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Therapeutic Potentials of Metals in Ancient India: A Review Through Charaka Samhita
Therapeutic Potentials of Metals in Ancient India: A Review Through Charaka Samhita
ABSTRACT
The Ayurvedic system of medicine has stood the test of time for four millennia or more. The ancient seers found that
drugs of different origin (herbal, metal or animal) in addition to codes of conduct and dietary regulations are suitable tools
to maintain health in healthy and eradicating diseases in diseased. Use of metallic preparations in healthcare is a unique
feature in this system. Processed metals including Mercury, Gold, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Copper etc. were used very frequently
by seers of the Indian tradition in different disease conditions with great authority. It is generally claimed, that these metals
are detoxified during the highly complex manufacturing processes described in Ayurvedic, especially Rasashastra texts.
Charaka Samhita, one of the scheduled books of Ayurveda also holds ample of references regarding the use of metals for
different purposes, which are summarized in the current paper.
references emphasizing the utilization of metals for days, we might expect that it would have been discussed
medicinal and other purposes. Charaka Samhita was frequently, along with associated pharmaceutical
scrutinized and found to contain referred frequent procedures, and its combinations.
references to metals used for different purposes including 3. Chakrapani is silent and doesn't expressed an opinion on
medicinal and non medicinal ones. Seer Charaka advocated the term 'Rasa' at Chikitsa 7/71, but interprets the same
converting the metals in to fine powders before their term in the earlier verse (Chikitsa 7/70) as 'expressed
utilization and observing great caution during the period juice', while, at Dwivraniya Chikitsa (25/116), he interprets
of administration in different disease manifestations. 'Rasa' as Parada.
4. Later works like Sushruta Samhita (Chikitsa 25/39) and
OBJECTIVES Astanga Hridaya (Uttara 13/36) preferred mercury as
a component in topical applications. It was only later
The present paper is a compilation holding references that the frequency of its internal utility increased.
pertaining to metals during the period of Charaka Samhita Probably, these developments might have been noticed
along with some information on the metals explained in by redactors and commentators like Dridhabala and
textbooks of Rasashastra and modern science. Chakrapani, who expressed their opinions in their
respective works.
The references found in the classic were grouped into
different categories with an intension to give an insight Swarna (Gold)
about the frequency of usage of the metals. The categories Swarna, the Sara Lauha[6] is an important, noble metal
are as under: known to Indians since antiquity. References can be
• Utilization in therapeutics traced back to Charaka and Sushruta Samhita where the
Internal administration noble metal has been attributed with a wide range of
External application applications. The 'Bhasma' form of Gold is in metallic
• Utilization in the preparation of equipment/instruments state. Quantitatively it is a combination of metallic Gold
• Other purposes etc. (96.76%), silica (1.14%), ferric oxide (0.14%), phosphates
(0.78%), potash (0.16%), salt (0.078%), and traces of
Parada (Mercury) copper and magnesium.[7]
Formulations containing mercury are only rarely mentioned
in Charaka Samhita. The first reference pertaining to In its elemental form, Gold has been employed for
Parada and its utility in therapeutics mentioned in the centuries as an anti-pruritic agent to relieve itching
classic is controversial,[4] only a few scholars interpret the
palms. In 1980, Robert Koch observed that gold inhibits
term Rasa in the verse chikitsasthana 7/71 as Parada. The
Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro. This led to trials on
second reference is found in Dwivraniya Chikitsa, where
arthritis and lupus erythematosus. Also, previous studies
the term Rasa is interpreted as Parada by the commentator
carried out in 1973 on gold and its compounds observed
Chakrapani.[5] It is interesting to note that, both these
beneficial activities at different levels. Gold compounds
formulations are recommended for external application.
have the ability to decrease concentrations of rheumatic
[Table 1].
factors and influences the immunological responses.[53]
Though the term 'Rasa' has been rendered as 'Parada' by It has also been established[54] that gold suppresses the
'Chakrapani', it is very difficult to claim that mercury was anaphylactic release of histamine more effectively than
in practice during the period of Charaka for the following gluco-corticoids. Sodium aurothio malate (water soluble
reasons. preparation) was introduced around 25 years ago to treat
1. The term ‘Parada’ was not used by Charaka throughout arthritis, and is administered through IM injections. Its
the classic. pharmacokinetics were not established but, its effects are
2. If the metal had been known to the physicians of those probably due to its antimicrobial effects and stimulatIon
of the Reticulo Endothelial system.[8]
Table 1: Depicting the references of Parada Various formulations of 'Swarna' are useful: Vrishya, Balya,
Reference Formulation Uses
Rasayana, Medhya, Ayushya, Ojo Vardhaka, Vayah sthapaka
Utilization in therapeutics: External Application
etc. [9] and disease alleviators particularly in chronic
Chikitsa 7/71 Lelitaka Prayoga Kushtha (Skin
disorders) debilitating diseases like Raja Yakshma, Swasa, Kasa, Pandu
Chikitsa 25/116 Savarnikarana Lepa Savarnikarana etc.[10] Normal dose levels given for 'Swarna Bhasma' is 15
(enhances complexion mg. to 30 mg.[11] References pertaining to Swarna in Charaka
of the skin) Samhita have been depicted in Table 2.
