Preparation of Arbudahara Rasa: A Pharmaceutical Perspective

Background: Arbudahara Rasa is a classical mercurial formulation mentioned in Rasaratna Samuccaya and indicated in Arbuda and related disorders. The formulation contains Shuddha Parada processed with Tanduliyaka, Varshabhu, Tambula, Kumari, Bala, and Gomutra through repeated Bhavana followed by Puta. Scientific documentation of its pharmaceutical preparation is essential for reproducibility and standardization. Aim: To prepare Arbudahara Rasa according to the classical reference and document the pharmaceutical procedures, observations, and yield. Materials and Methods: Shodhana of Ashuddha Parada was carried out by Urdhwapatana using Haridra Churna and Kumari Swarasa. The obtained Shuddha Parada was subjected to sequential Bhavana with Tanduliyaka Swarasa, Varshabhu Kwatha, Tambula Swarasa, Kumari Swarasa, Bala Moola Kwatha, and Gomutra. A second cycle of Bhavana was repeated to attain complete homogenization. Chakrikas prepared from the final Kalka were subjected to various Puta trials including Laghu Puta, Gorvara Puta, and Muffle Furnace Puta. Results: From 750 g of Ashuddha Parada, 665 g of Shuddha Parada was obtained with a yield of 91.06%. Repeated Bhavana resulted in a homogeneous Kalka without visible mercury globules. Initial Laghu Puta trials showed mercury separation and failure of Bhasma Pareeksha, whereas Gorvara Puta and Muffle Furnace Puta at 220–230°C produced a light brown, soft product satisfying Rekhapurnatva, Varitara, and Unnama tests. From 470.1 g of Chakrikas, 56.8 g of final product was obtained. Conclusion: Repeated Bhavana followed by controlled Puta at 220–230°C yielded a pharmaceutically acceptable Arbudahara Rasa exhibiting classical Bhasma characteristics. The study establishes a reproducible pharmaceutical protocol for the preparation of Arbudahara Rasa.