A concept of Sodhana (Purification) w.s.r. to Parada (Mercury)

Sodhana (Purification) is an important and principal pharmaceutical procedure for removing the impurities before the conversion of metals and minerals into Bhasma. There are different procedures like Svedana (vapouring), Mardana (grinding), Prakshalana (performing frequent ablutions), Galana (straining fluids), Avapa (substances are added into the liquefied metals), Nirvapa (metals are burnt to red hot and dipped in liquids), Bhavana (maceration), Bharjana (frying in pan) etc. specific process are described for the Sodhana of different metals and minerals. Sodhana of Parada (Mercury) was done in the specific mediums i.e. equal quantity of Nagavalli svarasa, Ardraka svarasa and Trikshara (Sarja, Yava, Tankana). Atomic Absorption Spectrometry study reveals that the higher levels of various elements and heavy metals are found in the Parada after the purification when compared with the Sodhana process. The raw Parada contains of Iron (4.7800), Copper (4.5840), Zinc (1.2280), Silver (0.304), Tin (3.7560), Cadmium (2.0534), Lead (2.3400), Arsenic (2.6500) elements in ppm levels before the purification. After the purification the analysis with AAS the results of elememts are Iron (2.5760), Copper (2.6520), Zinc (0.2800), Silver (0.044), Tin (1.6090), Cadmium (0.1330), Lead (0.9036), Arsenic (1.0146) ppm levels. This process adopted by the thesis work of Pharmaceutical Standardization of Panchavaktra Ras And Clinical Study In Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis) done by dr. B. Srinivasulu, Post Graduate Department of Rasashastra, Dr. Nori Rama Shastry Government Ayurvedic College, Vijayawada-2, Andhra Pradesh