Article: PREPARATION OF CHATURTHAMALAKA RASAYANA, A CLASSICAL FORMULATION IN CHARAKA SAMHITA

Article Category: Original Research articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.100363

Pages: 59-65

Author: Gajarmal Amit Ashok *, Sudipt Rath

Abstract: Introduction: Ayurveda, the oldest traditional healthcare system gives utmost importance to the prevention of diseases by adopting a healthy lifestyle and restoration of health through Rasayana (Rejuvenation therapy). In various texts of Ayurveda, n number of formulations has been mentioned as Rasayana therapies. Out of this, the formulation mentioned after Chyavanprasha Avaleha in classical text is ‘Chaturthamalaka Rasayana’, which was selected for the study. Its classical preparation methodology quoted for four different combinations of ingredients were practically explored with the aim to provide a standardization strategy for forthcoming preparations. Methods:  Initially, we collected all the raw ingredients in fresh form and then they were authenticated and further standardized as per the classical and modern parameters. The formulations were prepared by strictly adhering to the instructions mentioned in the classical text for each and every step. Result and discussion: When we practically prepared these formulations by adopting the classical methodology, we encountered few difficulties in its preparation and we forced to make few alterations which are addressed in this paper. Conclusion: The preparation of ‘Chaturthamalaka Rasayana’ by the classical method theoretically seems to be very easy, but practically we have to make extra efforts and alterations so that we can get a good quality product. However, it can also be served as a cost-effective alternative to many other Rasayanas like Chyavanaprasha.

Keyword: Ayurveda, Rasayana, Chaturthamalaka, Chyavanprasha, Charaka