- पर्पटी कल्पना (Parrpati Kalpana)
· Definition: A unique pharmaceutical process in Rasa Shastra where processed metals/minerals are melted together and spread on a flat surface to cool, forming thin, brittle, flaky slabs resembling a pancake or a papad.
· इतिहास (History): This Kalpana is considered a significant advancement in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics. It was developed to:
· Ensure complete chemical interaction between ingredients like Mercury (Parada) and Sulfur (Gandhaka).
· Create a stable, non-volatile, and therapeutically effective compound.
· Standardize the final product for precise dosing.
· Clinical Importance: The process is designed to detoxify raw materials and enhance their bioavailability. रसपर्पटी (Rasaparrpati) is the classic prototype of this preparation.
- रसपर्पटी (Rasaparrpati) & Its Protocol
· Composition: Primarily पारद (Shodhita Parada – Purified Mercury) and गन्धक (Shodhita Gandhaka – Purified Sulfur).
· गुण (Properties):
· Deepana (Appetizer): Stimulates the digestive fire (Agni).
· Pachana (Digestive): Helps in metabolizing toxins (Ama).
· Yogavahi: Catalytic – enhances the effect of other co-administered drugs.
· Primary Use: Classic drug for गुल्म (Gulma – abdominal tumors/discomfort), अर्श (Arshas – hemorrhoids), and chronic digestive disorders.
· सेवन विधि (Posology):
· मात्रा (Dosage): Extremely low, typically 60-125 mg (1-2 Ratti), once or twice a day. This highlights the principle of low-dose, high-potency therapy.
· पथ्य (Pathya – Adjuvants): Warm water, light foods (e.g., old rice, green gram soup). Supports digestion and minimizes side effects.
· अपथ्य (Apathya – Contraindications): Sour foods, curd, incompatible food combinations. These can aggravate doshas and hinder medicine action or cause adverse effects.
- Metal-Based पर्पटी Formulations
These are potent formulations where a specific metal is the dominant active ingredient.
Formulation (पर्पटी) Key Ingredient Clinical Indications & Notes
लौहपर्पटी (Lauha Parrpati) Iron (Fe) पाण्डु (Pandu – Iron Deficiency Anemia), weakness, fatigue. A bio-available form of iron.
स्वर्णपर्पटी (Swarna Parrpati) Gold (Au) Debility, immunodeficiency, cardiac tonic. An immunomodulator and rejuvenative.
ताम्रपर्पटी (Tamra Parrpati) Copper (Cu) Liver disorders, splenomegaly, obesity. Used with caution due to potential toxicity.
पञ्चामृत पर्पटी (Panchamrita Parrpati) Au, Ag, Cu, Fe, Sn Severe chronic diseases. Provides a broad-spectrum mineral supplement and is a powerful Rasayana.
बोलपर्पटी (Bol Parrpati) Bol (Commiphora myrrha) Uterine disorders, leukorrhea, menorrhagia. Myrrh provides anti-inflammatory and hemostatic properties.
- Critical Mercurial Preparations
· रससिन्दूर (Ras Sindoor):
· What it is: The fundamental mercurial sulfide (HgS) preparation. It is the base for many advanced medicines.
· Use: Wide range of conditions from skin diseases to chronic metabolic disorders.
· मकरध्वज (Makardhwaj):
· The “Gold Standard”: It is रस सिन्दूर (Ras Sindoor) further processed with स्वर्ण भस्म (Swarna Bhasma – Gold ash).
· Properties (गुण): Potent adaptogen, cardiotonic, aphrodisiac, and rejuvenative. Used for severe weakness, convalescence, respiratory and cardiac debility.
· Mechanism: Gold is believed to act as a catalyst and targeted delivery system for the mercurial compound.
· सिद्धमकरध्वज (Siddha Makardhwaj): Refers to the “perfected” or properly prepared Makardhwaj, which has optimal therapeutic effects and minimal toxicity.
- Pharmaceutical Foundation: बन्धन (Binding) & भस्म (Calcination)
· पारद का बन्धन (Binding of Mercury): This is the most crucial safety step. Raw mercury (liquid, volatile) is toxic. बन्धन is a series of processes (like grinding with herbs/sulfur, heating) to convert it into a stable, non-volatile, non-toxic compound.
· बद्धपारद के लक्षण (Signs of Properly Bound Mercury):
· निःस्नेह (Nissneha): Loses its metallic lustre.
· निर्वापण परीक्षा (Nirvapana Pariksha): When a drop is put on a betel leaf, it should not roll off like a liquid mercury droplet.
· अपुनर्भव (Apunarbhava): It should not revert to its original metallic form.
· पारद भस्म (Mercury Bhasma):
· What it is: A fine, calcined ash of mercury. The goal is to achieve a particle size in the nano-range.
· लक्षण (Characteristics of Good Bhasma):
· Varitara: Should float on water (indicating ultra-lightness and fine particle size).
· Rekhapurnata: Should be so fine that it can fill the lines of a fingerprint.
· Nischandratwa: Should lack metallic lustre.
· संग्रह विधि (Collection Method): After incineration, it is collected carefully with specific tools to avoid contamination.
- Other Important Terms
· रसकर्पूर (Rasa Karpura) / रसपुष्प (Rasa Pushpa): These are sublimates of Mercury – very fine, light powders used for acute conditions due to their rapid action.
· समीरपन्जग (Samair Panjag) / मल्लसिन्दूर (Malla Sindoor): These are specific, often more potent, varieties of mercurial preparations with slightly different manufacturing processes.
· क्षेत्रीकरण (Kshetreekaran): A pharmaceutical process often involving the use of a specific type of soil (e.g., Himalayan red soil) to purify or process a material, potentially for ion exchange or other chemical modifications.
Clinical Summary for Medical Students:
· These are not supplements: These are powerful prescription medicines with a narrow therapeutic index.
· Quality is Non-Negotiable: Efficacy and safety are 100% dependent on strict adherence to classical preparation methods (Shodhana, Marana, Bandhana). Never use non-standardized products.
· Holistic Approach: Administration requires careful patient assessment (Agni status), precise dosing, and strict dietary guidelines.
· Toxicity is a Risk: Knowledge of रसाजीर्ण (Rasajirna – indigestion of mercury) symptoms (metallic taste, salivation, gingivitis, GI upset) is essential for any clinician.
· Consult a Specialist: The use of these medicines must be under the supervision of a qualified Rasa Shastra expert.