NEWS LETTER OF
ARMARC
JULY -2009
Editorial
Brain is the part of Central Nervous System which
includes all the higher nervous centres. This is the part
what makes a Homo sapiens as human being.
Understanding of stages of brain journey (development
to deterioration) would ceratinly help the physician,
students and above all common man to give a better future
to their patients, children and nation.
The complete journey of brain in a human life
can be divided in to five stages. By the time of first breath
of a human life, the brain is already more than eight months
old. It starts to develop within four weeks of conception,
when one of three layers of cells in the embryo rolls up to
form the neural tube. A week later the top of this tube
bends over, creating the basic structure of fore, mid and
hindbrain. From this point, brain growth and differentiation
is controlled mainly by the genes. This is the reason, why
the family background is asked before marriage in Indian
society. The end of the brain-building process is all about
putting the basic building blocks in place, growing neurons
and connections and making sure each section of the brain
grows properly and in the right area. This takes energy
and a variety of nutrients (as folic acid, vitamin B12, iron,
zinc etc.) in the right quantity at the right time.
The second stage of development starts in third
trimester after conception. Learning can first be detected
experimentally at about 22 to 24 weeks of gestation, when
fetuses respond to a noise or a touch but ignore the same
stimulus if it occurs repeatedly. From around 32 weeks
fetuses show conditioning, a more complex kind of
memory in which an arbitrary stimulus can be learnt as a
signal that something will happen, like a sound signalling
a poke. Fetal memories for particular pieces of music
and the mother’s voice and smell have all been shown to
form sometime after 30 weeks’ gestation and to persist
after birth; this might be the rational motive of claim in
Mahabharat that Abhimanyu learned breaking of
Chakrabhyue before his birth. By age 6, the brain is 95
per cent of its adult weight and at its peak of energy
consumption then children start to apply logic and trust
and to understand their own thought processes. Their
brains continue to grow and make and break connections
as they experience the world until, after a peak in grey
matter volume at 11 in girls and 14 in boys, puberty kicks
in and the brain changes all over again..
Vol 1.85
The third stage of brain journey starts in teens.
Adolescence brings waves of grey-matter pruning, with
teens losing about 1 per cent of their grey matter every
year until their early 20s.The cerebral pruning trims un-
used neural connections. Then they mature, followed by
regions involved in language and spatial orientation and
lastly those involved in higher processing and executive
functions. Among the last to mature is the dorsolateral
prefrontal cortex at the very front of the frontal lobe. This
area is involved in control of impulses, judgement and
decision-making, which might explain some of the less-
than-stellar decisions made by average teen. This area
also acts to control and process emotional information
sent from the amygdale, the fight or flight centre of gut
reactions, which may account for the mercurial tempers
of adolescents.
The fourth stage is in early 20s when brain has
finally reached adulthood. The peak of brain’s powers
comes at around age 22 and lasts for just half a decade,
i.e. 27. From there it’s downhill all the way. This long,
slow decline goes at different rates.
By the time of retiring the fifth stage of brain
journey is there. By 65 most people will start to notice
the signsof forgetting. At this stage of life a steady loss of
brain cells happens in critical areas such as the
hippocampus, the area where memories are processed.
This is not too much of a problem at first; even in old age
the brain is flexible enough to compensate. Physical
exercise helps in steady supply of blood glucose by
resisting the dentations in gyrus, an area within the
hippocampus that helps form memories. Coordination
training also helps targeting motor control and balance
improving cognitive function in 60 to 80-year-olds.
In This Issue
1) ARKA KALPANA (DISTILLATION)
2) PHARMACEUTICAL & ANALYTICAL
STUDY ON PATOLADI GANA IN
KWATHA, ARISHTA & GHANAVATI
FORM.
3) COSMECEUTICALS
4) Formulation Profile (Series-A/8)
Ashokarista
5) Herbal Drug Profile (Series-A/9)
Karanja-beej
 Newsletter of ARMARC
ARKA KALPANA (DISTILLATION)
Dr. Mahesh.M.Madalageri Fainal M.D.
