Abstract
Background: Mahagandhakam is a formulation mentioned in the Grahani Roga Chikitsa (sprue like syndrome) of Bhaishajya Ratnavali which incorporates both ‘Parpati’(thin flakes of mercuric sulphide) and ‘Pottali’ ( consolidated form of mercuric sulphide) Kalpanas of Parada (mercury). In Rasasastra (branch of Ayurveda chemistry) Parpati Rasayanas are considered as the most effective preparations for the treatment of Grahani Roga (sprue like syndrome).

Aim: An attempt has been made to evaluate the pharmaceutical and analytical parameters of Mahagandhakam.

Materials & Methods: Mahagandhakam was prepared out of Parada (Mercury) Gandhaka (Sulphur), Jatipatra (Aril of Myristica fragrance Houtt), Jatiphala (seed of Myristica fragrance Houtt), Lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum Linn), Sinduvaradala (Vitex Negundo Linn), Nimbapatra (Azadirachta indica A), Elabeeja (Elettaria cardamom Linn), Muktasukti (shell of Mytilus margaratis Linn) and Tankana (Borax). The physical and chemical characteristics of the drug were analysed by XRD, XRF, SEM, TEM and ICP-MS technique

Observations: Mahagandhakam was prepared in a single Gaja Puta. The pH of the drug was 9.5 which indicated the alkalinity of the formulation. Calcium oxide was found to be the major ingredient and mercury was present only in 20.23 ppm levels. From these analytical data it can be assessed that the product contain more of calcium compounds rather than mercury and sulphur. As Mukta Sukti is basically CaCO3, on incineration, the CO2 portion may have escaped and the CaO part remained. The SEM and TEM analysis of the study drug indicates the reduction of particle size up to 200nm which may help in easy assimilation and absorption of drug in the body.

Conclusion: Mahagandhakam can be prepared by a single Puta (incineration). The analytical parameters suggest the presence of more calcium compound rather than Mercury and Sulphur.

Key words: ICP-MS, Mahagandhkam, Parpati Rasayana, SEM, TEM, XRD, XRF