Research article

 

Standard operating procedure of Hingulottha Parada

 

Mehta N. J1, Patgiri B. J*, Prajapati P. K2

                                                                                                                                      

* Correspondence address :

Dr. B. J. Patgiri, Reader, Dept of Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, IPGT & RA, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar. 361008

Mobile no. – 09426947438, E-mail : patgiri06@yahoo.co.in

1.  Ph D scholar & Lecturer, Dept of R.S. & B.K., I.A.P.S., G.Ay.U., Jamnagar

2. Professor and Head, Dept of R.S. & B.K., I.P.G.T. & R.A., G.Ay.U., Jamnagar

 

Abstract

 

Parada (mercury) is an important ingredient of Ayurvedic drugs particularly of the Rasayogas i.e. metallic and mineral formulations. According to the classical texts Hingulottha Parada has similar properties to Ashtasamskarita Parada. Generally Parada is collected by Urdhva Patana (upward sublimation), Adhah Patana (downward sublimation), and Tiryanka Patana (transverse sublimation) method from the Hingula (cinnabar) i.e. HgS. There are so many methods with same principles which are found for the extraction of Parada from Hingula. But most of the methods are not convenient to procure Parada from Hingula. Considering this, a pharmaceutical study has been taken up on extraction of Parada from Hingula by Nadayantra method. Average yield of 73.00% Hingulottha Parada was obtained in this study.

 

Keywords: Hingula, Nada Yantra, Parada.

 


Introduction:

Rasachikitsa is considered as the best among all other treatment modalities due to their qualities like quicker action, effectiveness in smaller doses, longer stability period and augmenting effect. The drug formulations are found to be more potent and effective in terms of disease curing (1). But these should be used pre-cautiously as adverse effects may be caused if not properly administered based on classical guidelines.

            Most of Rasa formulations have Parada (Mercury) as an important ingredient. As per literary survey it is evident that Parada (Mercury) has many toxic effects like severe gastrointestinal irritations, peripheral circulatory collapse, metallic taste in mouth, excessive salivation, inflammation of gums etc. (2) if it is not used in proper manner. After proper processing of Shodhana, Samskara, Murchchna, Jarana etc. and with herbomineral drugs it acts like nectar in the body (3).

Though Hingula is the main source of Parada but it is included under Sadharana Rasa Varga (3) in majority books. It is reddish brown in colour (3) and heavy mineral of the Parada and Gandhaka (4). It has Tikta, Kashaya, Katu Rasa; Laghu, Ruksha Gunas; Ushna Virya; Katu Vipaka; Tridoshashamaka Doshaghnata (4). It is insoluble in water and when burnt in air liberate mercury vapor, on sublimation which converted into mercury metal. Most of the methods are found very difficult while easier ones are not much suitable for present era due to air pollution & higher cost of the process. The 73 % Hingulottha Parada was obtained by Nada Yantra and Standard Operating Procedure (S.O.P.) of the same has been developed by repeated processes for more than 13 times.


 

Table 1: Showing the references and methods of Hingulottha Parada along with materials used

No.

 

References

Media use in process

Ingredients for Bhavana

Principle of method

Yantra used

1

Rasanrav (5) 7/48

Hingula + Gomansa (meat of cow,) Mahisha Mutra (Buffalo urine),Tila Tail (Sesame oil), Dadhi Amla (Sour curd)  agni for 3days in each dravya

Shikhipitta

Patana

Patana Yantra

2

R.S.S (1).1/58;

Rasa Paddhati (6) 18

R.T. (7). 5/38;

Hingula

Paribhadra (Erythrina variegate Linn. Var.orientalis (Linn) Merrill) Swarasa

Urdhva Patana

-

3

R.S.S. (1)1/58;

Rasa Paddhati (6) 18;

R.T.S. (8). Paribhasa;

R.T. (7) 5/38

Hingula

Jambir Nimbu (Citrus limon (Linn.) Burm.f.) Swarasa

Urdhva Patana

-

4

R.S.S. (1)1/55;

Rasendra Vigyan (9) 1

R.T. (7) 5/38

Hingula

Changeri (Oxalis corniculata Linn.) Swarasa

Urdhva Patana

-

5

R.R.S. (3)1;

