A Prospective Study on Parpati Kalpana w.s.r to Panchamrut Parpati

Rasa Shastra, one of the Pharmaco-therapeutic branches of Ayurveda, incorporates many of the inorganic, herbo-mineral and metallic pharmaceutical preparations namely Khalviya Rasayana, Parpati Rasayana, Pottali Rasayana and Kupipakwa RasayanaParpati Rasayanas are one among the Rasaoushidhis mentioned in the Ayurvedic classics and the therapeutically effective mineral & metallic formulations. These are the most popular among the processing's of Mercury. Parpati Rasayana Kalpanas are the most popular among the processing's of Mercury and are widely used. These are therapeutically effective mineral and metallic formulations; including both Sagandha and Nirgandha Parada Yukta yogas. Parpati Kalpana (Flakes) is a well known and successfully used preparation for the management of Grahani. The name "Parpati" is given to this preparation because of its form and the method of preparation as it is made in the form of thin flakes.  It is also said about it that because of its similarity of Papada, so it is called as Parpati. This process dates back to 11 th century and is found widely in Ayurveda literature. Parpati Rasayanas have high therapeutic value, potent, less toxic and cost effective medicines. Panchamruta Parpati is one of the formulations used in Grahani (Malabsorption sprue syndrome).  In this process, Parada is heated along with Gandhaka and other drugs. Here Parada gets a very intimate bondage with Gandhaka which helps to exhibit thousands of qualities compared to any other formulations. Agni plays an important role in altering the natural physico-chemical properties and the potency of the dravyas. A number of Parpatis are derived in subsequent periods such as  Tamra parpati, Panchamruta parpati, Swarna parpati (Rasapaddhati), Loha parpati, Vijaya parpati  etc. were developed by different scholars by adding one or the other ingredients.


Introduction
Introduction of Mercury , Metals and minerals in the therapeutics started almost a new era, it was accepted much earlier that every thing in the world can be used as a medicament and use of same minerals were also in practice in the age of classics i.e., up to 400 AD. But later on one of the great exponents of Indian Medicine, Nagarjuna (800 AD) devoted his entire life and energy to develop Rasa Shastra. With his effort Mercury, Metals and Minerals became very popular tools of therapy.
The compounds prepared with Mercury are considered to be the best. It has been a practice for many years to combine Mercury and Sulphur with other drugs or metals for enhancing their potency. It is also observed that when the vegetable drugs combined with mercurial compounds or with Sulphur their activities may last very longer period.
The Rasagranthas clearly indicate that Mercury on account of its very powerful yogavahi properties, when mixed with other substances, increases their properties immensely and their shelf life period for indefinite period.
Parpati Kalpana (Flakes) is a well known and successfully used preparation for the management of Grahani (Malabsorption sprue syndrome). Before the invention of Parpati, Grahani was considered difficult to cure but after the invention of Parpati it became curable. The use of Parpati was found beneficial for alleviating associated symptoms of Grahani as well as various other diseases like Rajayakshma, Kustha, and Gulma etc. In the chronic phase of Grahani where the need of antitubercular therapy arises there Gold alone or along with Silver, Copper, Iron etc. proves highly beneficial. With the above idea a number of Parpatis are derived in subsequent periods such as a Tamra Parpati (Rasa Prakasa Sudhakar), Panchamruta Parpati (Rasendra Sara sangraha), Swarna Parpati (Rasapaddhati), Loha Parpati (Rasa paddhati), Vijaya Parpati (Bhaisajya Ratnavali) etc. were developed by different scholars by adding one or the other ingredients like gold, silver, Iron, copper, Mica, Pearl and other Precious stones etc.

