Physico-chemical evaluation of Rasakarpura

Journal:- Journal of Ayurveda

Author:- Dr Neky Mehta
Dr B Ravishankar
Dr P K Prajapati
-Ptd by
Dr Savita Bhosale
 Introduction

Rasakarpura is a Nirgandha type of Kupipakva

Rasa preparation.
It is prepared by using Parada,Gandhakamla
and Saindhava as ingredients and claimed to be
chloride compound of mercury.
 Physico-chemical analysis provides the
objective parameters to fix up the standards for
quality of raw drugs, intermediate process and
materials as well as finished product.
 Contd….

Analytical study of a drug also helps to interpret the

pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic of the same in
suitable manner.

It is the need of present era for a scientific explanation to

understand the concept of Ayurveda.

In this study an attempt was made to evaluate the

rasakarpura as physico-chemically.
 Materials and Methods.

Materials.
Three steps:
Preparation of Parada Churna.
Mixing of Paradachurna ahd Saindhava Lavana.
Sublimation of final product.
Parada churna- 1part parada+1.5 part Ghandhakamla.
Paradachurna and Saindhava lavana were triturated for
30min.
Subjected for heat 12hrs in EMF
Finally Rasakarpura is collected.
 Samples analysed were
Samples I: Parada Churna
Samples II: Rasakarpura
Samples III: Residue obtained from Kupi
Analysis of Sample I Parada churna:
Estimation of mercury
Analysis of Sample II Rasakarpura
A. Evaluation on classical method:
Colour, Odour,Texture.
B. Evaluation on modern parameters:
a) Qualitative analysis for Hgcl2:
 Contd….
To an aqueous solution of the sample ammonia solution
was added drop wise and any change was noted and
compared.
It was carried out
 By adding Diluted HCl.
By adding H2S solution.
By adding KI solution.
By adding NaOH solution.
By addingNH4OH solution
 Contd….
Quantitative Analysis:
i)Loss on drying.
ii) Ash value
iii)Determination of water soluble matter.
iv)Estimation of Mercury.
v) Estimation of chlorine.
vi) Inductively coupled plasma Analysis

Analysis of Sample III

Estimation of Mercury.
 Observation and Results.
Analysis of Sample I Parada churna:
Mercury 65.82%
Sulphate 31.50%
Analysis of Sample II Rasakarpura

Parameters Rasakarpura
1.Shabda N.S
2.Sparsha Corrosive
3.Rupa White crystals

4.Gandha N.S
Table-1 contd…..

5. By adding ammonia White precipitate

6. By adding dilute HCL No precipitate
7. By adding H2S solution White yellow,black precipitate
8. By adding NaOH solution Yellow precipitate
9. By adding KI solution Orange clour
10. Loss on drying 0.18
11. Ash value N.S
12. % of water solubility 98.21
13. %of Hg 72.38
14. %of HgCl2 97.98
15. % of Cl2 25.60
 Data of ICP analysis of Rasakarpura
Table-2

Elements Sample of Rasakarpura

(mg/kg)
Mercury 698570.00

Sodium 71.6520

Magnesium 08.1363

Calcium 15.7630
 Discussion
It reveals that the major constitute of rasakarpura is
mercury. 71.65mg/kg of sodium,08.13mg/kg
magnesium and 15.76mg/kg calcium were also
evaluated in trace form. This analysis indicates that
Rasakarpura is not the pure form of mercuric chloride,
but sodium, magnesium and calcium are also found
into the trace amount in it. The quantitative estimation
of percentage of mercury is supported by the result of
ICP.
Qualitative test for mercury was found to be negative in
residue.
 Conclusion
Rasakarpura should be considered as cocktail of
mercuric chloride as major constituent and Sodium,
Magnesium and Calcium as trace elements.
PHARMACEUTICAL STANDARDIZATION
OF RASAKARPURA
Neky J. Mehta **B. Ravishankar ***P. K. Prajapati

 Institute for Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda,

Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar

Abstract: Rasakarpura, a Nirgandha type of Kupipakva Rasayana,

used to cure skin disease. Although various references of
Rasakarpura preparation are described in different Rasa Shastra
classics but for the present study the reference of Rasatarangini
(6/65-71) was selected. Rasakarpura is prepared with Parada,
concentrated sulphuric acid and Saindhava Lavana in the ratio of 1:
1½ and approx 1½ respectively by using Valuka Yantra in Classical
method within 9 hours of heat treatment and in Mechanized
method by using electric muffle furnace (EMF) within 12 hours of
heat treatment. Analytical study was done to find out its major
chemical constitutes i.e. mercuric chloride along with sodium,
magnesium and calcium as trace elements for product
standardization.
.