Introduction

Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox), a member of the Ranunculaceae family, holds significant importance in Ayurvedic medicine due to its potent therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects. Despite its extensive use, Vatsanabha is classified as a toxic herb under the category of Upavisha (semi-poisonous substances) in Ayurvedic texts. Its toxicity is attributed to alkaloids like aconitine, which possess neurotoxic and cardiotoxic effects. Hence, its utilization necessitates a purification process, termed Shodhana, to ensure safety and efficacy.^[1,2]

The concept of Shodhana, rooted in Ayurvedic pharmacology, is a unique detoxification process aimed at reducing the toxicity of herbal drugs while preserving their therapeutic potential. Classical Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Rasaratna Samuchchaya emphasize the importance of Shodhana for toxic herbs. Techniques like Swedana (sudation), Nirvapa (quenching), and Bhavana (levigation) are commonly prescribed for Vatsanabha, using mediums such as goat’s milk (Aja Dugdha), herbal decoctions like Triphala Kwatha, and red mustard oil (Rakta Sarshapa Tail) to neutralize toxic constituents.^[3,4,5]

The choice of medium in Shodhana significantly impacts the chemical composition and therapeutic properties of Vatsanabha. Studies have shown that goat’s milk effectively reduces aconitine levels while enhancing bioavailability, Triphala Kwatha promotes antioxidant properties, and Rakta Sarshapa Tail improves lipid solubility of active components. This highlights the critical role of Shodhana in transforming Vatsanabha from a toxic substance into a safe and potent medicinal agent.^[6,7,8]

Despite the extensive documentation in Ayurvedic literature, scientific validation of these traditional methods remains limited. Modern analytical tools, such as physico-chemical analysis and other initial tests offer an opportunity to quantify the reduction in toxic constituents and evaluate the therapeutic enhancements achieved through Shodhana. Such validation not only bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary science but also ensures the global acceptance of Ayurvedic practices.^[9,10,11]

1. Rasa Tarangini: (chapt 24, page 652, verse 23-24)

Materials and Drugs:

• Ashuddha Vatsanabha Root = 100gm
• Aja-dugdha = 3 liter
• Ushnodhaka [Warm water] = Q.S

Equipment’s: Dolayantra, Cotton Cloth, Spoon, Spatula, Stainless Steel Vessel, Gas stove, Jar

Working principle: Mixing, Filtering, Heating and Drying.

Method and Observation

• 100gm Vatsanabha root was cleansed with a piece of dry cloth to remove any extraneous objects that had adhered to the root.
• Following that, it was cut into tiny bits the size of chickpeas. Pieces of Vatsanabha were fastened to a sturdy Portali, which was folded into three or four layers of cotton fabric and hung inside a Dolayantra.
• The Dolayantra was then cooked for three to six hours in three liters of Aja Dugdha
• Following Shodhan, the samples were properly cleaned in warm water, dried to remove any remaining moisture and
• After completely drying, dried Shudha Vatsanabha was collected and kept in an airtight container.

Result

• Initial wt. of Ashuddha Vatsanabha = 100gm
• Total wt. obtained after Shodhana. = 70gm
• Total wt. loss = 30gm (30%)

2. Anandkanda: (chapt 14, page 248, verse 26-27)

Materials and Drugs:

• Ashuddha Vatsanabha Root = 100 gm
• Rakta Sarshapa Taila (red mustard oil) = 1 liter
• Ushnodhaka [Warm water] = Q.S
• Tankana (borax) = Equal quantity of Shodhit

Equipment’s: Mortar and Pestle (Khalva Yantra), Spoon, Spatula, Stainless Steel Vessel.

Working Principle: Trituration, washing, filtering, Grinding, Oleation

• Swedana (sudation) processed, where Pottali exposed to steam of Triphala Kwatha for 24 hours.
• After completing 24 hours of Swedana, Pottali was removed, and once cooled, pieces of Shudha Vatsanabha were collected, dried them and stored for further use.
• The Vatsanabha roots were undergo a gradual change in texture and color during 24-hour Swedana
• The medicinal properties of Triphala Kwatha infuse into Vatsanabha roots during Swedana process.
• After process, Vatsanabha pieces appeared softer and darker in color compared to their original form.
• The roots give off a subtle aroma of herbs used in Triphala Kwatha, indicating absorption.

Result

• Initial wt. of Ashuddha Vatsanabha = 100gm
• Total wt. obtained after Shodhana. = 50 gm
• Total wt. loss = 50 gm (50%)

Figure 1: Showing the process of Shodhana of Vatsanabha by different three methods

Iron Mortar Pestle

Potali

Triphala Kwatha

Grinding in Kharal

Filtering

Figure 2: Physico-Chemical Study Instruments

Oven

Water Bath

Physico-chemical Analysis

Physico-chemical Analysis was done of Ashodhit Vatsanabha Moola, with Shodhita samples both with following parameters:

1. Loss on drying:Moisture content is the amount of moisture present in a crude drug sample or dosage form.

2. Total ash: The residue remaining after controlled incineration of drug materials is ash content of the drug, which represents inorganic materials (Metallic salts & Silica).

3. Acid insoluble ash: The residue remaining after treating the total ash with dil. HCL & weighing the residue which represents contamination with silicious material eg. Earth & Sand.

4. PH value: The pH value of an aqueous liquid may be defined as the common logarithm of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion concentration.

5. Solvents extractive value: Amount of active constituents in a given amount of medicinal plant material when extracted with solvents.

Observations and Results

Yield of Final Product After Purification

Table 1 shows the yield of the final product after purification for three different purification methods: Aja Dugdha Shodhit Vatsanabha (ADSV), Triphala Kwatha Shodhit Vatsanabha (TKSV), and Rakta Sarshapa Shodhit Vatsanabha (RSTSV).

• ADSV (Aja Dugdha Shodhit Vatsanabha) resulted in a 30% weight loss (from 100g to 70g).

The alcohol-soluble extractive is highest in RSTSV (26.07%) and lowest in ADSV (11.04%). Raw Vatsanabha has 15.45%, and TKSV has 15.06%.

Table 2: Organoleptic Characters of The Samples

Physico-Chemical Analysis: Physico-chemical Analysis was done of Ashodhit Vatsanabha Moola, with Shodhita samples both with following parameters:

Table 3: Physicochemical Parameters of Raw and Purified Vatsanabha

ADSV = Aja Dugdha Shodhit Vatsanabha, TKSV = Triphala Kwatha Shodhit Vatsanabha, RSTSV = Rakta Sarshapa Shodhit Vatsanabha, RV = Raw Vatsanabha

Shodhana reduces ash values (impurities) and increases solubility, especially for Rakta Sarshapa Tail samples.

pH values change significantly, reflecting altered chemical composition post-detoxification.

On the other hand, RSTSV, despite showing high extractive values, has the highest pH and ash content, which may affect its bioavailability and overall quality, making it less favorable compared to the other two purification methods. Thus, based on the overall physicochemical profile and organoleptic characteristics, ADSV is the preferred choice for optimal purification and efficacy.

References