Pharmaceutico-Analytical Study of Poornachandrodaya Sindoora- A Kupi Pakwa Rasayana

Abstract

Rasashastra, the pharmaceutical branch of Ayurveda, deals with the processing of metals and minerals for therapeutic use. Poornachandrodaya Sindoora is a Sagandha, Saagni, Kantastha Bahirdhooma Kupipakwa Rasayana described in Rasayoga Sagara, indicated in Pancha Chardi, Kasa, Hridroga, Aruchi, Swarabhanga, and Mandagni. The present study aimed to prepare Poornachandrodaya Sindoora according to classical references with proper SOP and to evaluate its Pharmaceutico-analytical parameters. Shodhana of Parada and Gandhaka was carried out using classical methods, followed by preparation of Kajjali and Bhavana with Kapittha Moola Kashaya for three days. The formulation was prepared by the classical Kupipaka technique, followed by Bhavana with Kapittha and Bilwa Moola Kashaya and addition of fine powders of Twak, Ela, Patra, Nagakeshara, Karpura, and Lavanga. Analytical evaluation was performed using physicochemical tests, XRD, SEM-EDX, FTIR, particle size analysis, and NPST. Poornachandrodaya Sindoora exhibited a characteristic red colour with an alkaline pH of 9.23 ± 0.10. XRD analysis revealed trigonal crystal system of HgS and orthorhombic crystal system of sulphur. SEM-EDS confirmed the presence of K, O, Hg, and C. FTIR analysis indicated hydroxyl, amine, aliphatic and aromatic functional groups. The mean particle size was found to be 625 nm, and NPST findings were consistent with classical standards

Introduction

The formulation is made primarily from purified mercury (Parada) and sulfur (Gandhaka), processed into Kajjali and further transformed through classical techniques like Bhavana (trituration with herbal extracts) and Kupipakwa (controlled heating). Additional herbal ingredients are incorporated to enhance medicinal properties, making the formulation useful for conditions like respiratory and digestive disorders.

The study aimed to prepare the formulation according to classical texts and evaluate it through pharmaceutical and analytical methods. The methodology involved multiple purification, processing, and heating steps, followed by incorporation of herbal powders to obtain the final product.

Results showed successful preparation with acceptable yields at each stage and confirmed physicochemical properties such as color, texture, pH, and ash values. Advanced analyses (XRD, SEM-EDS, FTIR, particle size) revealed structural transformations, mainly the formation of mercury sulfide (HgS), indicating proper processing and stability. The final product showed increased organic components due to herbal additions.

Overall, the study concludes that traditional Ayurvedic methods effectively transform raw materials into a stable, bioavailable, and therapeutically potent formulation, validating the authenticity, safety, and quality of Poornachandrodaya Sindoora.

Conclusion

1) Poornachandrodaya Sindoora is a Sagandha, Sagni, Kantastha, Bahirdhooma Kupipakwa Rasayana9. There are three references available in various Rasa texts, all showing no variation in the quantity of ingredients. 2) Among these, the Rasayoga Sagara reference was selected for the present study, as it is considered one of the authoritative texts of Ayurveda, specified in the First Schedule of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. 3) The key ingredients are Shuddha Parada and Shuddha Gandhaka, with Kapittha Moola Kashaya and Bilwa Moola Kashaya used as Bhavana Dravyas, along with the fine powders of Twak, Ela, Patra, Nagakeshara, Karpura, and Lavanga. It is indicated in Pancha Kasa, Pancha Chardi, Kasa, Hridroga, Aruchi, Swarabhanga, and Mandagni. The prescribed dose is 2 Valla, administered with Laja Churna, Sita, and Madhu as Anupana. 4) Samaguna Kajjali was prepared by Mardana of 250 g each of Shoditha Parada and Shoditha Gandhaka for 210 hours. Kapittha Moola Kashaya was then added, and Bhavana was performed for three days. From this, 264 pills were prepared, of which about 262 g (230 Vatis in no.) were subjected to Kupipaka, yielding 149 g of product. Approximately 50 g of the Kupi product was taken in a Khalva Yantra, powdered, and subjected to Bhavana with Kapittha Moola Kashaya and Bilwa Moola Kashaya for three days each. After Bhavana, 30 g of the Bhavitha Kupi product was taken and mixed with 15 g each of finely powdered Twak, Ela, Patra, Nagakeshara, Karpura, and Lavanga, triturated to a homogeneous mixture to obtain the final product — Poornachandrodaya Sindoora. 5) Physical test shows Poornachandrodaya sindoora is red in colour with astringent to taste, fine to touch, characteristic odour and with pH –9.23±0.10. 6) XRD study compared with 2? angle and JCPDF standards and confirms that Poornachandrodaya sindoora is a compound of Metacinnabar in Trigonal crystal system, Sulfur in Orthorhombic crystal system. 7) Elements present in Poornachandrodaya sindoora has confirmed by the EDS study are K, O, Hg, C in the Weight percentage of 0.92, 14.38, 22.42, and 62.28 respectively. 8) FTIR analysis of Poornachandrodaya sindoora shows it contains hydroxyl and amine groups, aliphatic and aromatic C–H, C–O and C–N linkages, and silicate/mineral (Si–O) components. 9) Mean particle size of Poornachandrodaya sindoora was found to be 625nm. 10) NPST10 observation of Poornachandrodaya Sindoora at the 3rd phase revealed that the central spot had faded to a faint brown colour, surrounded by a prominent white ring. The intermediate ring appeared pale orange, while the brown colour of the peripheral ring completely disappeared, turning into a faded grey. A thin white line between the intermediate and peripheral rings became more distinct

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Dr. Chethan D, Dr. Laxmibai Kurle, Dr. Ravi R Chavan. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.