SODHANA OF GANDHAKA (SULPHUR) WITH GODUGDHA (COW’S MILK), GOGRUTHA (COW’S GHEE): A CHEMICAL ANALYSIS

According to Indian alchemy (Rasashastra) literature, Gandhaka (sulphur) has been included in ‘Uparasa’ group and it is the first drug, which stands next to Mercury in importance. Information on Gandhaka has been in vogue since Vedic period. In Samhita period, it has been widely used both as external and internal medication. Conventional medicine also uses sulfur-containing drugs for antimicrobial activity. In Ayurveda medicinal formulations with Gandhaka is used after Sodhana (purification) process. In the present study Quantitative chemical analysis of Gandhaka was done before and after purification with the Godugdha (Cow’s milk), Gogrutha (Cow’s ghee). This study revealed that before purification raw material contains 89.38% sulphur and after purification, sulphur was increased up to 97.14%. It is concluded that purification mentioned in Rasashastra text, not only remove the impurities but also improve the quality and therapeutic activity for internal and external administration without producing any harmful effects.