Pharmaceutical Insights and Therapeutic Importance of Pottali Kalpana – A Literature Review
Dayanand Hiremath1, Chaitra Hegde1, Anupam Srivastava2, Thakur Rakesh Singh3
1MD Scholar, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, NIA, Jaipur.
2Professor and Head, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, NIA, Jaipur.
3Assistant Professor, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, NIA, Jaipur.
*Corresponding Author E-mail: dras2008@gmail.com
ABSTRACT:
In Rasashastra, various Rasakalpas are described, including four primary types: Kharaliya, Parpati, Kupipakwa, and Pottali Rasakalpas. Each has a unique place in Ayurvedic therapeutics due to its distinctive qualities. While Khalviya, Parpati, and Kupipakwa Rasakalpas are widely used by Vaidyas in their practice, Pottali Kalpas are rarely utilized. The Pottali process involves compacting scattered materials into a cohesive form, such as Hemagarbha Pottali, Lohagarbha Pottali, and Tamragarbha Pottali. This technique involves treating the composition in a silk cloth pouch immersed in molten Gandhaka (sulfur), enhancing the constituents' potency and forming a highly therapeutic complex. Pottali Kalpana is characterized by high potency, minimal dosage requirements, rapid absorption into the bloodstream, quick therapeutic effects, ease of transport, and extended shelf life, making it suitable for emergency dosage forms. Pottali Kalpana is a consolidated form of mercurial preparation incorporating the Pota Bandha of Parada (mercury). This form of preparation results from Parada Murchana, a process where mercury is thoroughly ground with other herbo-mineral drugs to enhance its therapeutic efficacy. Pottali is a highly potent, concise medicament, exhibiting maximum potency in low doses. Its peculiarity lies in its unique shape, form, and preparatory methods. This article reviews different preparatory procedures, types mentioned in classical texts, dosage, mode of administration, and the significance of Pottali Kalpana. The review highlights the need for more research and documentation to analytically and clinically evaluate Pottali Kalpanas. Such studies are essential to validate their efficacy and safety, promoting wider acceptance and use in Ayurvedic practice.
Mercury, being the drug of prime importance in this science, has led to the naming of this branch as Rasasastra. Parada (Mercury) undergoes various Shodhana (purification) procedures before being incorporated into different formulations. The process of imbuing purified mercury with specific therapeutic properties, whether with or without Sulphur, through various pharmaceutical procedures is known as Murchana1. Pottali is defined as the collection of scattered materials into a compact and comprehensive form. It involves processing that gives compactness to these scattered substances. The earliest reference to the Putapaka Vidhi method of Pottali Kalpana is found in the 12th-century text Rasaratnakara. The 13th-century text Rasa Prakasha Sudhakara first mentioned the preparation of Pottali by Gandhaka Drava Paka, specifically in the context of Vajra Pottali2. Additionally, the 18th-century author of Yogaratnakara described the Gandhaka Drava Paka3 method using an iron vessel. Pottali represents a highly potent and concise form of medication, which maximizes potency even in low dosages through its synergistic effects. Four primary methods of Pottali preparation are documented in ancient texts: the Bhavana method, Putapaka method, Varatikapurana method, and Gandhakadrava method. Each method yields a final product that differs in shape and consistency. The preparation of Pottali Kalpana is similar to the Guda Kalpana of the Charaka Sampradaya during the Samhitakala period. To increase the shelf life of churnas (powders), jaggery and sugar were used, leading to the invention of Gutivati Kalpana or Guda Kalpana. In Guda Kalpana, powders are coated with Guda (jaggery). Similarly, in Pottali Kalpana, powders are coated or covered with a cloth or pottali and then processed. Thus, during the Rasakala period, Gandhaka (Sulphur) was used to increase the shelf life of formulations, resulting in the invention of Pottali Kalpana.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:
To Review on the Concept of Pottali Kalpana.
METERIALS AND METHODS:
Information and data related to Pottali searched from available printed form literature, from various textbooks, journals, web-based search engines source and presented in systemic manner. Various methods are adopted for preparing different types of Pottalis.
