) – An Approach
to Standardization. Int J Ayurveda Res 2010; 1:82-6.
7. Richa Pathak et al, Pharmaceutical Study on Abhraka Bhasma
Dept. of Rasa Shastra, Banaras Hindu University 2008
8. Ibidem (1) Rasa Tarangini; Chapter 7, Verse 58; p.24.
9. I. Lalit M Shah et al, Physico-Chemical & Experimental Study of
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How to cite this article: Mohapatra S, Rai P, Kumar N, Jha CB.
Corollary of processing of metals and minerals in Ayurvedic
system of medicine. Int J Ayurveda & Med Sc 2015; 1(1): p.1418.
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International Journal of Ayurveda & Medical Sciences I Jan-April 2016 I Vol 1 I Issue 1
Source of Support: Nil.
Conflict of Interest: None declared.
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