Dept. of Bhaishajya Kalpana, Dr.Parshant kumar Jha, Dept. of Quality control Lab ,
A.L.N.Rao Memorial Ayurvedic Medical College,Koppa
INTRODUCTION
All dravya are said to be a medicine but some
pharmaceutical procedures are needed to be done to
change or potentiate its original properties. The basic
idea behind the administration of drug is to make it more
suitable to the body elements. To achieve this, many
processes were invented in a sense of manufacturing
process, these are termed as Kalpanas. Our ancient
learned personalities have described elaborately all
required properties of such Dravya i.e. Bhaishaja
(Ausadha) for enormous effect in our classics.
Arka-Kalpana is introduced in pharmacy of
Ayurveda in later part of its development, which is very
specific in its mode of preparation and due to this virtue
of particularity, it may have all volatile active substances
in effective form in its final product. Arka has been used
in many meanings, in which two can be applied in this
context as:
(1) Kwath Vishesh (One type of decoction)
(2) Surya (Sun)
The simile of the sun in the process of Arka
preparation can be seen. The water from the ocean is
being evaporated by the heat of the sun-rays and these
vapours are being condensed and on getting heavy, these
come down on the earth in the form of rain. In the same
way Arka is being collected from the drug. Thus, the
word Arka denotes the overall aspect of this
manufacturing process.
Definition :
The method by which the volatile oil and active
principles of the drug are collected is called as Arka-
kalpana and the compound prepared through this
procedure is called as Arka. It is obtained by the method
of distillation. pparatus named Arkayantra or Bhabhka
-yantra. These yantras were used for obtaining the
Arkas, which a contained mostly volatile oils for example
sandal wood, rose flowers etc. Even drugs like Dasha-
mula, Triphala, Ajamoda, Madya etc. were also
extracted by the same distillation method.
2 JULY -2009
Guide: Prof.(Dr) D.K.Mishra M.D (Ay), H.O.D.,
Historical Review :
The word Arka is not mentioned in Vedic
literature as well as in Samhita Granthas and Sangraha
Granthas. First of all, Shodhal in 12th cent described
the ‘Arka-Kalpana’. Later it was adopted by many
workers and number of books were written on this
process. The main reference book of Arka-Kalpana is
‘Arka- Prakash’ but there is no any explanation about
the author of this text. This text is present in the form of
conversation between Ravana and Mandodari, that’s
why if we consider Ravana as the author of this text
then there is many confusion about the time period of
‘Arka-prakash’.
According to Ramayana, period of Ravana,
the author of Arka-prakash was TretaYuga. Regarding
this period of Treta Yuga, number of personalities have
supported. However, the time period of Treta Yuga is
thousands of years old, while compared to this, the
references found (about Akras) in Unani system appears
to be recent one.
i) So a question arises as to how this Kalpana was
migrated into Ayurveda from Unani Hakims?
ii) One more question is arised that if this Grantha is
of Treta Yuga then at least some description of Arka
should be found in Ayurvedic texts what are written
after this time?
But contrary to this, we do not find any description in
any text (Samhita granthas, Sangraha grahthas etc.) So,
no conclusion can be drawn about the time-period of
Arka Prakash and neither can be concluded about its
author.
In fact it is possible that Ravana was some
another person and the time period could be around
Bhava Prakash. Hence experts drawn the conclusion
about time period of Arka-prakash that it may be around
14th century.
No reference about Arka-Kalpana is found
even in Rasa-Shastriya texts, only in Rasa-tarangini
there is one shloka about it i.e.,
rÉl§ÉåhÉ lÉÉÌQûMüÉZrÉålÉ uÉÌWûlÉxÉÇiÉÉmÉ rÉÉåaÉiÉÈ |
ÌoÉlSÒzÉÉå rÉixuÉÑiÉÇ lÉÏUÇ iÉÎimÉëx§ÉÑiÉqÉÑcrÉiÉå || (U. iÉ 2/59)
 Newsletter of ARMARC
The Arkas can be classified into following types:
According to Arka Prakasha:
A) Based on contents:
1) Stirarka - Arka patan from the drugs in which
there is no volatile oil eg:-Triphala, Dashamoola etc.
2) Gandharka - Arka patan from the drugs with
fragrance or volatile oil eg:- Jiraka, Ajamoda etc.
