A PHARMACEUTICAL STUDY ON GANDHAMRUTHA RASA

Rasa Shastra is an important branch of Ayurveda which deals with the use of metallic and mineral drugs which are pharmaceutically processed and rendered fit for internal administration. These are known as Rasa Oushadis. The word Rasa Shastra literally means the “science of mercury”. Knowledge of Rasa has been in existence from the time immemorial. Exploration of natural resources for the benefit of human beings is the object of this therapy. Medieval period can be treated as a golden age for the development of this science. It is recognized as a medical science with an independent philosophical background in 14th century. Rasa Oushadhis have faster action in smaller doses, quicker assimilation, excellent therapeutic values, longer shelf life.[1] The present study is concerned with the immunomodulatory action of one among the herbo-mineral preparation called Gandhamrutha Rasa,[2] explained in the classical text Bhaishajya Ratnavali, which has indication of eradication of Jara and Akala Mrityu.[3] It contains Rasa Sindura, Shudha Gandhaka and Ghrutha Kumari.[4]Rasa Sindura is a herbo-mineral preparation containing Shudha Parada, Shudha Gandhaka and Vatankura Swarasa.[5] Rasa Sindura comes under Kupipakwa Rasayana[6] mentioned in Rasa Tarangini. Shudha Parada is being extracted from Hingulotha Parada,[7] mentioned in Rasa Tarangini, which has properties similar to Ashta Samskritha Parada.[8] Shudha Gandhaka is obtained through Kurma Puta method mentioned in Ayurveda Prakasha[9] Till now no study has been conducted on Gandhamrutha Rasa, so this study aims to prepare Gandhamrutha Rasa.