The important methods are;
1. Gandhaka Paka - By boiling amidst liquid Sulphur.
2. Kaparda Poorana / Sukti Poorana method - filling the drugs inside cowry /oyster.
3. Putapaka method - Processed by incineration
4. Valuka Yantra method - Paka inside Kacha Kupi (glass bottle)
5. Bhavana - trituration alone.
1. Gandhaka Paka - By boiling amidst liquid Sulphur.
This method involves the use of liquid sulphur as a medium to boil and process the medicinal ingredients. The ingredients are immersed in the molten sulphur, which facilitates their integration and potentiation through the intense heat and unique properties of sulphur. This method was first introduced by Yasodhara in 13th Century in the context of Vajra Parpati. Yogaratnakara of 18th century and Krishna Ramabhatt, the author of Sidhabheshja Manimala adopted the same method for preparing Hemagarbha Pottali.
Two parts of mercury and one part of sulfur are ground continuously for 3-4 days until Kajjali Siddha Lakshnas are attained. The Kajjali (black sulfide of mercury) is then triturated with the juice of Kumari (Aloe vera). The triturated mass is shaped into betel nut, stout cone, or conical forms and dried. This mass is firmly wrapped in silk cloth and tied with thread. One end of the thread is fastened to a stick, and the bolus is suspended in sulfur powder inside an enamel vessel or bowl, ensuring it hangs without touching the bottom. An earthen plate is prepared with a 2 cm layer of sand, upon which the bowl containing sulfur powder is placed. The entire setup is heated gently on a stove or hearth. Boiling continues until the melted sulfur turns sky blue. The temperature is maintained just above sulfur's melting point (119.20°C) and well below its boiling point (200°C) to ensure proper Paka of Pottali. Heating usually continues for 1 hour, with additional sulfur powder added as needed.Once the Pottali passes confirmatory tests, heating is stopped, and the poultice is allowed to cool. The external cloth is carefully scraped off, and the Pottali is stored in airtight glass containers.
Confirmatory tests for Pottali Paka include4:
* The color of boiling sulfur changes to Vyomavarna (sky blue).
* The Pottali produces a metallic sound when gently tapped on an empty metallic vessel.
* Initially, the sound is dull, but as Samyak Paka is attained, it becomes resonant.
2. Kaparda Poorana / Sukti Poorana Method
In the Kaparda Poorana or Sukti Poorana method, the drugs are filled inside cowries (Kaparda) or oyster shells (Sukti). These shells act as a containment vessel, providing a natural environment that facilitates the slow and controlled processing of the drugs when subjected to heat.
First, Kajjali is prepared by triturating Parada (mercury) and Gandhaka (sulfur) for 3-4 days until Kajjali Siddha Lakshanas are achieved. This Kajjali is then triturated in a Khalwa Yantra (stone mortar) with the prescribed Bhavana Dravya (liquid medium). Meanwhile, Kapardika (cowry shells) that meet the Uttama Lakshanas (ideal features as per classical texts) are collected and purified according to classical references. The triturated drug mass is carefully filled inside the purified Kapardikas, and the edges are sealed with a paste made from Tankana (borax). These are properly dried and placed in a Sharava Samputa (earthen vessel sealed with mud) and subjected to the specific type of Puta (incineration) prescribed in the Aushada Yoga (medicinal formulation). After the vessel cools down, the cowries inside the Samputa are taken out and powdered, including the cowry shells, to obtain the final product. This is then stored in airtight glass containers for future use, as seen in preparations like Lokanatha Pottali. The same method can be applied to Suktis (oyster shells) as well.
3. Putapaka Method (Incineration)
The Putapaka method involves the incineration of the medicinal ingredients. This process typically requires the materials to be encased in a clay vessel, which is then subjected to intense heat. The incineration not only helps in the purification of the ingredients but also aids in the formation of fine, bioavailable ash (Bhasma).
After preparing the Kajjali, the other ingredients mentioned in the Yoga are subjected to Bhavana (trituration) with the specified Bhavana Dravya (liquid medium) for a designated period. The resulting drug mass is then shaped into the form of a Badara (areca nut). Once dried, it is placed inside a Sharava (earthen vessel) smeared with Sudha Choorna (lime). This is then covered with another Sharava of similar size and subjected to Puta Paka (incineration). After cooling, the drug is taken out and thoroughly triturated. This process is repeated until the final product meets the standards of Bhasma Pareeksha (tests for quality of ash). An example of this preparation method is Hiranya Garbha Pottali Rasa.