3) Dravarka - Arka extraction from the liquid drugs
B) Based on duration of preparation:
1) Newna - Prepared in 1 prahara
2) Madyarka - Prepared in 2 prahara
3) Srestarka - Prepared in 3 prahara
Agni in Arka prakasha are classifed according to the
diseases and also according to actions.
C) Based on part used:
1) Pushparka 2) Kshiraruksharka
3) Taila dhanyarka 4) Tandularka
5) Sattu Dhanyarka 6) Vishavrgarka
7) Sugandha ganarka
According to Modern Science:
1. Simple distillation.
2. Vacuum distillation:
It has been shown that evaporation takes place
from the surface of liquids at any temperature; the rate
depends mainly on the vapour pressure of the liquid at
the existing temperature. It is apparent that the maximum
rate of evaporation will be attained only when liquid is
actively boiled. In vacuum distillation, a vacuum is
created to cause more which results in less temperature
requirement.
3. Fractional distillation:
The object of the process of fractional
distillation is to effect a more or less complete separation
of two or more liquids that differ from one another in
their degrees of volatility. But the types of mixtures of
two or more liquids that are insoluble in each other.
4. Steam distillation :
A liquid that is immiscible with water and that
has a relatively high boiling point may be distilled at a
temperature far below its normal boiling point by the
simple expedient of boiling it with water or passing a
current of steam through it. This process is of particular
importance in the production of the volatile oils.
3 JULY -2009
5. Destructive distillation (Dry distillation) :
The process of destructive distillation is also
known as dry distillation It consists of strong heat
application to organic matter that is protected from air
and resulting in formation of volatile decomposition
products.
Importance of the Arkas:
SìurÉ MüsmÉÈ mÉÇcÉkÉÉxrÉÉiÉç YsYcÉÔhÉï UxÉxiÉjÉÉ |
iÉæsÉqÉMïü ¢üqÉeÉårÉÇ rÉjÉÉå¨ÉUaÉÑhÉÇ ÌmÉërÉå || (A.mÉë. 1/46)
According to the above reference the efficacy
of Kalka, Churna, Swarasa, Taila and Arka is gradually
increasing in descending order. This efficacy of individual
formulation may be due to various degrees in the
concentration of active principle. This implies that the
author of Arka-Prakash has said this on the basis of
concentration of drug in formulations.
rÉxiÉæsÉMüUhÉå S£É¶ÉÉMïüÌlÉxxÉUhÉå mÉOÒûÈ |
iÉxrÉ xÉåuÉÉ pÉuÉåͳÉirÉÇ UÉåaÉæ¶É lÉ xÉ oÉÉkrÉiÉå || A. mÉë 1/72
If the formulation is in liquid form then it is easily
palatable to the patient than powder/ tablet form. In
Ayurvedic formulations Swarasa, Kwath, Arka and
Asava-Arishta are in liquid form (Sneha-Kalpana has
oily base which is a different Kalpana). Swarasa and
Kwath are not much practically preferable because of
their short shelf life. So in Ayurvedic formulations Arka
– Kalpana is main Kalpana which is in liquid form and
more effective. Other specialities are:
1. It can be preserved for longer time than other
Kalpanas like Swarasa, Kwath etc.
2. This Kalpana is easy to administer in the patients
of Mridu Prakriti and one who hesitate to take
medicines like Churna, Kwath etc.
3. Arka is prepared by the combination of Jala and
with the help of Agni, hence Arkas is Laghupaki,
Vyavayi and Vikasi & thus assimilates quickly in
the body.
4. Arkas have good palatability.
5. Doses of the drugs can be reduced by using Arka.
(Continued next edition..........)
 Newsletter of ARMARC 4 JULY -2009
PHARMACEUTICAL & ANALYTICAL STUDY ON
PATOLADI GANA IN KWATHA, ARISHTA & GHANAVATI FORM
Dr. Vibhu Muraleedharan PG Scholar Guided by - Dr. B D Mishra MD(Ayu)
Prof (Dr.) D K Mishra M.D(Ayu) H.O.D Dept of Bhaishajya kalpana, A.L.N.R.M.A.M.C. Koppa.
(Continued from Jun.........)

