Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

Introduction

Shabda Kalpdruma defines the word Kshara as Kshara Sancalani, which means to melt or move.^[1] Sushruta defines Kshara as a substance with Ksharana property, which signifies the removal of excessive morbid Doshas. Kshara also has the virtue of disintegration. Kshara's superiority can be explained by the fact that they execute the work of incision, puncture, and scarification, as well as correcting Tri Dosha derangements, and they affect the sick part uniformly. Kshara’s are compounds with a pale colour, a burning sensation, a pungent flavour, endothermic properties, and an irritant.

Palasha Kshara is a Kshara preparation recorded in classical manuscripts as being used to cure liver enlargement, spleen enlargement, urinary stones, tumours, and other conditions. Palasha Kshara is also utilised internally as a component in compound medications. So, here is an attempt to examine the preparation and analytical examination of Palasha-Kshara as described in the Sharangdhar Samhita.^[2]

Materials and Methods

The Kshara made from the Palasha (Butea monosperma) plant with the wood (Kashtha) was submitted to organoleptic and analytical testing, and the results were used to determine the elemental and chemical composition of the Palasha Kshara.

Preparation of Palasha Kshara

Palasha wood, also known as Kashtha (Butea monosperma), was gathered in December and January. Palasha Kshara's authentication was completed. The material was cleaned, split into smaller pieces, and left to dry. After appropriate drying, all of the gathered material was burned publicly in a large iron pan, and the resulting white ash was collected after self-cooling. The ash was filtered through mesh no. 20 to remove unburned material. The ash produced after filtration was combined with four times as much water. All of the ash was carefully mixed with water and set aside for 16 hours. The next morning, the supernatant clear water was filtered through a fine cotton towel. The filtration was repeated 21 times.

The acquired Ksharajal was heated to evaporate its water content. Continuous stirring was used during

Tests for Physical properties of Palasha Kshara

Colour, odour, touch, and taste are some of the physical criteria listed in ancient classics that are judged using sense organs such as the eye, nose, skin, and tongue. In traditional medicine, the testing of manufactured drugs is mentioned to check the traits and attributes of the items. This method checks qualities that are easily detected using a sense organ. The acquired physical features of Palasha Kshara were compared to the general characteristics of Kshara as described by Sharangadhara and Sushruta Samhita.

In the quality control laboratory, Palasha Kshara was tested using the organoleptic characteristics of colour, smell, touch, and taste.

Table 2: Shows the obtained results after the organoleptic examination

Physico-chemical characters like PH, loss on drying, ash value and acid insoluble ash were tested in quality Control laboratory.

Table 3: Physico-chemical characters

Discussion

Palasha Kshara is referenced in many classical sources. It is commonly used internally to treat a variety of disorders such as kidney stones, tumours, enlarged livers, and spleen. Externally, it is used to promote wound healing. Palasha Kshara can be prepared with leaves, flowers, or wood, however wood produces more ash and is used in this study. Material must be dry before it can be burned properly. Palasha burns best while open, producing the finest ash. Kshara is prepared with four times as much water. According to the passage in the Sushruta Samhita, water is used six times. More water requires more time to evaporate. To completely dissolve the Kshara in water, the ash must be mixed well. Ash mixed with water should settle down, therefore approximately 14 to 16 hours are required. The supernatant fluid should be carefully separated using fine cotton cloth or filter paper. To entirely eliminate insoluble particles, the filtration process is repeated 21 times. To prevent sticking to the pan, the heat was set to medium. The colour of water changes from colourless to brown, then to whitish grey. The acquired Kshara was white grey in colour and felt amorphous to the touch. The PH of Kshara's aqueous solution is 11.5, indicating the alkaline character of Palasha Kshara. Quantitative analysis reveals the presence of potassium in considerable quantities, along with sulphate.