Anand Kanda Kriyakaran Vishranti (10) 2/193

R.J.N. (11) Part 2, chap 3

Hingula

-

Patana

Patana Yantra

6

Rasa Paddhati (6) 18

Hingula (Pottali) + Snuhikshira (Latex of Euphorbia neriifolia Linn.), Tila Tail, Kanji (sour gruel)   Swedana for  3 hr

Uccha prachalaki (bile of peacock ) 7 Bhavana

Urdhva Patana

 

7

Rasendra Chudamani (12) 4/42

Hingula

Adaraka (dry Zingiber officinale Rosc.) Swarasa

Urdhva Patana

Vidyadhara Yantra

8

Rasa Ratnakar Rhuddhi Khanda (13) 2/48

Hingula + Gomutra (cowurine),Mahisha Mutra, Tila Tail, Sura, Amla   Kramagni for 7 days in each dravya

Mayurpitta (bile of peacock )

Patana

 

9

Rasa Ratnakar Rhuddhi Khanda (13) 2/53

Hingula

Amlarasa

 (Acidic meidia)

Patana

-

10

S.B.M.M. (14) 5/3

Hingula + Siktha make Varti

-

Patana

-

11

S.B.M.M. (14) 5/4

Hingula + Vastra

in Sharav

-

Patana

-

12

S.B.M.M. (14) 5/5

Hingula + Haridra (Curuma) in Vastra

-

Patana 

Sthalika

13

S.B.M.M. (14) 5/6

Hingula in Chaturguna Vastra

-

Patana 

Nada Yantra

14

A.P. (4) 2/83

Hingula

-

Patana

Damaru Yantra

15

A.P. (4) 2/84;

Rasendra Vigyan (9) 1

Hingula

Nimbu Swarasa

Urdhva Patana

 

16

A.P. (4) 2/84;

R.T.S. (8) Paribhasa;

Hingula

Nimba patra Swarasa

Urdhva Patana

 

17

Rasamrit (15) 1

Hingula

Nimbu Swarasa

Tiryanka Patana

 

18

Rasa Chikitsa part (16) 1

Hingula

Amaruk Shak Bhavana + 1 Day Sthapan

Patana

 

Abbrevations:

R.R.S. – Rasa Ratna Samuchchaya,                           R.T. - Rasa Tarangini,

R.S.S. - Rasendra Sara Samgraha,                              R.J.N - Rasa Jala Nidhi,

S.B.M.M- Siddha Bhaishajya Manimala,                   A.P. - Ayurved Prakash,

R.T.S. – Rasa Tantra Sara

 


According to classics of Rasashastra, Parada extracted from Hingula, is free from various types of doshas, hence the same does not need any further Samskara and could be used even without subjecting it to the eight Samskaras. Moreover according to Rasendra Chudamani (12) and Rasa Prakash Sudhakar (17) mercury extracted from Hingula may possess all those properties which are seen in Sadguna Bali  Jarita (six times Gandhak burnt) Parada. Thus it is considered highly superior to ordinary mercury from the purity as well as potency point of view.

 

Materials and Methods:

Collection of raw materials: Hingula was procured from Pharmacy, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar. Nimbu (Citrus medica Linn.) was collected from local market of Jamnagar.

The whole procedure was divided into two parts i.e. (a) Shodhana of Hingula (4) (Ayurved Prakash 2/77) and (b) Parada Niskasana (sublimation of mercury). In present study Hingulottha Parada was carried out as per the reference of Siddha Bhaishajya Manimala (14) (5/6) by applying principle of Urdhva Patana (upward distillation). 

 

a.               Hingula Shodhana:

Ingredient:      

Hingula                         – 6.5 kg

  Nimbu (Citrus medica Linn.)  Swarasa           1040 ml

Procedure:

§  6.5kg Hingula (Cinnabar) was divided into separate 13 batches i.e. 500g each batch.

§  All equipments are washed properly with acidic media (Lemon Juice) & hot water, then dried properly on gas burner for sterilization.

§  Ashuddha Hingula (unpurified Cinnabar) was made into powder form and passed through sieve 60.

§  Nimbu Swarasa (Lemon juice) was extracted manually.

§  Hingula powder was given Bhavana (levigation) with lemon juice continuously for three hours and then allowed to dry in same mortar.

§  The same process was followed in all the 13 batches.