Observations in Different Stages of Fermentation

Criteria Initial stage Onset of Fermentation Completion of Fermentation
Rupa Dark brown - Blackish brown
Rasa Tikta - Tikta
Gandha Madhu smell - Characteristic Alcoholic odour
Sound/effervescence - 5 th
day No sound
Prakshepaka dravya Floating - Settled
Burning candle test - - Burns
Lime water test - + ve - ve
No: of days - 4th day 36th day
Temperature 24- 380c

Results low flame till volume of water reduced to 1/4th - 3 ltr.

ƒ Fermentation successfully completed in 36 days.
ƒ Total volume of Drava dravya
(Kwatha+Guda+Madhu) - 8400 ml
ƒ Yield of Patoladi Arishta - 5500 ml
ƒ % of loss with respect to drava dravya - 34.52 %.
ƒ Weight of solid residue (in wet stage) - 3050 g
Purpose
ƒ 500 ml of Patoladi Arishta subjected to Physico-
chemical analysis.
NB - The Patoladi Ghanavati was prepared 2 more
times with same quantity of drugs, but with 1:4 and
1:16 water ratio.
This is for evaluating any change in the yield of
Ghanavati apart from 1:8 water ratio.
PRACTICAL NO. 5
Preparation of Patoladi Ghanavati
Ingredients : Patoladi, Katurohini, Chandana,
Madhusrava, Guduchi, Patha, each 500 g
Water-12 liter
Method of Preparation
ƒ The drugs were separately reduced into yavakuta
choorna with pounding machine.
ƒ The yavakuta choorna was taken in a clean tin coated
copper vessel and was filled with 6 ltr of water. It
was kept as such for one night, and on next day after
adding remaining 6 ltr. of water, it was boiled over
ƒ The container was taken out of fire and the content
was filtered to another vessel through a fine cloth.
ƒ Thus obtained Patoladi Kwatha was reheated in a
low flame.
ƒ After about 1/4th of water was evaporated the
consistency of the liquid thickened slowly.
ƒ The heating process was continued slowly by
keeping the vessel in water bath, till Kwatha gained
semisolid consistency. Then the mass obtained by
the above process was rolled into pills with the help
of pill cutting machine of 500 mg size & dried.
Yield of Patoladi Ghanavati - 175 g.
PRACTICAL NO. 6
Preparation of Patoladi Ghanavati
Ingredients : Patola, Katurohini, Chandana,
Madhusrava, Guduchi, Patha, each 500 g
Water-48 ltr.
Method of Preparation
ƒ The drugs were separately and reduced into
yavakuta choorna with pounding machine.
ƒ The yavakuta choorna was taken in a clean tin
coated copper vessel and was filled with 24 ltr of
water. It was kept as such for one night, and on
next day after adding remaining 24 ltr of water, it
was boiled over low flame till volume of water
reduced to 1/4th - 12 ltr.
 Newsletter of ARMARC
ƒ The container was taken out of fire and the content
was filtered to another vessel through a fine cloth.
ƒ Thus obtained Patoladi Kwatha was reheated in a
low flame.
ƒ After about 1/4th of water evaporation, the consistency
of the liquid thickened slowly.
ƒ The heating process was continued slowly by keeping
the vessel in water bath, till kwatha gained semisolid
consistency. Then the mass obtained by the above
process was rolled into pills with the help of pill cutting
machine of 500 mg size & dried.
Yield of Patoladi Ghanavati - 410 g.
Physico-Chemical Analysis of the prepared
Compound drugs:
Parameters Patoladi Kwatha
Organoleptic characters Dark brown colour liquid,
Odour - Characteristic,
Taste – Bitter
Specific gravity at 25 1.0249
pH 4.22
Total solid content (%) 6.41
Refractive index 1.34
TLCExtraction : No of spots – 3Rf values
Colour0.10Violet0.13Dark
ChloroformSolvent system violet0.58 Dark violet
:Chloroform : Hexane :
Methanol 7.0 : 2.8 :
0.2Detection at 254nm
**************************
COSMECEUTICALS
Dr. Pallavi Varshney Final year P.G.Scholar
Guide Prof.(Dr.) H. R. Pradeep M.D (Ay)
Dept. of Dravyaguna
Dr. Prashant Kumar Jha Lecturer, Quality Control
A.L.N.R. M. A. M. C, Koppa
Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products
containing biologically active principles specifically
ingredients of plant origin having effect on users. They
are hybrid of cosmetics and pharmaceutics. The purpose
is quite obvious to enhance the health and beauty.
