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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijamy.0974.6986.11218.1

Abstract

Haratala Bhasma (calx of Haratala i.e. Arsenic Trisulphide - As2S3), is categorized under Uprasa category of the Rasashastra having some peculiar attributes. Haratala Bhasma has its therapeutic indication in many of the diseases mainly Shwas (respiratory disease), Kasa (cough), Apasmar (epilepsy), Kushta (leprosy), Vatarakta (gout), Firang (syphilis) etc. which are now established free radical mediated diseases. It is also having properties like Vrushya (aphrodisiac), Rasayana (immunomodulator). Review of the current literature available on Rasayanas indicates that Anti-oxidant and Immunomodulation are the most studied activities of the Rasayan drugs. The effect Immunomodulation has on the human body can be compared to some extent with the effect of Rasayan dravyas, given in various Classical texts. Antioxidants and Immunomodulators are talk of the hour since a decade or two. Lot of research has been carried out in this regard but the need of them is not yet fulfilled. Hence assuming Haratala Bhasma possesses the anti-oxidant and Immune-modulators properties the present study was carried to validate it scientifically: Haratal was subjected to shodhan (purification), maran (incineration) as per Rasatarangini. Bhasma was subjected to physico chemical analysis and advanced analytical techniques like AAS, NPST, XRD and SEM etc. Screening of free radical scavenging activity was done using albino rat liver homogenate (ex-vivo) and with standard parameters like LPO, SOD, GSH and CAT. Immuno-modulatory effect was screened using three different healthy adult human blood samples with four parameters like Nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT) assay for respiratory burst. Phagocytosis and candidacidal assay for phagocytic function and Chemotaxis to assay motility of neutrophills. Three different concentration of the test drugs (1%, 2%and 5%) were used for both screening. The results were self conclusive and indicated that 2% and 5% Haratala bhasma suspensions showed better results in free radical scavenging activity in 2 days and 4 days study in all the four parameters LPO, SOD, GSH and CAT. The immuno-modulatory screening showed Haratal bhasma has a better effect at a concentration of 5% when compared to 1% and 2% concentration. Thus, the study revalidates the reference of Haratala Bhasma as a Rasayana and hence also establishing it as an Immunomodulator.

Keywords: Haratala Bhasma; Antioxidant; Immunomodulatory Effect; Rasayana.
 

 

Corresponding Author : Vijaykumar S. Kotrannavar, Dean for P.G. Studies & Professor in PG department of Rasashastra & BK, Shri J.G.C.H.S. Ayurvedic Medical College, Ghataprabha, DistBelgaum, Karnataka 591306, India.