4. Valuka Yantra Method
In the Valuka Yantra method, the ingredients are processed inside a glass bottle (Kacha Kupi). The bottle is usually placed within a sand bath, which allows for even and controlled heating. This method ensures that the ingredients are subjected to uniform heat, promoting a thorough and consistent reaction among the constituents.
The Kajjali should be triturated in a clean Khalwa Yantra (stone mortar) with the specified Bhavana Dravyas (liquid mediums) and shaped into a betel nut or stout cone, as outlined in the preparation. The bolus must be dried thoroughly to achieve the desired hardness. 1 square foot silk cloth is taken, and 1 Tola (12g) of Shudha Gandhaka Choorna (purified sulfur powder) is spread in the center of the cloth. The dried drug mass is placed on top of this, and an additional 2 Tolas of Shudha Gandhaka Choorna is spread over it. The cloth is then carefully gathered at the corners and tied to form a Pottali (bundle). This Pottali is positioned in the middle of a Valuka Yantra or Lavana Yantra and heated continuously for 3 Prahara (12 hours). After cooling, the Pottali is removed, the remnants of the silk cloth are scraped off, and the final product is stored in airtight glass containers.
5. Bhavana (Trituration Alone)
Bhavana involves the trituration of the ingredients, typically with the addition of a liquid medium. The repeated grinding and mixing in a liquid medium help in the fine blending of the materials, enhancing their potency and ensuring uniformity in the final preparation. Example for this type is Rethorodha Pottali.
Classification of Pottali Kalpas5
Table 1: Type of Pottali as per appearance
|
Choorna form |
Bhasma form |
Conical solid form |
|
Hemagarbha, Hiranyagarbha, Gandhkadi Pottali Rasa, Hansa Pottali Rasa |
Hiranyagarbha, Mriganka Pottali Rasa Shankha Garbha Pottali Loknatha Pottali Rasa |
Hemgarbha Pottali Rasa
|
Table 2: Type of Pottali as per ingredients;
|
Parada |
Gandhaka |
||
|
With Parada |
Without Parada |
With Gandhaka |
Without Gandhaka |
|
Hemagarbha Pottali, Ratna Garbha Pottali, |
Gandhakadi Pottali |
Hemagarbha, Ratna Garbha Pottali |
Vajra Pottali
|
Table 3: Type of Pottali as per Agni Samskara;
|
With Agni Sanskara |
Without Agni Sanskara |
|||||
|
Putpaka |
Yantrapaka |
|||||
|
Gajputa |
Bhudhara Puta |
Bhanda puta |
Lavan Yantra |
Valuka Yantra |
Dola Yantra |
Ex. Hansa Pottali, RasaGandhkadia Pottali Rasa
|
|
Loknath Pottali |
Hiranyagargha, Rasa Pottali |
Hemagarbha Vaishvanar Pottali |
Hemagarbha, Kapard Pottali |
Hirayna Garbha Pottali |
Hemagarbha Pottali |
|
Table 4: Type of Pottali as per Gandhaka Paka;
|
Dola Yantra method |
Without DolaYantra |
Swedna By Krishra followed By Sulphur bath |
Gandhaka |
|
Hemagarbh Pottali (Rasamrit) |
Hiranyagarbha Pottali-2 (Yog Ratnakar) |
Hemagarbh Pottali - XI (R.Y.S.)