Looking to the taste of people worldwide towards the
herbal products, cosmeceuticals industries are exploiting
the herbs as major parts for their various products. The
demands of these products have gone high in recent
pasts. The annual market for cosmeceuticals in USA is
estimated to be 2.5 US billion dollars, whereas 5 million
dollars for the European countries.
The word ‘cosma’ gives the birth to the
word‘cosmeceuticals’ which means for topically applied
substances/medicaments such as cream, lotion etc.
5 JULY -2009
This remains more as marketing terminology and is said
to be developed by cosmetic industries for advertise-
ment purpose. Scientifically it is never found other than
Drug. Even Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of
United State does not recognize any such item. But it is
reality, “cosmeceuticals” are very much in vogue. Its dif-
ferentiation from the drug is on delivery method as the
“cosmeceutical” label applies only to products applied
topically, such as creams, lotions, and ointments.
History
The history of cosmaceuticals is as old as the
conscious of beauty amongst the human being. In
Ayurveda, Charak Samhita mentions these under ‘Varnya
Dashemani’ including the drugs like Chandana, Tunga,
Padmaka, Ushira, Madhuka, Manjistha, Sariva, Payasa,
Sita and Lata. Other than Ayurveda, the recorded
evidences of cosmaceuticals are found well developed
among the people of 4000 old Egyptian civilization and
civilizations of Babylon, Sumer, Hebrew etc.
Classification
Industries engaged with cosmeceuticals exploit
the human psychology to be always youth and working
on personal human care, cosmeceutical industries
propose various products based on claims of enhancing
of beauty of hair, skin etc. They can be classified on the
basis of parts of their applications or name of chemicals
or commerce.
Based on uses/ parts of application
1. Skin cosmeceuticals
2. Hair cosmeceuticals
3. Other cosmeceuticals
Based on name of chemicals or commerce
1. Retinoids
2. Hydroxy acids
3. Anti-oxidants
4. Other cosmeceuticals
Skin cosmeceuticals: Preserving and protecting the skin
is not only essential part of our day to day life, but impor-
tant for good health also as skin comes to significant by
separating the internal organs from external environment.
Environmental elements such as pollutants and solar ra-
diation may cause cumulative damage to the building
blocks of skin like collagen, DNA and cell membrane.
Claims of cosmeceuticals meant to save them and mak-
ing skin more beautiful. Number of products is in market
with claims of maintaining the keratin structure in good
condition and making the skin healthier.
Hair Cosmeceuticals: Hair is part of body which makes
 Newsletter of ARMARC 6 JULY -2009
attraction and self-perception of human being by means glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, mandelic acid, malic
of its size, style, colour etc. The use of mud and henna acid etc. They have found to decrease the aging effect s
(leaves of Lawsonia inermis Linn.) is not new to the by improving the quality of elastic fibres and increasing
people of India for setting and making hair more beautiful. the density of collagen. BHAs are aromatic compound
Looking to the prominent status of hair for anyone, a hair e.g., salicylic acid, 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
cosmeceutical product includes conditioning agents, etc. They have dermolytic properties helping in various
special care ingredients, and hair growth stimulants. When xerotic disorders. Despite of different kinds of uses side-
conditioning agents are intended to impart softness and effects are also there as sensitivity to UV radiation is found
gloss, the special care ingredients are aimed to modify increased with using AHAs.
