Comparative pharmaceutical evaluation of different samples of Yellow orpiment (Haratala) and Ayurvedic mineral formulation (Rasamanikya)

Background: The present work aimed to study the Physical and Physico-chemical Properties of raw Haratala (Yellow Orpiment), processed Haratala, and its self-prepared formulation Rasamanikya with different market preparations of Rasamanikya by using advance methods such as ICP-AES (qualitative and quantitative analysis), XRD and FEGSEM so that the particle size and elemental content can be estimated and compared in all the samples. This is an attempt to study the classical method of preparation as well as effect of purification process on the constituents of the drug and their size. Methods: Raw Patra Haratala (Orpiment) and three different samples of Rasamanikya were procured from authentic sources. Shodhana (purification) of Haratala was conducted by two different methods. Rasamanikya was prepared from the Haratala processed by two different methods. All the eight samples were subjected to physicochemical analysis, ICPAES, XRD and FEGSEM. Results: Arsenic content is decreased in all the samples except CSH in comparison with ASH. In ICPAES, number of elements is reduced in CSH, KSH and RMCSH in comparison with ASH whereas it is increased in RMKSH, RMMSA, RMMSB, and RMMSC. XRD analysis reveals that Average Crystal Size is minimum in RMMSA and maximum in RMMSC. Average Lattice Strain is minimum in ASH and maximum in RMMSC. Orpiment was detected in all the samples except RMKSH, RMMSB and RMMSC. FEG SEM indicates that the gross particle size of all the samples varies from 1um to 100nm at resolution ranging from 200 to 100000 magnifications. The nanoparticles are visualized at 50000 to 100000 magnifications. Conclusion: Advanced techniques like ICPAES, XRD and FEGSEM are very helpful in estimating the heavy metal content and particle size in Ayurvedic medicine. It is necessary from safety point of view. Small size particles increase the absorption of the drug in the body which causes increase in the bioavailability and potency of the drug. Hence the dose of the formulation may be reduced. Thereby the untoward effects of the high doses can be avoided.