Exploration on the metric equivalent of chanaka pramana

Introduction: Mana is measurement through which weight, volume, length, etc., are measured. It comes under basic principles of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana. Chikitsa of various vyadhi is done through aushadha. Efficacy of classical preparation is dependent on accurate measurement of the ingredients and its precise dose. But there are instances where yoga matra cannot be found in the list of mana paribhasha. One such mana is chanaka matra. So, this study was taken up and an attempt was made to find metric equivalent of chanaka matra by weighing chanaka multiple times. Material and method: Attempt was made in this work to collect formulations with chanaka mana in different books of Ayurveda. Chanaka (Cicer arietinum Linn.) was procured from three different general stores of Hassan, Karnataka. Chanaka were selected randomly, weighed and average weight was calculated. Result and discussion: Though cited in various formulations and procedures, the reference weight of chanaka mana is not mentioned in mana paribhasha of any textbook. May be chanaka is the simile used to make people understand the dose easily. Final average of three sample is 0.263g which is nearer to 250mg i.e., 2ratti. Conclusion: The average weight of chanaka after three trials was 0.263gm (i.e., 263mg). So, chanaka matra is approximately 2 ratti i.e., 250mg.