TRANSFORMING TOXICITY INTO THERAPY: A FOUNDATIONAL STEP IN SCIENCE OF SHODANA IN RASASHASTRA

*Dr. Chaithra M.

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACTRasashastra is an important branch and always been a treasure for ayurveda due to its formulations which assures fast recovery of patients as compare to plant based medicine. In this science there will be usage of rasa, maharasa, uparsa, ratnas etc. these minerals or metals may contain various impurities and toxins. If administered as such, they may prove injurious and harmful for health. So initially they need to undergo a mandatory process known as shodhana. “Shodhana” is an essential method in pharmaceutical process and used for purification of metals and minerals. This is first step in pharmaceutical industry, so it has got unique importance. Shodhana helps in the removal of physical, chemical and toxic impurities and also improves the therapeutic efficacy of the drug. Various methods such as Swedana, Mardana, Nirvapa, Bhavana and Prakshalana are employed using different purification media like Gomutra, Triphala Kashaya, Takra and Kanji. The present review aims to explain the concept, objectives, types, methods and significance of Shodhana in Rasashastra.

Keywords: Shodhana, Rasashastra, Purification, Ayurvedic pharmaceutics, Detoxification.