Studies on identification of Garudapacha - An unfamiliar raw material used in Ayurveda formulations

Introduction: The raw drugs of mineral and metallic origin are exclusively classified into different groups. There are around 70 minerals and metals described in Rasashastra. There is a rare mineral called Garudapacha used in Kerala state of India, the details of which are scarce or rather not available. It is called as veluthagarudapacha, Palgarudapacha in Malayalam language and palgarudakallu, palgaruda and garudakallu in Tamil. A brief account of shodhana and marana is also mentioned for this mineral drug. The bhasma of Garudapacha is indicated in the conditions like asthisrava (leucorrhea), netraroga (Eye disorders), asthishosha (osteoporosis) and mutrakrichra (dysuria). Materials and methods: An attempt was made in this work to collect the samples of Garudapacha from different districts of Kerala. Collected sample was examined through selected physical properties of minerals. The sample was also analysed using Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM EDS). Results: Two samples of Garudapacha could be collected one each from Palakkad and Thiruvananthapuram districts of Kerala state. On examination the sample was massive, compact, brittle, translucent to opaque, white stone, with white streak, Pearly to dull luster, flat to conchoidal fracture, 2.5 to 3.5 Hardness and 2.9 to 3 specific gravity. SEM EDS analysis showed presence of magnesium, carbon, calcium and silica. Discussion and conclusion: From the physical appearance and other mineralogical features the collected sample was identified as Magnesite a carbonate of magnesium with a chemical composition of MgCO3. It was further affirmed while the sample was subjected to instrumental analysis. There was presence of magnesium, carbon and silica among which 28.74% magnesium and 6.89 % was carbon.