Abstract

PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND SOPHISTICATED ANALYTICAL STANDARDIZATION OF RASAPUSHPA PREPARED BY CLASSICAL AND CONVENTIONAL METHODS

Saurav Brahmbhatt* and Bharat Kalsariya

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Rasashastra, a specialized branch of Ayurveda, focuses on the use of mercury-based compounds and combines traditional alchemical processes with medical applications. Rasapushpa (a sublimate of mercury chloride (Hg₂Cl₂)) is a Nirgandha, Saagni and Kanthastha type of Kupipakwa Rasayana which is prepared in a controlled manner, resulting in a substance that exhibits rapid therapeutic action. Despite its historical significance, there is limited documented research on mercurial formulations and their properties are often overlooked. Aim: To develop an analytical profile of Rasapushpa prepared by both methods Material and methods: In the present study, the physicochemical characterizations of Ashuddha Kasisa, Shuddha Kasisa, Sudha, Saindhava and Rasona were done. Sophisticated analysis such as XRD, SEM-EDX, FTIR, PSA and ICP with physicochemical characterization of three batches of both methods- RPVY (Rasapushpa prepared by classical method- Valukayantra) and RPEMF (Rasapushpa prepared by conventional method- Electric muffle furnace EMF) were carried out. Result: It was resulted that there were minimal differences found in the three samples of Rasapushpa by both methods.

Keywords: Mercurial preparation, Hg2Cl2, Mercurous chloride, calomel, Sophisticated analysis.