Analytical assessment of Akika Pishti based on Ancient and Modern Parameters

Abstract

Pishti Kalpana is one of the Kharaliya Kalpanas of Rasashastra which brings the heat sensitive substances to micro particle level without applying the heat for better therapeutic efficacy and is considered as Sukshma as Bhasma. In Rasa texts it is said that Marana of Ratna and Uparatna are not worthwhile hence, Pishti Kalpana is advocated. There is no direct reference for the Siddhilakshana of Pishti, but our Acharyas has mentioned that Pishti is a Anagnisidhdha Bhasma i.e. Pishti should be Bhasmavat, so the parameters mentioned for quality control of Bhasma in ancient text are applicable for assessing the Siddhilaxanas of Pishti. So an attempt has been made to study analytically Siddhilaxana of Pishti by both ancient and modern parameters with special reference to Akika Pishti. Akika is one of the semiprecious gem grouped under the Paradadi Varga, Uparatna Varga and Spatika Varga Ratna. In present study Pishti was prepared as per pharmacopeial standards and subjected to both ancient and modern tests to analyze viz. Pishtivarna, Mrudutva and Slakshanatva, Rekhapurnata, Varitara, Nirdhooma, Unama and Nischandratva tests according to classics and according to modern parameters like organoleptic tests, physio-chemical like LOD, pH, ash values, instrumental analysis like XRD , SEM-EDAX and particle size.