Preparation, physio-chemical characterization and pharmaceutical standardization of a copper based Indian traditional drug Swarna makshik Bhasma prepared by two different classical methods.

Abstract

Introduction: Shodhana (~Purification) and Marana (~incineration)  are thought to be critical in the transformation of metals, sub-metals, and minerals into a state that may be administered internally for medicinal purposes. Swarna Makshika is a important raw material with copper, iron, and sulphur as main ingredients that has been utilised to cure many ailments in its Bhasma form. Swarna makshika is processed to create its Bhasma with two different methods in current study. The shodhit (~pure)Swarnamakshika and its Bhasma prepared by two methods are then verified using traditional as well as modern quality control techniques.

Methods:The raw Swarnamakshika was sourced from Hindustan Copper Limited's Khetri copper complex. Swarna makshika's shodhana was done by roasting the raw material on an iron pan over high heat of a gas burner. The Organoleptic, and physicochemical characters of swarna Makshik before and after shodhana procedures were noticed. The shodhit Bhasma  is then subjected to marana by two different methods mentioned in Rasa tarangini. The Bhasma obtained thus is tested by ancient as well as modern quality control tests.

Results:The Bhasma obtained thus by two different techniques (with Gandhaka and Hingulamarita) were similar in characteristics as well as with quantitative analysis.

Conclusion: It is possible to use both methods using either hingula or gandhaka to prepare makshikaBhasma.Both methods stand accurate in different Ayurvedic and modern   tests. More phase 2 and 3 trials on use of suvarnamakshika prepared by different medicines on different ailments can help in final confirmation of its efficacy on patients.