1 ISSN : 2693 6356 2018 | Vol 1 | Issue 6 Examining the Many Varieties of Gold-Containing Mercury Concoctions, or Makaradhwaja G . Manish1 , M.Manoj 2, K.Mohan Kumar3 Anuradha pharmacy collge ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Makaradhwaja is a mercurial concoction that contains gold. Most Ayurvedic doctors recommend this drug for its stimulating and revitalizing effects. Kupipakwa is the preferred method of preparation (the medicine is prepared in a special glass made container called Kupi layered seven times over with Fuller's earth, by administering high temperature), while Kharaliya is the second most common method (the medicine is prepared by triturating all the compounds using a mortar and pestle). Different sources provide varying references for the preparation, which in turn produces variations in its chemical makeup, most notably the ppm of gold, and hence its effectiveness. The purpose of this research is to examine these variations in treatment and their clinical relevance. CONTENT & APPROACH: The study was finished by reviewing data from a number of research publications, Ayurvedic literature, and postgraduate theses. Because of the inclusion of heavy metals like mercury and gold, several questions have been raised about the safety and toxicity of Makaradhwaja. Since then, several toxicity studies have shown the drug is generally safe for consumption within recommended dosage ranges. Ayurvedic doctors continue to choose this treatment above all others because of how well it works. When taken correctly, the research indicates that Makaradhwaja prepared in any of the many ways is generally safe to use. Many people now self-medicate since the pharmaceutical is so widely available, even at drugstores that don't need a doctor's prescription. Because of this, the drug is now being used irrationally, diminishing its usefulness. Keywords: The Three M's: Makaradhwaja, Preparation, and Security Introduction The preparation of medicine from Parad (Mercury), in Rasashatra has been described by many methods. These different dosage forms thus made are Kharaliya Rasayana, Parpati Rasayana (Medicine prepared by direct heat method in the form of flakes), Kupipakwa Rasayana. Makaradhwaja can be prepared by two of these methods – Kharaliya (Chandroday Rasa) and Kupipakwa (Makaradhwaja). Kupipakwa Makaradhwaja is made using elements like Swarna (gold) and Gandhak( sulphur). It also contains heavy metals like Parad. The three elements i.e. Swarna, Gandhak and Parad are taken in different ratios for eg: 1:8:16, 1:8:24 or 1:2:4 in Valukayantra (sand bath) [1,2] and subjected to heat for obtaining the Kupipakwa Makaradhwaja. While in Kharaliya method, trituration of the following compounds is done to obtain Kharaliya Makaradhwaja - Powder of Jatiphala (Myristica fragrans), Lavang (Syzygium aromaticum), Karpur (Camphor), Marich (Piper nigrum), Kasturi (Abelmoschus moschatus), Swarnabhasma (Gold ash) and Rasasindoor (A kupipakwa preparation consisting of mercury and sulphur). Many formulations have been mentioned under the name of Makaradhwaja and Chandroday Rasa, though named differently in different texts (Table.no.1) the preparation of Makaradhwaja remains the same. The first reference for the preparation of Makaradhwaja by Kupipakwa method is mentioned in Rasendra Chintamani. The word Makaradhwaja was first coined by Rasratnakar. In some texts Chandroday Rasa has been prepared, having the same therapeutic action as Makaradhwaja by Kharaliya method. Makaradhwaja is used as a Rasayana (rejuvenator), Vrishya (aphrodisiac) and Shukral (Spermatogenic) drug. It is the drug of choice in various diseases like Sannipatajjwara (fever originating from the aggravation of Tridoshas), Twakroga (Skin diseases), Raktadosha (blood related disorders), Vranastrava (oozing from wounds), Aruchi (anorexia), Atisara (diarrhoea), Pravahika(dysentery), Spotha (boils) etc. [3] In the Kupipakwa method the the Makaradhwaja is obtained at the neck of the Kupi while the particles of Swarna are found at the bottom, whereas in Kharaliya method Swarnabhasma is triturated along with all other contents. This apparent separation of Swarna particles in the former method and blending in the latter creates difference in the chemical composition of the final product obtained. There is need to evaluate the therapeutic action as well as the safety of Makaradhwaja prepared by both methods. Hence an attempt has been made to review it's properties as per the available literature. Materials and method All available textual references of