 

Observations:

§  After processing of Bhavana with Nimbu Swarasa the reddish brownish shining of Hingula convert into reddish colour.

§  pH of Nimbu Swarasa was 2.

§  Hingula became reddish brown and soaked after drying.

§  The shining of crystals lost after Bhavana. 

§  Crystalline raw Hingula converted into soft consistency after Bhavana (levigation).


 

Results:

Table 2: Data of Hingula Shodhana;

Batch Code

Ashuddha Hingula (g)

Nimbu Swarasa (ml)

Duration of Mardana (h)

Weight of Hingula obtained after Shodhana (g)

H1

500

80

3

507

H2

500

80

3

510

H3

500

80

3

507

H4

500

80

3

508

H5

500

80

3

505

H6

500

80

3

510

H7

500

80

3

508

H8

500

80

3

510

H9

500

80

3

507

H10

500

80

3

508

H11

500

80

3

503

H12

500

80

3

504

H13

500

80

3

504

Avg.

500

80

3

507

 

Approximately 10 g sample of Bhavit Hingula has been preserved as reference sample.


b.                                          Parada Niskasana (extraction of mercury):

Ingredients:   

Nimbu Swarasa Bhavit Hingula - 6434 g

Cotton cloth - 6434 g

 

Procedure:

§  All equipments (Table 4) are washed properly with soap water & hot water then dried on gas burner properly for sterilization. Cotton cloth are washed properly with soap water and hot water then dried in sun light.

§  Equal weight of cotton cloth was taken and fine powder of Shuddha Hingula was spread over it uniformly.

§  After that, cotton cloth was rolled from both side in opposite direction to make a bolus like structure and it was tied up loosely by a cotton thread.

§  The cotton cloth bolus was kept in an earthen pot (Sharava) properly and Sharava was placed at center of a large enamel tray.

§  The bolus was ignited by match stick and it was explored to air for few minutes to catch fire.

§  The Sharava was covered by an earthen pot (Nada) fully. On the basis of 3 small pieces of tiles which were put around the Sharava till the whole cotton bolus was burnt completely.

§  On next day after self cooling, the Nada was carefully removed and Parada was procured from inner side of it with the use of small pieces of cotton cloth by rubbing.

§  The ash of cotton cloth washed with hot water and Parada was collected from it also.

§  Finally all collected Parada was filtered through double folded cotton cloth.

Observation:

§  The bolus of cotton cloth was burnt very slowly.

§  A little amount of fumes were coming out from the space between the outer border of Sharava and lower border of Nada, which was accumulated to liquid Parada on rubbing by cotton cloth at the time of collection.


 

 

Results:

Table 3: showing the results obtained during processing of Hingulottha Parada

 

Sr. No.

Batch code

Shuddha Hingula (g)

Cotton Cloth (g)

Obtained Parada (g)

Obtained Parada %

  1.  

HP1

497.0

497.0

343.0

69.01

  1.  

HP2

510.0

510.0

373.0

73.14

  1.  

HP3

497.0

497.0

353.0

71.03

  1.  

HP4

500.0

500.0

380.0

76.00

  1.  

HP5

490.0

490.0

348.0

71.02

  1.  

HP6

500.0

500.0

365.0

73.00

  1.  

HP7

500.0

500.0

367.0

73.40

  1.  

HP8

500.0

500.0

380.0

76.00

  1.  

HP9

500.0

500.0

365.0

73.00

  1.  

HP10

500.0

500.0

366.0

73.20

  1.  

HP11

480.0

480.0

366.0

76.25

  1.  

HP12

480.0

480.0

334.0

69.58

  1.  

HP13

480.0

480.0

363.0

75.62

Average

 

494.92

494.92

361.8

73.10

 


 

 

Discussion:

Mercury occasionally occurs in native form but its chief source is the ore, cinnabar (18). The extraction of Parada from Hingula (cinnabar) can be carried out by three methods i.e. Adhah Patana (downward sublimation), Urdhva Patana (upward sublimation) or Tiryanka Patana (Transverse sublimation). The different Yantras (instrument) were used for extraction of Parada like Damaruyantra, Vidhyadharayantra, and Patanayantra etc. The application of Nadayantra for extraction Parada was first time described by Siddha Bhaishajya Manimala (5/6). Around 29 references are found for Hingulottha Parada in which 18 principle methods are described in classics. Majority of the references for extractions of Parada are belonging to Patana method among most frequently mentioned method for Hingulottha Parada is Urdhva Patana method. Amlarasa Bhavana is advised to be done before the Patana procedure. As Bhavana with Amla rasa (02), Nimbu Swarasa (03), Jambir Nimbu (Citrus limon (Linn.) Burm. F.) Swarasa (03) and Changeri (Oxalis corniculata Linn.) Bhavana (03) references are available in the classical texts.

