INTRODUCTION

Mercury (Hg) and its compounds are being used by humans since ages. In current era also these are extensively used for industrial purposes such as in paint industry, medical industries and devices, bulbs etc and also in therapeutic purposes. In Indian System of Medicine (ISM), particularly in Ayurveda it has been extensively used as a medicine in many form and also as a component of various herbomineral, herbometallic formulations. In ISM, Hg is named as Parada, which is also been pronounced as Rasa. There are many formulations of Parada described in Indian classics such as Rasa Ratna Samucchaya, Rasatarangini, Ayurveda Prakasha etc. Among those formulations, Moorchita Parada Yogas have become more significant in the treatment of illnesses. Parada Yogas are broadly classified under four categories i.e, Kharaleeya kalpana, Parpati Kalpana, Pottali Kalpana and Kupipakwa Rasayana.

Among which the Pottali Kalpana is popular for its specific method of preparation, excellent potency, better therapeutic applicability, minimal dose and maximum effectiveness and also being useful in emergency disease conditions etc. It has been said that “Vistaritasya vastuna alpee bhavanam potam”¹ means to collect scattered therapeutic materials into a compact and comprehensive form or Kalpana.

This study has been attempted to collect the various methods of preparation of Pottalis in brief and given a try to transform Arogyavardhini Vati into Pottali form.

METHEDOLOGY:

History of Origin of Pottali:

The first description of Pottali Kalpana is found in Rasaratnakara of 12^th century AD². Demand of Pottali Kalpana and its evolution in ancient times was explained in Rasayanasara, Chikitsa Prakarana. Since in Medieval India, the availability and suitability for the storage of mercurials was inadequate, as being stored in glass or earthern materials, their transportation was quiet difficult to pedestrian physicians. These all gave birth to this unique concept of Pottali.

From 13^th century onwards more Pottali Kalpanas have been explained in text books like Rasaratnakara, Rasendra Sara Sangraha, Rasa Prakasha Sudhakara, Rasa Ratna Samucchaya etc. Further different shapes are explained for Pottali in different contexts: Shikhirakara (cone shaped), Puga Phala Sadrusha (betel nut shaped), Gutika (pill shaped) etc in the context of various Hiranya Garbha Pottali mentioned in Rasa Yoga Sagara. Various preparatory methods of Pottali Kalapana are also described in different Rasagranthas. Maximum Kalpas are described and prepared with the use of Gandhaka Drava Paka and the other common methods are Kharaleeya method, Kaparda Purana method, Putapaka method.

Gandhaka Drava Paka, this method was first introduced by Yasodharabhatt in 13^th Century in the context of Vajra Parpati. Yogaratnakara in 18^th century and Krishna Ramabhatt, the author of Sidhabheshaja Manimala also adopted the same method for preparing Hemagarbha Pottali³. The drugs mentioned in Pottali Kalpana generally include Parada, Gandhaka (sulphur) and certain Bhasmas (ash) of Lohadi Varga (group of metals). In preparation of Pottali Kalpa initially Kajjali (compound mixture of Hg & S) is prepared and later the other drugs are added to it, these are subjected to trituration to obtain certain shapes as mentioned in the classics. When it becomes dried well, the Pottali surrounded with sufficient amount of Shudha Gandhaka Churna (powder of purified Sulphur) is covered with 2 – 4 folds of silk cloth of adequate size (approx. 50 cm). This Pottali is further hanged in a mud pot containing molten Gandhaka, which is subjected to indirect heat through Valuka (sand) or Lavana (salt) in a wok kept on a heating device i.e, gas stove. Throughout the process the temperature should be maintained between the temperature just above the melting point of Gandhaka (119.2⁰ C) and below its boiling point (200⁰ C). Boiling of Gandhaka is continued till Pottali attains the Paka. The confirmatory points of Pottali Paka are Vyoma Varnam Tu Gandhakam (Gandhaka turns to sky blue colour), metallic sound is produced if lifted from the vessel and gently swung to hit on any empty mettalic vessel⁴.

In other method of preparation i.e, Kaparda Purana method where drug is initially triturated with Bhavana Dravya (liquid media). This mixture is filled in Kapardika (cowry). The opening of Kapardika is sealed with paste of Godugdha (cow’s milk) and Tankana (Borax). After drying, these Kapardikas are placed in Sharava Samputa (two earthern saucers put face to face and the joint sealed with the mud smeared cloth) and subjected to Gajaputa. After Swangasheeta (self-cooling), Sharava (earthern saucer) is opened and material is transferred to Khalwa Yantra (mortar and pestle) to make its fine powder⁵.

