Shodhana (Purification)

Vanga Bhasma which has been prepared with Parada and Haratala or even without Parada and Haratala is widely used for a broad spectrum of diseases. It is also said to possess Jantughna Prabhava (Antimicrobial activity). Hence it was decided to synthesize, analyse and study the antimicrobial activity of Vanga Bhasma prepared with special reference to Rasatarangini 18/25-28. The present study deals with the preparation of Vanga Bhasma with reference to Rasatarangini 18/25-28. The synthesized Bhasma samples were characterized by various analytical techniques. The antimicrobial effects of these Bhasma samples were studied. The samples were characterized with the contemporary parameters like XRD, SEM and EDX to find out the nature of the Vanga Bhasma samples. These samples were further tested against certain Gram +ve, Gram-ve and fungal organisms, so as to find out the anti-microbial efficacy of the Vanga Bhasma samples. The adopted method for preparation of Vanga Bhasma (Ref. Rasatarangini 18/25-28) was able to produce a Bhasma compatible to organoleptic parameters mentioned in the ancient texts. Formation of the small sized particles as small as a nano-particle was confirmed by SEM study. Average 14 Putas are required to prepare Vanga Bhasma and XRD study confirms that Tin oxide is the major compound. Vanga Bhasma showed antimicrobial activity in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans with a concentration of 100mg/ml. This outcome further supports the Krumighna and Jantughna properties (anti-microbial activity) of Vanga Bhasma.

Aim of the present study was to evaluate the anticancer effect of orally administered Panchatikta ghrita (Ghee) in 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced skin carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice. Skin squamous cell carcinoma was induced at the shaved back of mice by applying DMBA (25 μg in 0.1 ml acetone/ mice) twice weekly for 7 weeks. Tumor formation (100%) was observed in 7 weeks of treatment in DMBA alone. As during radio and chemotherapy body’s natural cells are also killed and low immunity develops, Panchatikta ghrita controls these adverse effects of both and helps better recovery and life styles. Oral administration of Panchatikta ghrita (Ghee) completely prevented the formation of skin tumors, hyperkeratosis, hyperplasia, epidermal erosion, dermal invasion and pearl formation. Results of the present study suggested that Panchatikta ghrita had potent anticancer and chemopreventive effect in DMBA induced skin carcinogenesis. Key words: Panchatikta ghrita, Chemoprevention, Hyperplasia, Epidermal erosion, Hyperkeratosis.

Background: Vanga Bhasma is said to possess antimicrobial activity (Jantughna Prabhava). Hence it was decided to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Jarit Vanga Bhasma (JVB) prepared with special reference to Rasatarangini 18/29-33. Objectives: JVB was synthesized, analysed and its antimicrobial effects were studied in Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: The JVB was prepared and analyzed for the quality parameters mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts as well as the modern parameters like XRD, SEM and EDX to find out the nature of the Vanga Bhasma samples. The anti-microbial study was done to find out the anti-microbial efficacy of the JVB samples. Results and Conclusions: The adopted method for preparation of JVB was able to produce a Bhasma compatible to organoleptic parameters mentioned in the ancient texts. The obtained JVB was grayish white with the formation of the small sized particles as small as a nanoparticle which was confirmed by SEM study. XRD study confirms that Tin oxide is the major compound found in all the JVB samples. JVB showed antimicrobial activity in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans with a concentration of 100mg/ml. The mean zone of inhibition was 12.33mm, 12.33mm, 14.66mm, 10.33mm and 16mm respectively. This outcome further supports the Krumighna and Jantughna properties (Anti-microbial activity) of Vanga Bhasma. Hence, JVB is said to possess Anti-Microbial activity.

Panchakarma forms an integral part of the holistic system of medicine, Ayurveda. Not only the body purification procedures but also the pharmaceutical preparations affect the outcome of Panchakarma therapy. Although Panchakarma and Rasashastra are not included in the Ashtanga Hridaya, their utility is found in all the eight branches. This article deals with the Rasadravyas meant for Panchakarma procedures like Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, Abhyanga, Dhuma, Lepa etc. To have a critical review of Herbomineral drugs and their Pharmaceutical Application with special reference to Panchakarma. The ancient Ayurvedic literature as well as modern references was searched to have a critical study of the herbomineral drugs, their pharmaceutical preparations, Panchakarma procedures, rationale of using Rasadravyas in Snehakalpanas, classical as well as the traditional dosage forms. Also the selection of formulations according to Dosha- Pradhanya, Vyadhi-Pradhanya (Pradhana/ Mridu Shodhana), Shamana, Brimhana and Rasayana has been discussed at length. These Rasaushadhi preparations are used internally (for Deepana, Pachana, Snehapana, Shodhana, Shamana, Brimhana) or externally (Abhyanga, Kavala, Gandusha, Karnapurana, Moordhni Taila