|
Hemagarbha Pottali (SBM)
|
Table 5: Some important Pottali preparations6
|
Name of the Pottal |
Type of preparation |
Main ingredients |
Dose |
Indication |
|
Hamsa Pottali Rasa7 |
Mardana (Grinding) |
Sodhita Parada, Gandhaka, Kapardika Bhasma, Sunti, Maricha, Pippali, Bhavana - in lime juice |
1 Masha (750 mg) Anupana - Maricha Choorna |
Grahani |
|
Lokeshwara Pottali Rasa8
|
Kaparda Poorita - Gajaputa |
Soditha Parada, Gandhaka, Swarna Bhasma. Bhavana - Chitraka Swarasa |
4 Gunja (500mg) Anupana - Pippali and Madhu
|
Anga Karshyam, Agnimandhyam, Pitta Kasa, Kshaya
|
|
Hemagarbha Pottali Rasa9 |
Kaparda Poorita - Gajaputa |
Soditha Parada, Gandhaka, Swarna Bhasma, Tamra Bhasma Bhavana - Chitraka Swarasa |
1 Gunja (125 mg) |
Rajayakshma |
|
Hiranyagarbha Pottali Rasa10
|
Puta method |
Sodhita Parada, Gandhaka, Swarna Bhasma, Mukta Phala Bhasma, Sankha Bhasma, Kapardika Bhasma, Bhavana - Nimbuka Rasa |
4 Gunja 500mg. Anupana - Ghrita, Madhu, Maricha Choorna
|
Mandagni, Grahani, Vishama Jwara, Arshas, Peenasa, Swasa
|
|
Ratna Garbha Pottali11
|
Kaparda Poorita
|
Sudha Parada, Gandhaka, Swarna, Rajata, Naga, Loha, Abhraka Bhasma, Mukta, Makshika, Vidruma, Rajavartha, Vaikranta, Gomedhaka, Pushparaga, Sankha Bhasmas Bhavana - Chitraka Swarasa, Nirgundi Rasa |
4 Gunja (500 mg) Anupana-Pippali, honey, ghee, Maricha Churna
|
Kshaya Roga, Sarva Roga Hara
|
|
Mriganka Pottali Rasa12
|
Gaja Puta |
Sudha Parada, Gandhaka, Sankhanabhi. Bhavana -Goat’s milk
|
1 Gunja (125mg)
|
Rajayakshma |
|
Pottali Rasa13
|
Puta (incineration)
|
Sudha Parada, Gandhaka, Kapardika Bhasma, Loha, Tankana Bhasma Bhavana - Jaya Rasa
|
2- 3 Ratti (125-175 mg)
|
Grahani |
Different Shapes of Pottali -
In the text Rasayoga Sagara, various shapes are described for the preparation of Hiranya Garbha Pottali Rasa.
These shapes include:
Ø Puga Matra Guti/Pugi Bhalena Sadrishya: Resembling the shape of an areca nut
Ø Gutika: Shaped like a pill
Ø Sikhararambhika Karya: Formed into a stout cone
Ø Varthika: Shaped like a wick
The mode of administration for Pottali:
It involves specific steps. It should be rubbed or scraped for a certain number of rotations with Ghrita (ghee) and Madhu (honey) to form a paste, which is then taken orally.
According to Rasamruta, in cases of Sannipata, Pottali should be rubbed with Ardraka Swarasa (ginger juice) or Nagavalli Swarasa (betel leaf juice). In other preparation methods like Kaparda Poorita, the entire medicine is powdered and administered based on the dosage specified in the Yoga.
DISCUSSION:
The earliest mention of the Putapaka Vidhi method in Pottali Kalpana is found in the 12th-century text Rasaratnakara. In the 13th-century Rasa Prakasha Sudhakara, the preparation of Pottali using Gandhaka Drava Paka is first described, particularly in the context of Vajra Pottali. The 18th-century text Yogaratnakara also mentions Gandhaka Drava Paka but specifies the use of an iron vessel. Later texts from the 18th and 19th centuries often repeat earlier Pottali Kalpa methods, with Rasayogasagara detailing the most Pottali Kalpas in its chapter ‘Pottali Rahasyam.’Pottali Kalpana represents a specialized form of Murchhita Parada Yoga, where ingredients are compacted into a specific shape and size. Like other Rasayanas, Pottali Kalpana primarily uses Parada (mercury), Gandhaka (sulfur), and Swarna (gold), with various pharmaceutical preparations such as Kharaleeya Rasayana, Parpati Rasayana, Kupipakwa Rasayana, and Pottali Rasayana. This method is distinguished by its preparation technique, mode of administration, rapid action, minimal dosage, and ease of transport.
There is a hypothesis that mercury treated with liquid sulfur becomes more therapeutically effective, possibly inspiring the formulation of Pottali Kalpana. This method offers easy handling, long shelf life, and life-saving potential, making it convenient for drug administration, transport, dosage determination, and preservation.