In present study Nadayantra (Plate - 1) was used for extraction of Parada. The SOP for the extraction of Parada with Nada yantra method for 500g Hingula has been developed by department of Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, Institute for Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar.

Boiling point of Parada is 3570C at normal room temperature and pressure, but when it is extracted from Hingula it needs 600 – 6500C temperature, because Hingula dissociate at this higher temperature only.

 

Heat

 

HgS + O2                                Hg + SO2

Mercury is readily obtained by roasting the mineral cinnabar in air. Cinnabar is oxidized to mercury oxide which decomposes at the temperature of 3560C, yielding mercury, which distils off (18) i.e. extraction.

2HgS + 3O2 à 2HgO + 2SO2

2HgO à 2Hg + O2

 

Ashuddha Hingula was made into powder form of 60 mesh size and levigated with Nimbu Swarasa.  80 ml of Nimbu Swarasa was found sufficient for 500 g of Hingula to make as Rasapankvat (slurry mass). Total 3 hours levigation was done. Then Hingula was allowed to complete dry at room temperature. Hingula became soft and fine powder after drying. Average 1.4% increase in weight of Hingula was observed after Shodhana. This may be due to addition of total solid content of Nimbu Swarasa. The pH of Nimbu Swarasa was 2.0 and is an acidic media.

Dried Shuddha Hingula was spread over four folded cotton cloth which was equal to Hingula by weight. Equal quantity of cotton cloth is sufficient for complete extraction of Parada. Nada was put in such a way that it covers Sharava in the base of tile pieces so that there will be some space to provide oxygen to burn the cotton bolus.

A huge Nada should be needed to collect and for proper cooling of Parada vapor. Parada was adhered on the inner surface of Nada, when vapor became cool. Due to toxicity of mercurial vapor, the procedure should be done in open air only by using mask and gloves.

Parada globules were collected from the inner side of the Nada Yantra by rubbing with cotton cloth. The remaining Parada was procured from the ash of cloth through careful washing with hot water.

Average 73.10% Parada was obtained from Hingula. 86.20% of mercury should be present in Hingula theoretically. The reason of loss of Parada may be due to vapor coming out from the space in between Sharava and Nada, Jala Gati of Parada during washing and some amount of Parada was remained in pores of the Nada.

            Dr Suhas Nayak (19) et. al, MD (Ayu.), Jamnagar, March 2005, has found 72.7% of Parada from the Hingula in his work. He has collected 73.2% of Parada in his PhD (20) work by the same method but he didn’t give the Bhavana of Nimbu Swarasa to the Hingula prior to the extraction.

            Dr Sanjay Khedekar (21)et. al, MD (Ayu), Jamnagar, March 2009, has collected 73.97% of Parada from Hingula by using same method.

            The percentages of mercury obtained in different studies are negligible. It may due to the possible variation in quantity of mercury present in the raw Hingula or due to variation in loss during manual processing.

 

Conclusion:

            Hingulottha Parada is extracted by Urdhva Patana (upward sublimation), Adhah Patana (down wards sublimation) and Tiryanka Patana (transverse sublimation) method. Among them Urdhva Patana (upward distillation) by Nada Yantra is very convenient to procure approx 73.00 % Parada from the Hingula. Thus this method is validated for 500 g of Hingula with all given specifications of equipments & materials.