the specific problems relating to superficial scalp. Number Antioxidants: The skin being in direct contact of envi-
of chemicals and herbals are being used for the purpose ronment is frequently exposed to a constant assault of
like fatty acids ingredients, hydrolyzed proteins, endogenous and exogenous damaging agents like UV
quaternized cationic derivatives, cationic polymers etc. radiation, drugs, pollutants etc. To maintain its health, skin
Other cosmeceuticals: Other cosmeceuticals include has to overcome the endogenous mitogens (especially
the caring and providing of health to other parts of the Reactive Oxygen Species/ ROS) and free radicals. This
body. The skin beneath the eye lacks subcutaneous fat overcoming capacity very much depends upon physiol-
and has virtually no oil glands. This delicate skin needs ogy of body and according to body physiology the quantity
protection and plenty of moisture to replenish and repair, of pro-oxidants varies. In case of lacking to these, they
which helps to reduce the signs of premature aging. As are supplies to indivisual body by means of
the skin ages, it becomes thinner, drier, and rougher. cosmeceuticals. Some of them are as:
Number of products which are used skin care make cause Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid): Among the various roles
harm as this area needs gentle and special ingredients of of this vitamin, it is found necessary for the hydroxylation
cosmeceuticals that might work from the inside out by of procollagen, proline, and lysine and its deficiency results
interacting with the cells under the skin’s surface without in purpura, keratotic follicles, and bleeding gums. It is a
irritating the eyes. The eye lifting moisture cream should water-soluble antioxidant that clenches free radicals and
also have properties to treat puffiness, maintaining of regenerates vitamin E. It is an important regulator of
elasticity etc. Dental care compositions are also available collagen expression stimulating its synthesis. Studies have
in market as cosmeceuticals providing the therapeutic, shown that vitamin C levels on the skin are severely
prophylactic and cosmetic benefits. depleted after UV irradiation and that, histologically,
vitamin C improves and normalizes the changes caused
Retinoids: Retinoids are Vitamin A (Retinol) derivatives by photodamage.
present in all living organisms as needed for integrity of
mucosal and epithelial surfaces, bone development etc. Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol): It is a major lipophilic
This cosmeceuticals claim to sort out the number of prob- antioxidant in plasma, membranes and tissues. It arrests
lems related to Vitamin A deficiency. Industries use either the chain propagation in lipid peroxidation by scavenging
synthetic or natural of Vitamin A in the treatment of skin lipid peroxyl radicals, hence protecting the cell membrane
disorders including psoriasis, acne etc. It helps to avoid from destruction. It is topically applied before UV
the follicular hyperkeratosis or phrynoderma also. It acts irradiation has been shown to reduce erythema, edema,
antioxidants as well as activator of specific genes and sunburn cells, immunosuppression caused by sunlight,
proteins. It also induces epidermal thickening by increas- and DNA adduct formation.
ing mitosis, differentiating keratinocytes, and reducing the
number of sebocytes. Ultimately deposition of new col- Panthenol: It is an alcohol analog of vitamin B and water
5
lagen, generation of new vessels etc. are followed. soluble. It is a humectant commonly found in various
commercial skin creams, lipsticks, lotions, and hair
Hydroxy Acids: They are organic carboxylic acids clas-
preparations. It is stable in the presence of oxygen and
sified into á-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and â-hydroxy ac-
light but unstable in the presence of acids, bases, and
ids (BHAs) according to the position of hydroxide groups.
high temperatures. It is converted in the skin to pantothenic
They are second most available cosmeceuticals and in
acid, an important component on coenzyme A and
low concentrations are found in mass-marketed cosmetic
essential for normal cellular metabolism.
formulation. Different AHAs are aliphatic compounds e.g.
 Newsletter of ARMARC 7 JULY -2009
Formulation Profile (Series-A/8) Herbal Drug Profile (Series-A/9)
Asokaritsa Karanja-beej
Prof. D.K.Mishra Dr.Mahesh.M.Madaalageri 1. Prof. M.Vidyasagar 2. Prof. K.S.Sanjay
Bhavya. D.C 3. Dr. Hari Venkatesh 4. Dr. Prashant Kumar Jha

Reference: Bhaishajya Ratnavali

Botanical Source: The drug consists of seeds of
Ingredients: Main: Asoka twak – 4.8kg,
Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Merr. Syn. P. glabra Vent.
Water – 9.152lts, Dhataki – 768gm
From the family Papillionaceae.
Others: Ajaji : 48gm
Geographical Source: This tree native to Western Ghat
Musta : 48gm
and is found throughout India along the rivers, streams or
Sunti : 48gm
in forest etc.
