PHARMACEUTICO-ANALYTICAL STUDY OF AGNIKUMARA RASA (DWADASH) AND ITS THERAPEUTIC ROLE IN SHOTHA - A REVIEW ARTICLE

Rasasastra is a specialised branch of Ayurveda that deals with Rasa dravyas which include Visha dravyas used for the preparation of therapeutically potent medicines. Agnikumara rasa of Bhaishajya Ratnavali Jwara adhikara reference is one such herbal formulation that contains a major proportion of Shodhita Vatsanabha and other ingredients of Maricha, Vacha, Kushta, Mushta and Ardraka. It is a Kharaliya yoga (a formulation prepared in mortar) prepared by Bhavana samskara (levigation). Agnikumara Rasa is a classical Kharaliya Rasayana described in Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Grahani Roga Adhikara. widely used in clinical practice for Agnimandya, Grahani and Shotha. Aim: To review the classical, pharmaceutico-analytical and therapeutic aspects of Agnikumara Rasa with special reference to its Parada and Gandhaka free, Shadanga composition and its role in Shotha with Anupana Bheda. Materials and Methods: Classical references were compiled from Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Rasa Tarangini, Sharangadhara Samhita and relevant commentaries. Analytical information was collected from Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, PLIM guidelines and published research articles from Ayush Portal, Google Scholar till June 2026. Results: Agnikumara Rasa is a purely herbal, Visha-containing Kharaliya preparation. Proper Shodhana of Vatsanabha and Bhavana with Ardraka Swarasa are the key pharmaceutical steps that ensure safety and efficacy. Analytical parameters such as Total Ash, Acid-insoluble Ash, extractive values and disintegration time were within standard limits. Its therapeutic action in Shotha is attributed to its Ushna, Tikshna, Deepana and Srotoshodhaka properties. Conclusion: Parada-Gandhaka free Agnikumara Rasa is a safe, cost-effective and potent formulation for Shotha. The role of Anupana is crucial in directing its specific action in different types of Shotha.