Putapaka Method, this has mild variation from other Sharava Samputa method. Here, the material which is subjected to Puta (quantum of heat), not only in Sharava Samputa but Moosha (crucible), earthern pot, Mrigashringa (animal horn) etc, could also be used. At first ingredients of Pottali are triturated with Bhavana Dravya (liquid which used for triturition) later subjected to Puta and collected the final product in the form of Bhasma. Type of Puta varies from Bhudhara Puta to Gaja Puta depending on the nature of materials used as ingredients⁶.

Kharaleeya Method, this method resembles with Kharaleeya Rasayana (a unique method of trituration in open air) but only difference is that the final product is in Pottali form. In this method, the ingredients are triturated with prescribed liquid media in a Khalva Yantra and made into pills or powder form as described⁷.

Opportunities for Pottali Kalpana in Current Scenario:

It has been said that existing challenge and problem give birth to its suitable answers. Similarly certain points may be taken into consideration for the origin and development of Pottali Kalpana. Pottali could be categorized as unique drug with convenience, enhanced properties for definitive treatment. It can be used in patients who are critically ill and in ICU or with Bahu Dosha Prakopa Avastha (deep routed aggravation of body humors). Higher extent of Dosha Dushya Sammurchana (amalgamation of vitiated doshas) where we have multiple organ failure or having end organ failure makes the patient critically ill. In these conditions physician need to enhance the properties of the medicine for quick and immediate result. Pottali Kalpana plays a vital role in above mentioned situation. Though Pottali Kalpa is one of the most potent and quick acting drug but in current era it has been in limited use. However, during this COVID pandemic, many physicians of different system of medicine recognized the remarkable effects of various Pottalis like Hiranya Garbha Pottali, Hema Garbha Pottali etc in critically ill patients.

Arogyavardhini Pottali – An Experiment:

The present work made an effort to convert a herbomineral formulation into Pottali form which is commonly available in Vati (tablet) form. Arogyavardhini Vati (AV) was chosen for the experiment. AV contains Shudha Parada, Shudha Gandhaka, Bhasma of Loha (calcined iron), Abhraka (calcined Mica), and Tamra (calcined Copper), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz.), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellarica Gaertn. Roxb) Shilajit (Purified Black bitumen), Shudha Guggulu (Commiphora mukul Hook ex stocks) and Shodhita Chitraka Moola (Plumbago zeylanica Linn), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth). This drug is indicated in Sarva Kushta (all types of skin diseases), Tridosha Jwara (fever due to vitiation of three humors), Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestive), Pathya (wholesome), Hridya (cardiac protective), Medonashaka (decreases the fat/ hyperlipidemia), Malashudddhikara (cleansing of waste materials from the body), Kshudha (appetizer), Sarvaroga Prashamana (alleviate all types of disorders from body)⁸.

Pre preparations of Pottali Paka included, assembling of various drugs, equipments, utensils etc. It included Digital weighing scale, stainless steel wok (10 L capacity), earthern pot (300 ml capacity), Valuka (3 Kg), iron rod, stainless steel spatula, stainless steel spoon, 4 pieces of silk cloth (30 cm× 30cm), IR thermometer, Shodhita Gandhaka, single burner LPG gas stove.

AV Pottali was prepared by using its Vati, it was procured from Nageswar Rao Pharmacy, NIA Jaipur. 40 gm of Vati was made into fine powder by using porcelain mortar and pestle. Then it was triturated using 15 g of Grithakumari Swarasa (Alovera Juice) until the mixture attained easy to mould consistency. The mixture was moulded into a conical shape. Then it was kept under shade for drying. After proper drying the weight of Pottali was 44 g. Thereafter, 50gm of Shodhita Gandhaka was placed in the centre of silk cloth (folded 4 times) and Arogyavardhini Pottali was placed at the centre of it (Fig.1). Four layered silk cloth was wrapped around the Pottali and tied at the middle of iron rod by using cotton thread.

Fig.1: Arogryavardhini Pottali before Gandhaka Drava Paka.

