亚洲传统医药

Abstract: Manahshila (realgar, arsenic disulphide) has been used in Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times for the treatment of conditions such as skin diseases, cough, asthma, certain eye diseases, and psychological disorders etc. Shodhana (purification) is an integral part of Ayurvedic processing especially for poisonous substances before they can be used for therapeutic purposes. In the case of Manahshila, which contains the heavy metal arsenic, it is advised that it should be purified optionally by carrying out seven levigations (Bhavana) of Zingiber officinalis Roscoe. (Ardraka) juice. A Shodhana of Manahshila was carried out and both Ashodhita Manahshila (AM – unpurified realgar) and Ardraka Shodhita Manahshila (ASM – realgar purified with ginger juice) were investigated by examination of the relevant physico – chemical parameters, quantitative elemental analysis, including the percentage of arsenic using atomic absorption spectrometry, particle size analysis using laser diffraction, and identification of chemical moieties using X – ray diffraction. A significant change was found in the particle size distribution where 50% of the AM particles were found to be 54.18 µm. while the figure for ASM was 15.55 µm. There was no change in the chemical composition and both AM and ASM remained as arsenic disulphide.

Key words: Manahshila, arsenic, shodhana, Ayurveda, XRD, laser diffraction