56 Journal of Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine | April-June 2011 | Vol 2 | Issue 2
Galib, et al.: Metals in Charaka Samhita
vessels) in several pharmaceutical procedures. [18] Normal Ayurveda therapeutics, proper care should be taken during
doses mentioned for 'Tamra Bhasma' is 15 mg to 60 mg. [19] procedures for its purification and incineration. Chakrapani
The references mentioned in Charaka Samhita that hold stresses the need to take care when administering it.[22]
Tamra as one of the active components are listed in Table 4. Charaka emphasizes a special Ayaskriti procedure, which
converts thin leaves of metal into a fine absorbable form.23]
Aayasa or Loha (Iron) In addition to these uses, iron vessels were specifically
Next to Swarna, Rajata and Tamra, Loha or Ayasa is recommended to be used in certain pharmaceutical
another metal known to ancient civilizations. During procedures (Chikitsa 1-3/43, 15/187, 16/83, 26/250,
the period of Charaka, it was used in different dosage 26/274 etc.) Quantitatively, it is a combination of ferric
forms named Curna, Vati, Avaleha, Varti, Asavarishta oxide (96.5%), ferrous oxide (2.5%), magnesium oxide
etc. either for external or internal administration in a (0.8%), calcium oxide (0.3%), together with traces of
number of pathological manifestations. Iron compounds phosphorus and potassium. Different formulations of
were particularly employed in diseases suchas anaemia 'Loha' are useful in a wide range of diseases: Sula, Arsha,
and other debilitating conditions, where functions of Gulma, Pliha Roga, Yakrit Roga, Ksaya, Pandu, Kamala etc.[24]
hemopoitic systems are disturbed and the blood has Normal dose levels given for 'Loha Bhasma' are 30 mg. to
consequently become deficient in iron. Rasa Shastra 240 mg.[25] List of the formulations mentioned in Charaka
classics explain that Loha is par excellence a rejuvenator as Samhita that hold Loha as one of the active components
it stimulates functional activity of all the organs, promotes are depicted in the Table 5.
life, strength, destroys a number of diseases, and acts as a
restorative.[20] The utility of this metal in therapeutics was Mandura
only identified modern medicine in the first half of the Mandura, the second form of Iron, has been used for a wide
17th century, when its salts were recognized as the best range of therapeutic procedures in classical Ayurveda since
haematenics. According to descriptions in Rasa Vagbhata, antiquity. It is defined by Madhava Upadhyaya in the Ayurveda
there are three varieties of Loha viz. Munda, Teekshna and Prakasha as the debris collected after heating and beating
Kanta, the latter being the best variety to use.[21] processes of Iron around a blacksmith's anvil. [26] Generally,
mandura is collected from sources like old anvils, and is
As preparations of Loha are of foremost importance in considered to be very useful, if they are about 100 years old.
58 Journal of Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine | April-June 2011 | Vol 2 | Issue 2
Galib, et al.: Metals in Charaka Samhita
Samples of ages 80 years and 60 years old are respectively be considered genuine and preferred for therapeutic
considered moderately and least efficacious for therapeutic purposes. [31] Quantitatively Naga Bhasma is a combination
purposes.[27] According to the literature Mandura, which is of lead oxide (75.6%), ferric oxide (7.5%), together with
smooth to touch (Snigdha /Masruna), heavy (Guru), strong traces of calcium and magnesium chlorides and carbonates.