For the Paka of this Arogyavardhini Pottali, Gandhaka Drava Paka method was selected. To start with, a stainless steel wok containing Valuka was placed on LPG gas stove under moderate fire. A mud pot filled with Shodhita Gandhaka was already placed in the centre of the Valuka. The mud pot was properly covered by the Valuka up to its neck portion (Fig.2). The experiment was started at 10:45 AM. Initial temperature of Valuka and Gandhaka were 28⁰C and 27⁰C respectively. Temperature of valuka took 30 minutes to reach 80⁰C. At the same time, temperature of Gandhaka inside mud pot was 37⁰C. At 11:30 AM, Gandhaka started melting from the sides and smell of Gandhaka started perceiving, the temperature of Valuka was 104⁰C and Gandhaka was 76⁰C. As soon as the Gandhaka completely melted (Fig.3) at 110⁰C (12:09 PM), the Pottali was immersed in it avoiding any touch of theto the bottom of mud pot (Fig.4). The change in colour of Gandhaka was observed to be of yellowish orange colour. Further, the changes were observed in the colour and consistency of Gandhaka due to increase in temperature and reaction of drugs inside the Pottali with Gandhaka. When the level of molten Gandhaka reduced, sufficient quantity was added again. At 12:34 PM, Gandhaka became dark yellow and thick in consistency (116⁰C). At 2:15 PM, it became dark brown in colour and was of thick consistency (124⁰C). At 2:30 PM, Pottali was randomly lifted to assess the Paka Lakshana (Fig.5). Metallic sound was weakly perceivable when the Pottali hit on a metallic vessel. Again Pottali was immersed in Gandhaka Drava for further Paka. Atlast exactly after 4 hours from starting, chief desired characters of Pottali Paka was observed, in which the Pratibimba (Mirror image) of Pottali on the surface of molten Gandhaka and metallic sound when Pottali hit on a metallic surface were observed and the molten Gandhaka was tawny brown in colour at the end. Further, Pottali was placed in a clean, dry stainless steel tray and allowed for self-cooling. After self-cooling, burnt silk cloth and Gandhaka adhered to the surface of Pottali was cautiously removed with the help of a knife. Then the final product was weighed and kept in an airtight container.

Fig.2: Gandhaka containing earthern pot placed inside Valuka for Pottali Paka

Fig.3: Melted Gandhaka

Fig.4: Pottali hanged inside the molten Gandhaka

Fig.5: Pottali taken from Gandhaka Drava for Siddhi Lakshana Pariksha

RESULT:

The final weight of the Arogyavardhini Pottali was 44.4 g (Fig.6).

Fig.6: final product – Arogyavardhini Pottali

DISCUSSION:

It was observed that 0.4 g weight gain was seen after the Paka, though there were chances of procedural losses, it show the changes in the end product. Chief Desired Characters were attained and temperature required for the preparation was maintained. However the duration was 4 hours, which was also as described in general Pottali preparation. Paka was attained in less time when compared to other Pottalis, which may be due to the increased percentage of herbal content in this formulation. It could be inferred that AV Pottali is a complex form. Presence of Sulphur and other inorganic matters leads to the formation of various sulphides due the oxidation since the process was carried out in open air. In addition to that reduction reaction might have occurred due to the presence of organic matter present in the drug. We were not able to explain the exact chemistry of reactions involved and the complex formed in the process of AV Pottali, however definitely it could provide a free board platform for further studies.

CONCLUSION:

Pottali Kalpana is a unique preparation in Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics. Despite Pottalirasayana's extensive theoretical description being available in Ayurvedic treatises, very little research on it has been done. However the Arogyavardhini vati is much common in the practice but by converting it in to Pottali form, which can enhace the therapeutic efficacy by reducing the therapeutic dose. These kind of modifications are only limited to private clinical practices. We may come to a conclusion that these types of Pottali Kalpana having potent action and lesser dose should be made available for use in therapeutics.

REFERENCES:

1. Parada Vignaniyam Chapter 10,page 168

2. Varsha Sumedhan, Ratheesh P, Meghna PP. A Review on Pottali Kalpana. Charaka Publications: Jul- Aug 2018

3. Chandramoorthy Himasagara, Rasasastra – The mercurial system, 2nd ed. Varanasi: Chowkambha Krishnadas Acade My ;2011; pg - 187.

4. Angadi Ravindra, A Text book of Rasasastra, 1st ed. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan; 2014; 13th Chapter, pg 160

5. Kavita Shailesh Deshmukh. Pottali Kalpana In Ayurveda. Ayurpub.com, International Ayurveda Publications. 2016;I(2): 49-54

6. Bharti Umrethia, Bharat Kalsariya. A Text Book of Rasashastra. Edition 2019; Chaukambha Prakashak, Varanasi.

7. Bharti Umrethia, Bharat Kalsariya. A Text Book of Rasashastra. Edition 2019; Chaukambha Prakashak, Varanasi.

8. Tripathi Indradev. Rasaratna Samuchchaya. 20/86-92, 3rd ed., Varanasi; Chaukhambha Sanskrit Bhawan; 2006.p. 252

Received on 10.02.2023 Modified on 20.04.2023

Asian J. Research Chem. 2023; 16(3):241-245.

DOI: 10.52711/0974-4150.2023.00040