Darvi : 48gm
Utpala : 48gm
Haritaki : 48gm
Vibhitaki : 48gm
Amalaki : 48gm
Amrasthi : 48gm
Jeeraka : 48gm
Vasa : 48gm
Chandana : 48gm
Apparatus: Khalva Cloth, LADDLE Strainer, Angara
kisti, Stinaless steel vessel, Clay. Habit: It is a moderate sized almost evergreen tree with
Procedure: compound leaf. The leaflets are 5-7 in number and ovate
• Ashoka twak is boiled in water and decoction to oblong in shape, with obtuse or shortly acuminate apex,
is prepared by reducing it to 1/4th . on cooling subcoriaceous with prominent (beneath) midrib and lateral
the decoction is filtered in vessel nerves. Flowers are simple, peduncled and in axillary
• Jaggery is dissolved in the decoction racemes. The inflorescence is as long as the leaf. The
• All praksepaka dravy are finely powdered and colour of the flower is lilac or white with pink or violet.
added to the decoction and stirred well Pods are compressed, woody, indehiscent, yellowish-
• Vessel is closed with a lid and seal and with clay grey when ripe, varying in size and shape, elliptic to
and kept aside for one month. obliquely oblong with a short curved beak with usually
• After one month supernatant liquid is stained and one seed.
preserved. Macroscopy of Seed: Seeds are elliptic or reniform,
1.5-2.0 x 1.0-1. 8 cm in size, broad, wrinkled with
Indication: leathery testa. Micropylar ends of cotyledons are slightly
Rakta pradara, Artvasula, Raktapitta, Arsa, Jwara, depressed while other side semi-circular in shape.
Prameha etc.
Anupana: Water Microscopy of Seed: The transverse section of the seed
Dose: - 15-30 ml shows palisade like epidermis forming the testa filled
Analytical Report: brown pigment. The epidermis is covered externally with
pH : 3.92 cuticle. It is followed by few rows (2-3) of parenchyma
Sp. Gravity : 0.9869 cells having intercellular spaces and containing brown
Total solid : 25% pigemnts. Oil globules are scattered in cotyledonary
Alchohol content : 9.64% region of the seed.
 Newsletter of ARMARC
Chemical Constituents: The seed contains 19 %
moisture, 27.5% fatty oil, 17.4 % protein, 6.6 % starch,
7.3 % crude fibre etc. The fatty acid contains 3.7 – 7.9
% palmitic acid, 2.4 – 8.9% stearic acid, 2.2 – 4.7%
arachidic acid, 4.2 – 5.3% behemic acid, 1.1 – 3.5%
lignoceric acid, 44.5 – 71.3 % oleic, 10.8 – 18.3 %
linoleic acid and 9.5 – 12.5 % eicosenoic acid. The
alkaloidal contents are karangin, glabrin, pinnatin etc.
Uses: Seeds are used in external application for skin
diseases. A thick yellow-orange to brown oil is extracted
from the seeds. The oil has a bitter taste and disagreeable
aroma, thus it is not considered edible. Medicinally the
oil is used in cutaneous affections, herpes, scabies and in
rheumatism. The oild is used in enhancing the pigmentation
of skin affected by leucoderma or scabies. It is used as
fuel for cooking and lamps. It is also used as a lubricant,
water paint binder, pesticide, in soap making and tanning
industries.
New Reseacrhes In Medical Science
• Risk for hepatocellular carcinoma, a primary
malignancy of the liver, was statistically
significantly higher among women with hepatitis
B virus (HBV) infection than among women
without the virus.
• New research provides for the first time a solid
scientific answer for the long-standing question
of whether there is an association between
preterm birth and brain (malformed).
• Researchers have found the first evidence that
female human embryos adjust the balance of X
chromosome.
For All Pharmacopoeial Analysis, Standardization
of Single as well as Compound Drugs, with
Spectrophotometer, Flame Photomeneter, Photo-
micrograph etc. at nominal charges Contact:
Dr. Prashant Kumar Jha CIPR, DIM, PGDEE, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Quality Control Laboratories, ALN Rao Me-
morial Medical College, Koppa
Your Suggestions and Queries are invited.
Editor: Prof (Dr.) M.Vidyasagar & Co-Editor: Dr.Prashant kumar Jha
Research Co-ordinator Dr. Mahesh.M.Madalageri
Printed and Published by ARMARC on behalf of Honourable A. Ramesh Rao, Koppa, Chikmagalur Dt., Karnataka - 577126, India
(No. KARENG/2002/7924, RNI, New Delhi)
email: armarc_koppa@yahoo.com, prashantjha19@rediffmail.com
8 JULY -2009
PRINTED MATTER/BOOK POST
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