(Dridham), without any fissures or furrows (Kotaravarjitam),
and taken from age old constructions (Jirna nasta purastham) Different formulations of 'Naga' are beneficial in diseases
is genuine and can be used for therapeutic purposes.[28] like Prameha, Gulma, Arsha, Sweta Pradara, Grahani roga, Antra
sotha etc.[32] Therapeutic dosages given for 'Naga Bhasma'
Purified mandura, when administered with proper range from 30 mg. to 120 mg. [33] References mentioned in
justification is beneficial in inflammations, edematous Charaka Samhita, that hold Naga as one of the components
conditions, jaundice etc. It is the drug of choice in cases are depicted in Table 7.
of anaemia (Pandu), and Charaka refers to a number of
its preparations. Chemically, Mandura is a combination of Vanga/Trapu (Tin)
ferric oxide (59.14%), ferrous oxide (26.7%), chlorides Vanga, one of the Puti Lohas was known to ancient
(4.4%), magnesium (3.9%), sodium (1.7%) and a few other Indian physicians by the name of Trapu. In Charaka
elements in trace quantities. Its unique constitution plays a Samhita, the metal is categorized under Parthiva Dravyas.
pivotal role in therapeutics of anaemia and other associated According to descriptions in Rasa Vagbhata, there are
disorders.[29] The normal dose given for 'Mandura Bhasma' is two varieties of Vanga viz. Khuraka and Mishraka, the
30 mg. to 240 mg. 30 Few of the formulations mentioned former being acceptable for therapeutic applications.
in Charaka Samhita that hold Mandura as one of the active Samples with the characteristics, bright white in color
components are depicted in Table 6. (Dhavalam), soft (Mridulam), shiny, smooth (Snigdham),
easily melts (Drutadravam), and heavy (Guru) are identified
Naga/Sisaka (Lead) as Khura Vanga and should be preferred for therapeutic
Naga is an important Puti Loha known since ancient times, purposes.34 Quantitatively Vanga Bhasma is a combination
also identified by other terms like Sisaka or Sisa. Charak of stannic oxide (i.e. of tin) (91.4%), ferric oxide (2.9%),
emphasizes that medicinal uses of this metal should be potassium (2.9%), calcium oxide (2%), aluminium (2%)
external, partiicular in cases of Mandala Kusta. The Brihad and magnesium (0.6%) oxides.
Rasa Raja Sundara describes two varieties of Naga viz.
Kumara and Samala the former being the acceptable variety Formulations of 'Vanga' are variously beneficial in diseases
for therapeutic applications. Samples which melt easily such as: Prameha, Kasa, Shwasa, Krimi, Ksaya, Pandu, Pradara,
(Drutadravam), and are heavy (Mahabharam), externally Garbhashaya Chyuti etc.[35] Singly or in combination with
black in color (Bahihkrishnam), and when incised shine other puti lohas, it is beneficial in disorders of the Genito
with bright black luster (Chede Krishna Samujwalam) should Urinary Tract. It has also been said that, Vanga Bhasma is
60 Journal of Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine | April-June 2011 | Vol 2 | Issue 2
Galib, et al.: Metals in Charaka Samhita
Table 6: Depicting the references of Mandura Table 9: Depicting the references of Riti for
Reference Formulation Uses different purposes
Utilization in therapeutics: Internal Administration Reference Description Probable Translation
Chikitsa 16/74 Mandura Vataka Pandu (anemia) Sutra 5/74 Jihva Nirlekhana Dravya Tongue scrappers
Chikitsa 16/78 Tapyadi Yoga Siddhi 3/7 Vasti Netra Karnika Nozzle of enema pot
Chikitsa 16/95 Punarnava Mandura Dravya
Chikitsa 16/103 Mandura Vataka
metals ranging from gold to iron were also used in pathological manifestation in several different ways.
preparing equipments like Jihva Nirlekhana Yantra (tongue Therefore, Ayurveda differs from systems of medicine using
scrappers),[44] Nabhi Kartana Yantra (sharp instruments single ingredients.
to cut umbilical cord),[45] Vasti Netra (nozzle of enema
pot),[46] different Anjana Shalakas (metallic applicator for Keeping all these in mind, it can be said that the damning
application of medicaments into eyes)[47] etc. Besides this, reports such as those of unacceptable levels of heavy
Charak recommends preparing containers and vessels with metals etc. in Ayurvedic preparations should not be
different metals like gold[48], silver[49], copper[50], iron[51] and considered cause for alarm. The concepts, practices and
some alloys[52] etc. where instructions for pharmaceutical products of the Ayurvedic system of medicine are unique,
procedures like boiling etc. are given. and its therapeutic values are needed to be explored by
utilizing and adopting sophisticated technology, Only then
Close scrutiny makes it clear that such metallic preparations can ailing humanity benefit from its age-old remedies.
have held a significant place in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia
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Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared.
India: Meharchand Lachhmandas Publications;1998.