Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

Introduction

Shila Sindura (SS) is one of the mineral preparations by the Kupipakwa method. It is a Sagandha (containing sulphur), Sagni (drug heated) and Kantastha (the final product accumulates at the neck of the bottle) Kupipakwa Rasayana. Shodhita Parada (processed mercury), Shodhita Gandhaka (processed sulphur), and Shodhita Manashila (processed realgar) are processed in the same proportion by weight as the ingredients to create Shila Sindura and also this ingredient mentioned in the Schedule E1 of D&C act 1945. Which are best and fast acting arsenic medicine mainly used in aliments like Kustha (a group of skin disorders), Shwasa (respiratory problems including bronchial asthma), Sannipataja Roga (disease caused due to involvement of two of three bodily humors) and helps in rejuvenation.^[1] The preparation of Sindura Kalpa can be traced back to Rasapraksha Sudhakara in the 12^th century A.D. under the name of Udayabhaskara Rasa, but the drug Shila Sindura was introduced in the early years of the 20^th century. Kupipakwa Rasayana is a unique pharmaceutical preparation where the drug is prepared in a glass bottle called Kachakupi and the processing is done in a traditional furnace with a pattern of gradual rise in temperature. Kupipakwa Yogas have mineral and metallic formulations, including both Sagandha (with the presence of sulphur) and Nirgandha (with the absence of sulphur) prepared with mercury as ingredients.^[2]

Published paper on Safety study of Shila Sindura;

1. Dasari S. et al^[34]

The present drug (SS) was found to be an effective antimicrobial agent against gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria and fungus which are responsible for various infectious conditions like urinary tract infections, respiratory tract and skin infections. So, Shila Sindura may be used as an effective antibiotic in above mentioned conditions as instructed and used by Acharyas.

2. Dasari S, Sreelakshmi et al.^[35]

The study of albino rats did not show any significant physical changes to assess gross pathological changes. The evaluated values of blood and serum parameters were in normal limits in comparison with vehicle control group suggesting Shila Sindura did not pass the body filtering system and entered the blood stream. The critical evaluation of hepatic and renal functions demonstrated no evident changes in these tissues on microscopic examination, So drug Shila Sindura is safe for administration, at a treatment dose of 2 Ratti (250mg), as prescribed by Acharyas.

3. Barkha Tirpude et al.^[36]

Present study is planned for repeated dose toxicity study (sub chronic) of Shilasindura along with its antimicrobial activity. This a genuine attempt to fulfil the gap of few scientific evidences available and if significant positive results obtained in this work, then it will be a valuable contribution and evidence that the drug Shilasindura is safe for consumption at treatment doses prescribed in classics for a longer duration.

4. Challa Srinivas Reddy et al.^[37]

In this study conclude that low single dose or even low repeated dose of mercury could be safe and may not lead to accumulation in the tissues especially in kidney - the target organ prone to damage. Medium dose administration needs stringent monitoring of the clinical/biochemical parameters for optimization of the dose. At this dose the administration of the drug or its continuation is at the discretion of the medical practitioner. High single dose and high repeated doses have showed very deleterious effects,

Rasayogasagara, Rasayanasara, Ayurvedasara Sangraha, Rasendra Sambhava, Basavaraajeeyam. Rasayogasagara and Rasayanasara mentioned Ardraka Swarasa as Bhavana Dravya for three times. In Basavaraajeeyam, Trikantaka Swarasa and Vasa Swarasa mentioned as Bhavana Dravya for one day.

Dhaturpushpa mentioned in Rasayogasagara and Rasayansara as Bhavana Dravya. In Rasendra Sambhava Vatankura Swarasa, Snuhipaya, Arkapaya mentioned as Bhavana Dravya. Ghritakumari mentioned in Rasamruta, Ayurvedasara Sangraha, Rasatantrasara Siddhaprayogasangrha, Parada Vighyaniyama as Bhavana Dravya.

In all 11 references Kupipakwa method are mentioned for Shila Sindura. Maximum duration for Kupipaka are 4 days and minimum 12hrs are mentioned in various classical text (Table 1). Shila Sindura mainly indicated in Kushtha, Kapha-Vataja Kasa, Sannipattaja Jwara, Rasayana, Sarva Roga Nashaka with Anupana Bheda (Table 2). The minimum dose of Shila Sindura is 1 Ratti & maximum dose is 2 Ratti mentioned in classical text (Table 2).

Researchers have proved the effect of garlic in heavy metal poisoning. Also, garlic contains sulphur which acts as a chelator for mercury poisoning hence the use of garlic in the process of purification of mercury helps to remove the toxic effect of mercury.^[42]

Ghrita and Dugdha both are having Madhura Rasa and Jeevaniya Guna, during Shodhana process, they may remove Visha Dosha in Gandhaka and also fat-soluble impurities.^[43] Ardraka Swarasa was required more in initial trituration and decreased in subsequent trituration’s.

It may be due to less absorption of Swarasa because more percentage of moisture may present in subsequence materials. Total 55 weight gain was observed after seven Bhavana, may be due to addition of total solid contents of Ardraka Swarasa. The Shodhana process turned the reddish orange powder of Manahshila into yellowish orange colour.

Phytochelatins: Ginger contains two important sulphur-based amino acids called cysteine and methionine which can act as phytochelatins and can render arsenic nontoxic in the Manahshila. ^[44]

4. Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, Rasamrutam, 4/14 15, Bhashatikasamnvitam by Vd. Devnath Singh Gautam, Edition Chaukhambha Bharti Acadamy, Varanasi, 2008; 60.

5. Vaidya Harishananda, Kupipakwa rasa nirmana vigyana; 2nd edition 2002; Panjab Ayurvedic Pharmacy, Amritsar