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Introduction

Ayurveda is the science of life. The Ayurveda drugs are obtained from natural source only that is from plants, animals or minerals. Ayurvedic compounds formulations are divided into two groups which are Rasaausadhi (predominately metals and minerals are used for preparation and deals with Rasa shastra)1 and kastausadhi (predominately plant drugs are used for preparation and mainly deals in Bhaisajaya Kalpans). The medication is an iron supplement market in India is presently worth around Rs. 900 crore and is increasing at 15% per annum.2 Lauha Kalpas can be a better alternative from Ayurveda. Lauha Kalpas  are the formulations which have Lauha Bhasma as the major constituent along with the other herbal ingredients.3 Ancient scholars of Rasashastra were so much wise that they have mentioned the analytical parameters for quality Bhasma.4 All these parameters are allocated with different stand points to test the excellence of Bhasma. Although most of these tests are created on organoleptic methods of examination but some tests indicate specific physical and chemical characters.

In physico-chemical analysis of the different samples of different intermediate steps, right from the raw materials to final product of Loha Bhasma evaluated. Although it is a difficult task to decide standards for metal and mineral drugs, yet, here a step has been made to lay down standards for quality of raw Loha and Bhasma and to compare the data with the available one Since Rasashastra has physics and chemistry as its close ally, there is scope to seek laws of chemistry and physics for providing relationship for changes that take place in Samaskaras (Shodhana, Marana etc.). Biomedical science has undergone revolution in the past few years. Many of today’s biological advances have their roots in chemistry and physics related techniques. In depth knowledge of imagining techniques and familiarity with the fundamental properties of matter are providing invaluable support for mapping the structure and function of biological systems at all levels.

Pippalyadya Loha is the classical formulation prepared according Bhaishajya Ratnavali Hikka Shwasa Rogadhikara,5 it contain Pippalyadya Loha like Pippali, Draksha,Amlaki, Kola, Madhu, Sharkara,Vidang, Pushkarmoola and Loha Bhasma.6 and it is mainly indicated for the treatment of Tamak Shwas. The physico-chemical analysis was carried to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative data.

In physico-chemical analysis of the different samples of different intermediate steps, right from the raw materials to final product of Loha Bhasma evaluated. Although it is a difficult task to decide standards for metal and mineral drugs, yet, here a step has been made to lay down standards for quality of raw Loha and Bhasma and to compare the data with the available one Since Rasashastra has physics and chemistry as its close ally, there is scope to seek laws of chemistry and physics for providing relationship for changes that take place in Samaskaras (Shodhana, Marana etc.). Biomedical science has undergone revolution in the past few years. Many of today’s biological advances have their roots in chemistry and physics related techniques. In depth knowledge of imagining techniques and familiarity with the fundamental properties of matter are providing invaluable support for mapping the structure and function of biological systems at all levels.

Pippalyadya Loha is the classical formulation prepared according Bhaishajya Ratnavali Hikka Shwasa Rogadhikara,5 it contain Pippalyadya Loha like Pippali, Draksha,Amlaki, Kola, Madhu, Sharkara,Vidang, Pushkarmoola and Loha Bhasma.6 and it is mainly indicated for the treatment of Tamak Shwas. The physico-chemical analysis was carried to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative data.

Physicochemical analysis.

The samples analyzed were as follows:

1. Sample

(a)   Raw Loha

(b)   Shuddha Loha

(c)    Loha Bhasma

(d)   Pippalyadya Loha Prepared from three different methods

2. Methods: The samples were subjected for analysis by employing two different kinds of parameters.

(a)Evaluation on classical analytical parameters:

(i)       Organoleptic characters

(ii)      Varitara test

(iii)     Unam test

(iv)     Rekhapurnata test

(v)      Nishchandratwa test

(vi)     Apunarbhavata test

(vii)    Niruttha test

(b)Evaluation on modern analytical parameters

(i)     Loss on drying

(ii)   Ash value

(iii)  Acid insoluble ash

(iv)  Qualitative test for iron.

(v)    Estimation of iron content by visible spectrophotometry

(vi)  Particle size analysis

Table-1. Daivavyapashraya chikitsa references in charka samhita.

Discussion

During Varitara test it was observed that maximum particles of Loha Bhasma and. In Unam test all the grains of rice were floating on the surface of floated Loha Bhasma. In Rekhapurnata test, it was observed that the Bhasma fill the furrows of the finger tips. During Nishchandratwa test, no shining particles in pellets and Bhasmas of both was observed. In Apunarbhavata test, no lustred particles was observed and no accumulated hard mass was felt after self cooling in Loha Bhasma. After Nirutta test weight of the silver pieces were remained almost same, in Loha Bhasma, it was 0.3952g weight of silver pieces were not increased. The observations indicate that Loha Bhasma samples pass the classical tests mentioned for evaluation of the quality of Bhasma preparations. Physico chemical tests of Loha Bhasma reveal that the Bhasmas contain very high ash value and very low loss on drying value. Very minute loss on drying of the Bhasma are indicative of presence of very little amount of moisture. Ash value shows presence of inorganic contents of Bhasma. Very high total ash values of the Bhasm are indicative of presence of very high inorganic content. Physico chemical changes of media during Shodhana. Specific gravity of Taila was increased after Shodhana of Loha, but refractive index remained same. Total solid content of all the medias were increased after Loha Shodhana pH of Takra and Gomutra were increased after Shodhana of Loha while pH of Kanji was increased after Loha Shodhana. pH of the other medias remained unchanged after Shodhana. Increase in total solid content indicates transformation of some parts from Loha to the medias.During Shodhana some parts of Loha may be transformed to ferroso-ferric oxide (Fe3O4),So during Shodhana, these basic oxides may react with the acidic medias and cause increase in pH of Takra and Kanji.

Discussion on Analytical Results

1.On qualitative test, the Loha before Shodhana samples showed the presence of Iron 95.7% while Manganese1.20 %, Chromium 2.08%, Carbon 0.16%, Silicon0.10%, Nickel0.25%, Phosphorous0.02%, Sulphur 0.06%, Molybdenum 0.10%, Magnesium0.06%, Calcium0.04%, Potassium0.05% Sodium 0.09%.

2.And after the samanya shodhan of Loha with Taila, Takra Gomutra, KulthaKwath and Kanji again analytical study was carried out and revels the changes after shodhana as follows:

3.Presence of iron 95.60% while Manganese 1.12%, Chromium 2.19% Carbon 0.16%,Silicon 0.18% ,Nickel 0.23% ,Phosphorous 0.02% ,Sulphur 0.07%, Molybdenum 0.18%, Magnesium 0.07% ,Calcium 0.07%,Potassium 0.08%, Sodium 0.04%.

4. Final product as lohabhasma prepared by Bhanu, sthalai and putapaka revels the following details:

5. presence of iron 87.80% while Silicon 8.56%, Magnesium 0.07%, Calcium 0.18%,Potassium 0.11% Sodium 1.22%.,Chloride 0.04%,Sulphate 0.02%,with Ash Value 97.54% and acid soluable ash 98.78%

Conclusion

Physico-chemical analysis provides standards for quality control of raw drugs as well as finished products. Analytical study of a drug also helps to interpret the movement of drug into, through and out of the body also gives idea about absorption and excretion of the same. Qualitative analyses like LOD, Ash value, Specific gravity, Solubility test are carried for Pippalyadya Loha. Quantitative analysis of Grahya Loha, is carried before and after shodhana to rule out percentage of Iron, Manganese, Chromium, Carbon, Silicon, Nickel, Phosphorous, Sulphur, Molybdenum, Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium etc.