Derivation of the term "PARPATI"
The name "Parpati" is given to this preparation because of its form and the method of preparation as it is made in the form of thin flakes. It is also said about it that because of its similarity of Papada it is called Parpati. Grammatically the term "Parpat" is masculine in gender but by adding "I" prefix, it became feminine in gender i.e. Parpati. Parpata, Parpati and Parpatika are its synonyms and emphasise its lightness (Laghutwa).
The description of Parpati has been used in therapeutics since 8 th / 9 th century A.D. Probably Nagarjuna was the first scholar to introduce Parpati and other Rasa preparations in the therapeutics in Rasendra Mangal. There is mention of the preparation of RasaParpati ( Parpati ) which is indicated for Kusta roga (skin disease) but internal use of Mercury and introduction of scale preparations goes to Chakrapani, the commentator of Charaka Samhita, an author of therapeutic book Chakradutta (11 th

General method of Preparation of Parpati:
Purified Mercury (Parada) and Sulphur (Gandhaka) are taken in a mortar (Khalwa) in equal proportion and are ground well till it becomes as Kajjalabhasa (Just like kajjali), Slakshnata (smoothness), Anjana sadrusa sukshma( minute as anjana), Rekhapurnata, Jala pareeksha ( Floating on water ), Loha pareeksha (If Kajjali is mixed with lime juice color of Swarna will not turn to white if it is properly prepared) and Agnipariksha (Fumes will come out and there will not be any ashes). Other drugs mentioned in the formula depending upon type of Parpati Kalpana are added one by one and mixed well by trituration in the mortar (Khalwa) till it becomes as homogeneous mixture.
Later a little cow-dung is placed over the floor and is made into a pit. A piece of plantain leaf or Eranda leaf is placed over the pit. The total triturated mixture is taken in a ghee smeared spoon and is melted over sikata yantra. When it is converted into liquid state, it is taken off from the fire and poured carefully on the plantain leaf placed over cow-dung pit. Another plantain leaf is covered over the melted Kajjali and a little amount of fresh cow-dung is spread over it and gently pressed. After it is allowed to cool and the flakes of the Parpati are taken out, powdered and preserved. Parpati pakas: While describing Parpati preparations, 3 pakas have been mentioned in the texts i.e., Mrudu, Madhyama and Khara paka. In these pakas Mrudu & Madhyama paka preparation are the best to be used in therapeutically. Mridu paka: In this paka, Parpati remains safe and may not break easily on bending. Madyama paka: In this paka Parpati is broken easily and glitters like roupya (silver) in the broken place. Khara paka: In this stage the product can not be converted in to Parpati form and powder form. It looses its actual luster. It is not indicated for therapeutic purpose. But exceptionally Rudra Parpati is only one Parpati prepared by Kharapaka.

Properties of Parpati:
In general Parpati will be dark in color, easily breakable, glittery and flack like in appearance. It preserves its potency indefinitely and is kept in glass bottles. It increases Lustre, strength and appetite. It is beneficial in Antrasodha, Antravrana, and Durgandha pureesha. It strengthens intestines and regulates intestinal movements.

Importance of cow-dung in Parpati preparation:
Parpati is usually employed for the management of diseases born out of "Mandagni" and pittajanya rogas like sanGrahani etc., the chief ingredients of Parpati i.e., Parada and Gandhaka are pardhiva dravyas and they are treated with various vanaspatika dravyas before being used for the processing of actual medicament. Beside this the most interesting feature of this Kalpana is the usage of fresh cow-dung which is an animal product. This fresh cow-dung contains larger proportions of cow's bile and other Bilious products. During the preparation of Parpati these Bilious principles are absorbed into the heat and melted kajjali (Mixture of Hg+s) through the plantain leaf media. The Biliary principles of cow which are absorbed into the Parpati contribute to regulate the biliary disorders of human system and other pitha vikara when taken internally. Due to this reason the administration of Parpati proves beneficial in diseases of mandagni and other pitta irregularities. In addition to this the Diet also plays an important and significant role in this Parpati Kalpana. Perhaps this is the only Kalpana which is formulated by using the products and byproducts of vegetable, minerals and animal origin and this is the unique feature of this Kalapana.
The name Parpati is derived from the method by which flakes of the compound are obtained. It is also called as Parpatika, Parpad etc. Parpati is one among twenty six bandhas described in Rasa texts, for getting rid of quickness and un-capturability of Mercury. It was Chakrapani (11 th A.D.) who highlighted the therapeutic use of Parpati, though it was included in Rasabandhas in various classics of Rasasastra of olden times.
Of all the Rasaushadhas, Parpati is specifically indicated for diseases of GIT.
Though the composition appears to be almost similar to other Rasa yogas, Parpati is particularly indicated in Grahani, pravahika etc… Specialty of this preparation is where the liquefied kajjali is poured in a Rambha patra , Eranda leaves and covered with another leaf and pressed , here the leaves that are specified are green in color and rich in chlorophyll. Because of the heat, the chlorophyll gets absorbed into the formulation and exerts therapeutic effects on human systems especially on G.I.T.

