Monographic Analysis of Apamarga Kshara Preparation Methods Mentioned In Five Different Ayurvedic Texts

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Abstract
Journal of Ayurveda Medical Sciences,2018,3,1,326-332.
Published:january 2018
Type:Original Article
Authors:
Author(s) affiliations:

Shristi Balbhadra*, Basavaraj Yellappa Ganti,1Sunil Kumar Koppala Narayana2

Department of Agadatantra and Vidhi Vaidyaka, Bharti Ayurvedic Medical College, Durg, Chattisgarh 491001,

1Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan 573201,

2Department of Pharmacognosy, Siddha Central Research Institute, Arumbakkam, Chennai 600106, India.

Abstract:

Introduction: Apamargakshara (AK) is an alkali extracted from the water soluble ash of Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera Linn.) Panchanga (whole plant) and used as one of the major ingredient in the Kshara Sutra Nirmana, which is mainly used for treating Arshas and Bhagandara also has wide therapeutic uses in Shwasaroga, Udarashoola, Shwitra, Ashmari, Karnaroga etc. But, the typical processing technique involved in the preparation of kshara differs according to various authors, by the ratio of water added to ash, soaking time, folds of cloth and number of times of filtration. In the present study preparation of AK was performed as per 5 different methods and analytical study was carried out. Methods: AK was prepared according to different references like Ayurveda Sara Sangraha (sample A), Rasa Tarangini (sample B), Sharangadhara Samhita (sample C), Ayurveda Prakasha (sample D), Sushruta Samhita (sample E) followed by analytical standardisation employing tests like oganoleptic, physico-chemical and elemental analysis. Result: Sample A fulfills the standards criteria, pH value - strongly alkaline in all samples, whereas akanity was more in sample A, SEM–EDAX results revealed - presence of other components i.e CaCO3, SiO2, Na (Albite), K (KCl) and Ca (wollastonite) and most of the compounds are highest in sample A. Conclusion: Considering alkalinity, quality and economy method prescribed in Ayurveda Sara Sangraha could be considered as better among the five methods.