 

References:

1        Tripathi I. D., Rasendra Sara Sangraha of Bhatta K.G., Varanasi, Chaukhamba Orientallia, 1998, page 2,17,16,16

2        Satoskar R.S., Bandarkar S.D., Ainpure S.S., Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics, Vol. I-II, Mumbai, Popular Prakashan, 1997, page 974

3        Kulkarni D.A., Rasaratna Samuchchaya of Shri Vagbhattacharya, New Delhi, Meharchand Laxmandas publication, 1998, page 4,64,68,69

4        Mishra G.S., Ayurved Prakash of Upadhyay M, Varanasi Chaukhamba Bharatiya Academy, 1999 page 275,274,277,277,277,277

5        Indradev Tripathi, Rasanrva nam Rasatantra, Varanasi, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series Office, 2001, page 94

6        Mishra S. N., Rasa Paddhati of Acharya Bindu, Varanasi, Chaukhamba Orientallia, 1987, page 29,30,30

7        Sharma S. N., Rasa Tarangini of Shastri K. N., Delhi, Motilal Banarasi Das, 2004, page 82, 82,82

8        Rasa Tantra Sara Va Siddha Prayoga Sangraha, Vol. I, Kaleda, Krishna Gopal Ayurved Bhavan, 2003, page 49,49

9        Ramadarsh sinh, Rasendra Vigyan, Varanasi, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series Office, 1965, page 27, 27

10    Mishra S. N., Anandkand of Shri Bhairav, Varanasi, Chaukhamba Orientallia, 2008, page 665

11    Mukherjee B., Rasa Jala Hindi, Vol. II, Varanasi, Chaukhamba Publishers, 1998, page 233

12    Mishra S. N., Rasendra Chudamanai of Somadeva, Varanasi, Chaukhamba Orientallia, 1999, page 195,195

13    Swaminath Mishra, Rasa Ratnakar Rhuddhi khanda, Varanasi, Chaukhamba Orientallia, 1991, page 20, 21

14    Bhatta R. K., Siddha Bhaishajya Manimala of Bhatta K. R., Varanasi, Krishna Das Academy, 1999, page 355, 355, 355, 355, 355

15    Acharya Y. T., Rasamrita, Joshi D., Varanasi, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Bhavan, 1998, page 11

16    Prabhakar Chaterji, Rasachiskitsa, Varanasi, Chaukhamba Vidhya Bhavan, 1956, page 43

17    Mishra S. N., Rasa Prakash Sudhakar of Bhatt Yashodhara, Varanasi, Chaukhamba Orientallia, 1998, page 130

18    Datta P. K., General and Inorganic Chemistry, Vol. I - II., Calcutta, Sarat Book House, 1996, page 254, 254

19    Suhas Nayak et al, A comparative pharmaceutico-pharmaco-clinical study of Tamra Bhasma and Somnathi Tamra Bhasma w.s.r. to its Medohara effect, MD (Ayu.) thesis, Jamnagar, March 2005.

20    Suhas Nayak et al, Pharmaceutical standardization of Tamra Bhasma and to evaluate its anti hyperlipidaemic and cardioprotatctive activity in experimental model, ph D thesis, Jamnagar, 2009.

21    Sanjay Khedekar et al, A phamaceutico-pharmaco-clinical standardization of Makardhwaja prepared by Swarna patra varkha n bhasma w.s.r to Madhumeh (Diabetes Mellitus), MD (Ayu.) thesis, Jamnagar, March 2009.


 

 

*****


 

Table 4: Showing the specifications of the Equipment used:

 

 

 

 

§     Porcelain mortar          :           Diameter         Inner                : 24.0 cm

Outer   : 26.0 cm

Height : 14.0 cm

Depth              : 13.0 cm

Thickness        : 1.0 cm

§          Porcelain pestle           :           Length             : 18.0 cm

Diameter of lower surface: 6.0 cm

 

§  Nada Yantra (earthen pot)           

Upper surface                          : 23 cm

Body middle surface              : 34 cm

Brim                                        : 17 cm

Height                                                 : 34 cm

§       Earthen Sharava

Base diameter                         : 7 cm

Upper side diameter                : 21 cm

Depth                                      : 5 cm

§      Cotton cloth                                          : 60 x 45 cm four layers

Weight                                    : 500 g

§      Enamel Tray                                          : 40 cm x 50 cm x 8 cm

 


Plate -1

 

 

Detail processing of Hingulottha Parada

 

48a18

 

Process of Hingula Shodhana          Making a roll of Hingula Powder in the cloth

 

a17AA

 

Bolus of cloth in Earthen Pot                Covering of Pot with Nada

 

AAAa16

 

Sublimated mercury inside the Nada   Filtration of procured Mercury

 

 

*****