Critical Analysis of Rasa Chandashu Ukta Iatrogenic Disorders Due to Consumption of Impure Minerals and Metals

Abstract

: Iatrogenic diseases are those diseases which results due to adverse effect of drugs. In ancient Indian alchemy there are many such diseases mentioned which results due to the ingestion of impure mineral and metals.  In alchemy (Rasashastra), the various minerals have been classified in various categories such as Rasa, Maharasa, Uparasa, Sadharan Rasa etc and metals into dhatus, updhatus, mishradhatus etc. Review of literature shows that Diabetes (Prameha),  Skin disease, Fever (Jwara), Constipation (Vibandha), Chest pain (Hrut Peeda), Anemia (Pandu) , Jaundice (Kamala), Impotence (Klaibya), Emaciation (Kshaya), Vomiting and giddiness (Vanti  and Bhranti) , Loss of appetite (Agnimandya) , Cough (Kasa), Breathlessness (Shwasa), Vertigo (Bhrama) are noticed as the iatrogenic disorders of consumption of various minerals and metals if they remain unpurified form. Discussion reveals the possible role of chemical responsible for giving rise to these disorders. All these are well documented in books like Rasa Chandashu and other but in present study, the toxicity was studied only from the Rasashastra book called ‘Rasa Chandashu’. In the conclusion, it can be said that ingestion of impure Rasakalpas can lead to variety of iatrogenic disorders, Hence, there is need to take these drugs always in purest form.