DETAILED ANALYTICAL REPORT (Standard manufacturing procedure of Rajata Bhasma)
(1) DETAILED ANALYTICAL REPORT (Standard manufacturing procedure of Rajata Bhasma) Standard manufacturing procedure of Rajata Bhasma - PMC
1. Background & Context
Rajata Bhasma is a classical Ayurvedic metallic formulation derived from silver, prepared through specialized pharmaceutical processes described under Rasa Shastra. Traditionally, metals are detoxified and transformed into bio-acceptable forms using Shodhana (purification) and Marana (incineration/compounding) techniques.
With increasing global demand for Ayurvedic medicines, concerns regarding quality deterioration due to commercialization have necessitated the development of Standard Manufacturing Procedures (SMPs) to ensure safety, reproducibility, and therapeutic efficacy .
2. Objectives of the Study
To study the effect of Shodhana on raw Rajata (silver)
To develop and document a Standard Manufacturing Procedure (SMP) for Rajata Bhasma suitable for modern pharmaceutical practice
3. Materials & Authentication
Raw material: 99.9% pure Rajata sourced from Varanasi
Purity confirmation: SEM–EDX analysis (reported as 100% purity)
Auxiliary materials: Mercury (Parada), Sulphur (Gandhaka), Hingula, Aloe vera pulp (Gritakumari), various organic and acidic media for Shodhana
4. Shodhana (Purification) Process
4.1 Samanya Shodhana
Method: Nirvapa (heating to red-hot and quenching)
Media used (each 3 times):
Kanji
Takra
Kulattha Kwatha
Gomutra
Tila Taila
Observations:
Sound and vapor release on quenching
Surface dullness and carbon deposition
Gradual softening of silver
Weight change:
Initial: 245 g
Final: 222.7 g
4.2 Vishesha Shodhana
Medium: Nimbu Swarasa (lemon juice), 7 Nirvapa cycles
Outcome:
Increased whiteness and softness
Minor weight gain due to elemental infusion
5. Marana (Incineration / Compounding)
5.1 Kajjali Preparation
Rajata amalgamated with mercury
Sulphur added and triturated to form Kajjali
Aloe vera juice used for Bhavana
Result: Fine black, lustrous powder with reduced particle size
6. Kupipakwa Process
Conducted in Electric Muffle Furnace (EMF)
Controlled temperature stages: Mridu → Madhya → Teevra Agni
Key phenomena:
Sulphur fumes
Flame emission
Sublimation of mercuric sulphide at bottle neck
Products:
Rajata Sindura (sublimate)
Partially prepared Rajata Bhasma (residue)
7. Putapaka (Final Incineration)
7.1 EMF-based Puta
Controlled heating up to ~350 °C
5 Putas required
Resultant Bhasma: dark black, soft, fine
7.2 Conventional Puta
Cow-dung cake heating (Laghu Puta)
Higher variability in temperature
Less reproducibility compared to EMF
8. Bhasma Pariksha (Classical Quality Tests)
Rekhapoorana: passes
Varitara: ~80% particles float
Nishchandra: no metallic luster
Mradutva: soft texture
Gatrasatva: tasteless
9. Scientific Interpretation
Repeated Nirvapa introduces trace elements (Sn, Mg, Ca, Fe, Hg, etc.) into silver lattice
Mercury acts as a catalyst, increasing surface area and accelerating compound formation
Weight gain during Marana attributed to chemical compound formation with Hingula and herbal media
EMF ensures thermal precision and batch reproducibility
10. Conclusions
Mercury–sulphur system is optimal for Rajata Bhasma preparation
Kupipakwa + Putapaka is efficient and economical
Electric Muffle Furnace is superior to conventional Puta
Minimum 4–5 Putas required for quality Bhasma
(2) EXTRACTED KEY POINTS
Rajata Bhasma preparation requires Shodhana + Marana
Nirvapa causes atomic loosening and elemental infusion
Mercury enhances particle size reduction and reaction kinetics
Kupipakwa yields Rajata Sindura as by-product
EMF offers better temperature control and reproducibility
Classical Bhasma tests confirm proper transformation
SMP is essential for global standardization of Ayurveda
(3) PRECISE SUMMARY
The document presents a scientifically structured Standard Manufacturing Procedure for Rajata Bhasma, integrating classical Ayurvedic principles with modern instrumentation. Through systematic Shodhana, controlled Kupipakwa, and optimized Putapaka—especially using an Electric Muffle Furnace—the study demonstrates improved quality, safety, and reproducibility of silver Bhasma. Mercury and sulphur emerge as critical agents facilitating efficient metal transformation, while analytical observations support elemental infusion and compound formation. The work strongly supports standardization as essential for the global acceptance of Ayurvedic metallic formulations .

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