Preliminary analytical study of Bhallatakadi kshara (herbomineral preparation)

Introduction: Bhallatakadi kshara is described in Charaka samhita Grahani chikista adhyaya . Bhallatakadi kshara consists of ten ingredients and is indicated in Hridaroga , (~disease of heart), Pandu (~pallor/anemia) , Grahanidosha (~diseases due to malfunctioning of gastrointestinal tract dealing with digestion), Gulma (~a type of lump), Udavarta (~upward movement of Vayu with retention of stool and urine) , and Shula (colicky pain in the abdomen) . Objective: The objective of the study is to develop analytical standards for Bhallatakadi kshara by preparing and testing three different batches using the same method of preparation. Materials and Methods: Bhallatakadi kshara is prepared by putapaka (~heating of herbomineral preparation covered in various substances at a desired temperature) method. It is subjected to physicochemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDAX), and Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF). Results: In the WD-XRF study, major contents are Cl (76.929%) and Na (16.952%), and minor are (K 2.0%), S (1.693%), Ca (0.581%), Si (0.543%), P (0.288%), Mg (0.353%), and Fe (0.213%). Conclusion: By using the same method of preparation, the three different batches of Bhallatakadi kshara were showing particle size and other parameters very close to each other. The average particle size of Bhallatakadi kshara is found to be 33.67 mm (volumetric median diameter) and 9.01 mm (Sauter mean diameter) and contains activated carbon and other elements such as Cl, Na, K, and Mg.