PHARMACEUTICO THERAPEUTICS OF SULPHUR (GANDHAKA) AN AYURVEDIC REVIEW
Journal Title: Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research - Year 2018, Vol 7, Issue 2
Abstract
The term Sulfur or Sulphur derived From the Sanskrit word "Shulvari"(Shulva + Ari) meaning enemy of shulva or copper metal(Anti-copper). Sulphur occurs free in abundant quantities and hence was probably known to ancients. The Greek and Roman were familiar with the uses of sulphur oxides in fumigation and bleaching. Almost all Acharyas included Gandhaka in Uparasa Varga. Gandhaka seems to be best among all Rasa and Uparasa varga dravya.1 It is also believed that only Gandhaka is able to form all types of Lauha into Bhasma form.2 Acharya Shyamsundaracharya praises Gandhaka in a unique way under heading 'Gandhaka Pradhanyam' in his classic.3 As per modern medical science, sulphur regulates the sodium/potassium electrolyte pump within each cell. It also helps in detoxification and is a vital part of immune system. Sulphur is a component of insulin and it functions along with thiamine and biotin in a normal sugar metabolism. It also helps in tissue repair. It has been referred to as 'Nature's beauty mineral' as it keeps hairs, skins, fingernails strong and healthy. It maintains skin's elasticity. Almost all Rasashastra classics have quoted Karma of Gandhaka as Deepana, Pachana, Rasayana, Vrishya, Balya, Aamdoshanashaka, Vishaghna. As per Rasa Ratna Samucchaya, "Gandhashma ati rasayanah"4 and "Haret rogan kustha mrityu jaradikan"5. Gandhaka Kalpa of Rudrayamala mentions the use of Gandhaka as Rasayana and longevity by its use in 'Kalpakrama'.6 Daily up to 1 Prastha Gandhaka has been advised in 'Kalpakrama'. Kakachandishwara Kalpa Tantra reveals almost all herbal drug kalpa except one, which is 'Gandhaka Kalpa'. It shows Gandhaka as "Vikhyato jaravyadhivinashakah" and mentions some Gandhaka kalpa for Rasayana purpose also.7 Shuddha Gandhaka, as per Rasa Ratnakara, Rasayana Khanda, administered as 'Kramana Yoga' along with Godugdha for 'Shrikantha Rasa'8 and 'Mritasanjivani Gutika'9. It indicates that use of Gandhaka as Rasayana had begun in earlier times. Keywords: Gandhaka, Sodhana, Gandhanasana, Satwapatana
Authors and Affiliations
Dr Debasis Panigrahi
Concentrated Growth Factor - Review
Regenerative medicine is one of the most dominant objectives of today’s rehabilitation therapies. Growth factors are bioactive proteins which control the process of wound healing. Platelet concentrates are rich in growth...
ROLE OF BHALLATAKARASAYANA IN CANCER
An integrated approach is required in the management of cancer by using the knowledge gained through various scientific developments. Thousands of traditional compounds are being screened worldwide to validate their effi...
AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE AND CAUSES OF MENTAL RETARDATION IN MANGALORE
OBJECTIVES: This study determines the prevalence of mental retardation among children between 5 to 18 years of age in Mangalore by sex, age, religion, and location. Distribution of severity of mental retardation and its...
COMPARATIVE IN VITRO ANALYSIS OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOME ACECLOFENAC GENERIC TABLETS MARKETED IN BANGLADESH
Aceclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug analog of diclofenac and works by inhibiting the action of cyclooxygenase (COX) that is involved in the production of prostaglandin (PG) and accountable for pain, swe...
FORMULATIONS AND EVALUATION OF FILM COATED IMMEDIATE RELEASE TABLETS OF PIRACETAM
An immediate release dosage form allows a manufacturer to extend market exclusivity, 100 mg of Piracetam was accurately weighed and transferred to previously dried 100 ml volumetric flask. Drug was dissolved in 0.01N sod...