Characterization of Gandhaka Rasayana: A sulfur-based traditional medicine

Abstract BACKGROUND: In Rasashastra , sulfur has been recommended for many disease conditions either as a single drug or in combination after it is subjected to various processing or purification techniques. In the classical texts, Gandhaka Rasayana (GR) is frequently used in the management of different skin diseases. Apart from its main role as a Rasayana (rejuvenating) drug, it is widely used in a broad spectrum of clinical conditions. Considering its wide therapeutic use, the present study has been undertaken to characterize GR by physicochemical analysis and various instrumentation techniques. METHODS: GR was prepared according to the reference of Yogaratnakara and characterized by organoleptic, physicochemical analysis, and various instrumentation techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and particle size analysis. RESULTS: GR was obtained in the form of smooth powder, grayish, and having a characteristic odor of sulfur mixed with that of Chaturjata . The taste was predominantly Amla (sour), Madhura (sweet), and Kashaya (astringent). The physicochemical parameters of GR showed pH of 4.2, moisture content of 8.56%, total ash of 6.95%, acid insoluble ash of 1.97%, water-soluble extractive value of 61.5%w/w, and alcohol soluble extractive value of 58.42% w/w. Particle size analysis revealed 90% of particles below 268.81 µm in size, XRD analysis revealed sulfur’s crystalline structure as orthorhombic alpha phase, whereas FE-SEM micrographs depicted irregular particles with a flaky appearance. EDX analysis detected oxygen, and sulfur, along with traces of silicon, phosphorous, and potassium. FTIR showed 19 absorption bands, indicating the sample’s complex molecular structure. CONCLUSION: The present study has generated an analytical profile of GR, which can be referred to for future studies.