Pottali involves Sagni and Sagandha Murchhna of Parada with other Dhatus (metals), and its unique preparation involves sustained heat and specific media for Paka (cooking). The 14th-century text Rasa Chintamani first mentions the use of a sulfur bath for Pottali Paka, where the cooking process occurs on Mridu Agni (gentle heat). Pottali Kalpana requires higher temperatures, maintained by liquid sulfur up to 250°C, and sustained heat, often achieved using indirect heat sources like Valuka Yantra and Lavana Yantra on Mandagni (moderate heat). Despite its potent and concise nature in Indian medicine, Pottali Kalpana remains commercially rare.
CONCLUSION:
Pottali can be crafted using various methods, each with its distinct dosage, preparation process, and therapeutic applications. Predominantly, Pottali Yogas are detailed in the contexts of Rajayakshma and Grahani Prakaranas. This formulation is advantageous due to its ease of transport and low dosage requirements. Although numerous classical preparations exist, only a select few are commonly utilized in clinical practice. To fully realize the potential of Pottali Kalpanas, further research is essential for their analytical and clinical validation.
REFERENCES:
1. Sadananda Sharma, Rasatharangini, Commentry of Kasinatha Sastri, 11th ed. Delhi: Motilal Banarasinath; 2012; 6th Taranga, Ver.1, p.102.
2. Mishra Siddhinandan, commentator. Rasa Prakasha Sudhakara of Acharya Yashodhara, Ch.7, Ver.36, 3rd edition, Varanasi: Chaukamba Orientalia, 2004. p.277.
3. Sri Shastri Lakshmipathi, commentator. Yogaratnakara, Purvardha, Ch.12, Ver.178. 6th edition, Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; p.433.
4. Angadi Ravindra, A Text Book of Rasashastra, 1st ed. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan; 2014; Ch.13; p.160.
5. Gomase Priyanka, Bedarkar Prashant. “A Review on the Concept of Pottali.” International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research. Vol.6, no.3, May-Jun 2024.
6. Sumedhan Varsha, Ratheesh P, and Meghana P.P. “A Review on Pottali Kalpana.” Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences. Vol.3, no.4, Jul-Aug 2018.
7. Govinda Das, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Vidhyodini commentry by Brahma Sankar Misra, Ambika Dattasastri, Rajeshwara Datta Sastry, 19th ed. Varanasi: Chowkamba Sanskrit Samsthan; 2008; Ch.7, Ver.234-235, p.183.
8. Govinda Das, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Vidhyodini commentry by Brahma Sankar Misra, Ambika Dattasastri, Rajeshwara Datta Sastry, 19th ed. Varanasi: Chowkamba Sanskrit Samsthan; 2008; Ch.14, Ver.170-176, p.304.
9. Govinda Das, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Vidhyodini commentry by Brahma Sankar Misra, Ambika Dattasastri, Rajeshwara Datta Sastry, 19th ed. Varanasi: Chowkamba Sanskrit Samsthan; 2008; Ch.14, Ver.178-181, p.304.
10. Govinda Das, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Vidhyodini commentry by Brahma Sankar Misra, Ambika Dattasastri, Rajeshwara Datta Sastry, 19th ed. Varanasi: Chowkamba Sanskrit Samsthan; 2008; Ch.7, Ver.484-500, p.200.
11. Yogaratnakaram, Vidyaprabha hindi commentry bt Tripathi Indradev, Tripathi Dayasankar, 1st ed. Varanasi: Chowkamba Krisnadas academy, Ver.179-184, p.303.
12. Vagbhata, Rasaratna Samuchaya, Suratnajwala commentry of Ambika Datta Sastry, 1st ed, Varanasi: Chowkhamba Amarbharati Prakashan; 2015, Ch.14, Ver.20-22, p.271.
13. Vagbhata, Rasaratna Samuchaya, Suratnajwala commentry of Ambika Datta Sastry, 1st ed, Varanasi: Chowkhamba Amarbharati Prakashan; 2015, Ch.16, Ver.85-86, p.319.
|
Received on 15.03.2025 Revised on 29.03.2025 Accepted on 10.04.2025 Published on 14.04.2025 Available online from April 18, 2025 Asian J. Research Chem.2025; 18(2):104-108. DOI: 10.52711/0974-4150.2025.00017 ©A and V Publications All Right Reserved
|
|
|
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License. Creative Commons License. |
|