Role of Parpati in Grahani:
Grahani can be considered to be a syndrome with persistent chronic diarrohea as the predominant feature. Its etiopathogenesis includes the main etiological factor as taking of non beneficial diet by persons recovering from diarrohea with poor digestive capacity. The clinical features includes frequent passage of stools of irregular consistency most of the time liquid, but some times ISSN: 0976-5921 International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 2010, 1(3), 118-128 well found containing undigested food matter, with pain and foul smell.
Mandagni is mainly responsible for causing Grahani roga. Hence restoration of Agni is the principle concern in the management of Grahani roga. The process of Parpati preparation is a samskara provided through Agni. With the contact of Agni, Usnaguna and deepana properties responsible for increasing the appetite are derived. By the alleviation of the vitiated vayu the main symptom i.e. Atipravritti of mala gets converted to Samyak parvritti. By the deepana, pachana and usna properties of the drugs the intestinal ducts are opened and properly digested poshak Rasa absorption gets started. Due to the lack of proper nutrition, Pandu, Svayathu, Gulma, Jalodar etc. associated symptoms arise in Grahani. Deepan and grahi property of Parpati improves absorption of nutritive materials and supplementation of Iron, Copper etc. gradually relieves the associated symptoms.

Samanya Prayoga:
In Samanya Prayoga, Parpati is given in a dose of 1-2 Ratti mixed with fried Jeerak and Hingu in divided doses. In these prayoga, dieteric restrictions is not necessary, in case of Unmada and Apasmara the starting dose mentioned is 8 gunja per a day. This dose should be continued till the disease is cured and thereafter the dose may be reduced by 1 Ratti daily till it becomes 2 Ratti. Then the treatment may be stopped. This is a common procedure to be followed for all types of Parpati while using as Kalpa Prayoga. It takes 40 days for a Kalpa Prayoga in the above mentioned way. Depending upon the severity of disease and strength of the patient, it can be used for 36 days, 40 days, 60 days or 96 days. This 36/40/60/96 day's prayoga period is called Mandal/Chakra. The quantity of Parpati consumed when used for 36 days chakra is 188 Ratti, for 40 days 310 Ratti, 60 days -480 Ratti, 90 days -768 Ratti. The type of mandal to be used will be decided by the physician.
If needed, it can be repeated for 2, 3 or more times.

Apathya:
a. One should not drink river water or well water immediately for quenching the thirst during Parpati Kalpana therapy as it leads to production of disease or increase the severity of disease. Patient is advised to drink plenty of butter milk. (R.T. 6/154) b. During Parpati prayoga following things are contraindicated. Amla sevana, Snan(bathing) with cold water, cool breeze ( sita vayu sevana) anger, chinta, usna dravya sevena, tikta dravyas like Nimba, Guda (Jaggery), Anupa mamsa, stree sambhasana (R.T. 6/161) According to Chakrapani on in take of drug after 1 ½ hr. the patient should chew profuse quantity of betel nut in a day. On 3 rd day patient is allowed to take meat, ghee, milk and avoid vidahi, sexual intercourse, banana root, mustard oil, small fish and aquatic birds. The patient should take water after waking up in early morning (C.D.4/91-92). The line other than those following the f.c.c pattern is N [h2+K2+I2] =3, 4, 8, 11……. Are rather too many indicating that this belongs to a system other than? These would most probably come from the element Tin. Thus besides the above three elements Tin is also thought to be present. The presence of other possible elements is not proved, based on the present powder. X-Ray diffraction pattern".