Makaradhwaja were reviewed. Scientific s tudies conducted on Makaradhwaja and digitalised information available from various reliable sources were collected and analysed. Observations Makaradhwaja is prepared by two different methods as follows: Kupipakwa method: Amalgam of Swarna and Shuddha Parad is taken in a Khalvayantra (mortar and pestle) and triturated for 4 - 6 hrs, subsequently Shuddha Gandhak is added to it in the following ratio of 1:8:16. Mardan (trituration) is continued for 24 hrs until a fine Nischandra Kajjali - A stage attained during trituration of Kajjali (a dry powder like preparation of mercury and usually sulphur) wherein the preparation becomes completely black and lustre free is obtained. Then it is subjected to Bhavana with Ghrutkumari Swaras (the juice of Aloe Vera), this is done by adding sufficient quantity of the Ghrutkumari Swaras to Kajjali and trituration is done for 3 hrs followed by drying it in the sun. This Bhavit Kajjali (the mercurial preparation which has undergone Bhavana) is then filled in a Kachkupi (a glass bottle specifically prepared to endure long duration of heat). This Kupi is then placed in a Valukayantra (sand bath) and heat is supplied was in Kramagni pattern i.e. 3 hrs of Mandagni (120 -250 C), 6 hrs of Madhayamagni (250 -450 C) and 3 hrs of Tivragni (450 - 650 C). During the course of heating, a hot Shalaka (thin rod) is repeatedly inserted in the mouth of the Kupi to disperse the accumulation of sulphur fumes, which may create blockage. After which the mouth of the Kupi is corked and it is subjected to heat for another 2 hours. After this, the Kupi is kept aside for cooling. A fine thread is tied over the Kupi, 1 inch below the collected final product, and water is sprinkled over it to break it. Makaradhwaja is then collected from the neck of the Kupi.[4] While in an another reference 6 hours (Dviyama) of Mandagni, followed by 6 hours of Madhyamangni and 6 hours of Tivragni is said to be administered for the preparation of Makaradhwaja.[5] Kharaliya method: In this method first the following contents are mixed and subjected to trituration - Rasasindoor, Jatiphala Churna, Lavang Churna, Karpur Churna and Marich Churna. Then Swarna Bhasm and Kasturi are added to this mixture, trituration is continued for 3 hrs further. Tablets of Dvigunja size (250 mg) are prepared. [6] Presently the Bahirdhoom Vidhi (heat applied in open medium) mentioned by Rasatarangini is the one being followed, with changes in the procedure of heating and use of gold in three different forms – Varkha (sheets of gold), foils and Bhasmas. In which the maximum particles of gold was found to be in the Makaradhwaja prepared using gold Varkha[7]. The procedure of Gandhak Jarana (the Addition and engulfing of Sulphur by Prad or mercury) for Triguna, Shadguna Balijarit Makaradhwaja (three times, six times mercury infused Kajjali respectively) has shown to increase the efficacy of the preparation and also the ppm of gold. The increasing level of Gandhak is linked with proportional rise in the level of gold in the final product obtained.[8] Additionally, the efficacy of Makaradhwaja made from Ashtasanskarit Parad (mercury which has undergone the eight stepwise procedures of purification) is shown to be better than only Shodhit Parad (purified mercury) when used in preparation of the medicine. [9] Discussion There are many references found in different Rasa texts by the name of Makaradhwaja and Chandroday Rasa based on the method of preparation. Few are as follows as mentioned in table 1: Table no.1: Formulation and its references Sr.No Formulation Classical Text Reference 1 Chandroday Rasa Rasa Chandashu Rasendra Sar Sangrah Yog Chintamani Yog Ratnakar Bhaishajya Ratnavali 2 Makaradhwaja Rasa Ratnakar Rasendra Sar Sangrah Bhaishajya Ratnavali Rasamritam Rasratnamanimala Rasatarangini The therapeutic activity of Makaradhwaja & Chandroday Ras are compiled in table 2. Table no.2: Therapeutic Considerations Sr.no Formulation Therapeutic Activity 1 Makaradhwaja Removes signs of ageing like wrinkles and greying of hair, Brain booster, Improves skin glow, Rejuvenation medicine, Aphrodisiac, Improves Longevity and abates oldage [4] 2 Chandroday Ras Aprodisiac and Improves Strength, agility and metabolism. [6] Kupipakwa Makaradhwaja is found at the neck of the Kupi, while Swarna or gold particles are found at the bottom of the same. The data of research studies of Sanjay Khedkar et al in the article - Standard manufacturing process of Makaradhwaja prepared by Swarna Patra, Varkh and Bhasma wherein gold content was found to be 131pp, 268 ppm and 19 ppm respectively. This variation found in the gold content may be due to the difference in particle size. [12] In another article, the metallographic study of gold containing herbo-mineral preparation Makaradhwaja the nature of growth of columnar crystal Mercuric sulphide was shown to be devoid of gold while in ICP spectrophotometry, gold content found was 130 ppm. [8] Another study by Prasanta Kumar et al in their study “Chemistry of Kupipakwa Rasayana” have mentioned the presence of very minute quantity of gold in combination with mercuric sulphide at the neck of the Kupi.