PHARMACEUTICAL STANDARDIZATION OF PANCHSHARA RASA

Abstract

Rasa Shastra is a branch of Medicine, which deals with preparation of the drugs with metals and minerals having wide range of therapeutic efficacy, possessing innate qualities like quick action, less dose, tastelessness, prolonged shelf life and better palatability. Panchshara Rasa is one such Rasoushadhi mentioned in Bhaishajya Ratnavali, indicated in Shukrakshaya. Parada, Gandhaka and Shalmali moola are the main ingredients of Panchshara Rasa. Shodhana, Mardana, Bhavana and Parpati nirmana are the important steps involved in preparation of Panchshara Rasa. Panchshara Rasa is a blend of Kharaliya and Parapati Rasayana. Standardization of Ayurvedic drugs at various levels starting from the selection and collection of raw material to the final product is essential to produce a safe and efficacious drug. Therefore the present study has been planned to standardize the method of preparation of an important Herbo-mineral formulation i.e. Panchshara Rasa. The detailed pharmaceutical study of Panchshara Rasa will be discussed in the full paper.