Use of Parpati in diseases along with
From the above reports it is seen that the metal from different compounds is a mixture Substances. Those which remain in crystal form are only traceable. By this method, for others, other technique has to be adopted. Of course the conversion of metal into other forms by this process has much importance from the point of view of penetration in the wall of the Gut and adsorption in the system. For the study on this line, it is suggested to throw sufficient light on the constitution of the type of Parpati.
The dose of Panchamrita Parpati is as usual except the last one which has been presented to be taken in the does of 125 mg only. Regarding indications, Panchamrita Parpati is supposed to be used for Dyspepsia, Mal absorption syndrome, chronic Cough, Haemoptysis, Tuberculosis, Arthritis and Skin disorders.

Indications
Textual References

Conclusion:
There are several types of scaly preparations of Mercury viz, Pranada, Chandramitra, Unmada, Kushthanta, Bola and Abhra Parpati etc, where mercury and Sulphur has been used as the base and one another substances have been added to have different action. In addition, there are some scaly preparations which does not contain Mercury and Sulphur, i.e Shweta Parpati and Malla Parpati, these are also grouped under Parpati preparations because these are used in scaly form.
It is obvious from the perusal of the above description that more scale preparations of mercury have been used. Nomenclature of the Parpati is done mainly after the chief ingredient added to Rasa parapti , for example if iron is added then it is called Lauha Parpati and if copper is added, it is Tamra Parpati etc. Few formulations were nomenclatured basing upon number of the chief ingredients i.e. if five ingredients are there then it is Panchamrita Parpati and seven ingredients then it is Saptamrita Parpati. Few names have been also proposed on the basis of their special indications and efficacy i.e. Kusthanta Parpati which is useful in Kushta disease .
A great variation is observed regarding the ingredient in the same Parpati for example Panchamrit Parpati alone has been described to be of nine types as described by Vaidya Hariprapanna Sharma in Rasayoga Sagar. So it becomes a necessity of a user to give the full reference of the Parpati before trial & not only the name. The evolution of Parpati preparation which started from Chakrapani is a continuous process. Probably the peak was in 18 th A.D. and the preparation seems to be stabilized in that era. In the 20 th A.D. probably with the development of modern medicine in our country, there was a general set back in our early stages. So no further development is observed. Of course, with incorporation of new technology a clinical study is more possible than ever which may start new era as a whole and use of Parpati in particular.
Regarding the ingredients of every Parpati Kalpana, Mercury and Sulphur are the primary ingredients. Later on Iron, Copper, Tin, Zinc, Lead, Silver and Gold have been added out of the metals from time to time in different preparations. In addition precious stones and Jewels i.e. Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Neelam etc. have been also included as ingredients of the Parpati.
A large number of herbs have been also used as ingredients in the preparation of different Parpatis having special indication. Most commonly used herbals are Trikatu, Bhringraja, Shigru, Nirgundi, Chitraka, Zeeraka, Dhatura, Bakuchi, Vacha, Kupilu SwaRasa or docoction. In addition to that many herbs have been advised to be taken as Anupana depending upon the disease to be treated.
The therapeutic action of Parpati is concerned, basically it has been recommended for the ailment of the G.I.T e.g. Agnimandya, Amlapitta, Atisara, Grahani and worms of G.I.T. However, with the addition of few minerals and herbs it has been indicated for the disease of haemopitic system, respiratory system, uro-genital system and metabolic disorders. It has been also claimed to be useful for every disease if used with different type of Anupana.