[13] The present market scenario offers Kupipakwa Makaradhwaja in two different forms – Makaradhwaja and Siddha Makaradhwaja. There are five different pharmacies offering the product in various format namely Dhootpapeshwar, Zandu, Dabur, Baidyanath, Uma Ayurvedic Pvt. Ltd. The product is sold as Makardhwaja, Siddha Makardhwaja, Swarna Makardhwajha etc. The Kupipakwa method is preferred by almost all manufacturers. Kharaliya Vidhi and Antardhoom Vidhi (Administering heat to the medicinal preparation, keeping it in a closed environment) mentioned in Rasatarangini remains to be explored for its full potential. The safety evaluation of the preparation reveals that it is safe for usage and does not produce untoward effect on the body when given in the correct dosage. The easy availability of the product teamed with its popularity in enhancing vigour and vitality has caused it to be used indiscriminately by the masses. Conclusion There has been no analytical study conducted on Makaradhwaja by Kharaliya Method & the benefits or harm of mixing Swarna found at the bottom of the Kupi with the product at the neck to produce Makaradhwaja. Further studies must be conducted to evaluate the therapeutic and safety concerns of Makaradhwaja made from both the methods. References 1. Pt. Hariprapanna Sharma, Rasa Yoga Sagar, Varanasi, Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy, 2010, Volume I, p.433 2. Pt. Hariprapanna Sharma, Rasa Yoga Sagar, Varanasi, Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy, 2010, Volume II, p.4137-38 3. Pal MN. Role of mercury in Ayurvedic drug. Proceedings of First International Conference Elements in Health and Diseases. New Delhi: WHO and Institute of History of Medicine and medical Research. 1984, p. 249 4. Shri Govinda Dasji, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Prof. Siddhinandan Mishra, 16th Edition, Varanasi, Chaukhamba Prakashan, 2015, p. 194 5. Shri Sadanand Sharma, Rasatarangini, Shasta Tarang, Pt. Kashinath Shastri, 8th re-edition, New Delhi, Motilal Banarasidas, 2014, 6/ 149-152 6. Shri Govinda Dasji, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Prof. Siddhinandan Mishra, 16th Edition, Varanasi, Chaukhamba Prakashan, 2015, p.1135 7. Sanjay Khedekar, B.J.Patgiri et al. Standard manufacturing process of Makaradhwaja prepared by Swarna Patra- Varkha and Bhasma,. Ayu. 2011;32(1):109-115 8. Sanjay Khedekar, B.J.Patgiri et al. A scientific review of gold containing herbo-mineral preparation: Makaradhwaja. Intl. Journal of Green Pharmacy, Oct-Dec 2015 (Suppl);9(4): 7-11 9. Shraddha Nanasaheb Dhundi, Pradeep Kumar Prajatpati. Review on Various Experimental and Clinical Studies Conducted on Makaradhwaja. Annals of Ayurvedic Medicine. 2013;2(3) 10. Gajendra Kumar, Amita Srivastava et al. Safety Evaluation of mercury based Ayurvedic formulation(Sidh Makardhwaja) on brain cerebrum, liver & kidney in rats. The Indian Journal of Medicinal Research. 2014;139(4): 610- 618 11. Ibidem Bhaishajya Ratnavali (6), p.1136 12. Prajapati PK, Dubey GP, Prakash B, Pandey VB, Kumar M, Joshi D. Pharmaceutical and experimental studies on Makaradhwaja. MD Dissertation, BHU, Varanasi; 1993 13. Prasanta Kumar Sarkar, Neky J. Mehta, P. K. Prajapati. Chemistry of Kupipakwa Rasayanas – A Review. Ancient science of life. 2008; 27(4): 56-63 How to Cite the article: Mangala Jadhav, Swati S Chirane, Anjali Menon. Review of Various types of Makaradhwaja. J. Res. Tradit. Med 2017; 3(2): 51-54 Source of Support: NIL Conflict of Interest: NIL Disclaimer: Journal of Research in Traditional Medicine, its publisher, editorial board members or anyone involved in producing and delivering the online materials, does not assume any responsibility or liability for any consequences arising out of the usage of the contents in the published articles. The contents presented in the articles are purely the opinion of the contributing authors and not necessarily of the Journal.