Article: SHANKHANABHI BHASMA WITH AND WITHOUT BHAVANA SAMSKARA: A COMPARATIVE PHARMACEUTICAL STUDY

Article Category: Original Research articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.165174

Pages: 80-84

Author: Pratiksha Pingale *, Rohit Ambodiya, Bharti Rajoriya, Sulbha Bansod, RK Pati

Abstract: Naturally occurring calcium-containing compounds are found in the human body and are necessary to maintain physiological processes. The calcinated conch shell named Shankhanabhi is included in Sudha Varga of the ancient Rasa Shastra texts. Shankhanabhi has been widely used in the form of single drug or as an adjunct to compound preparations. Among its numerous uses, it is known to be effective for treating gastrointestinal conditions like Amlapitta (Acid dyspepsia), Grahani (Irritable bowel syndrome), Udarshula (Abdominal pain), and Atisara (Diarrhoea). The current study focused on undertaking the pharmaceutical preparation and characterisation of Shankhanabhi Bhasma. The drug was subjected to Shodhana (Purification) and Marana (calcination) with Bhavana Dravya according to the standardized steps as mentioned in Rasa Tarangini and without Bhavana Dravya for comparative evaluation. The end product, Shankhanabhi Bhasma, was yielded after Shodhana and Marana. These treatments converted the crude drug into fine, bioabsorbable powder with smaller particle size and enhanced safety profile. The processed Bhasma demonstrated classical attributes like lightness, fine texture, and internal administration compatibility. The pharmaceutical evaluation stressed the importance of traditional processes in detoxification and transformation of Shankhanabhi to its medicinally active form. Shankhanabhi Bhasma is an important Ayurvedic drug used mainly in gastrointestinal illnesses. The current research highlights the importance of adhering to the conventional protocols such as Shodhana and Marana for producing a secure, efficient, and standardized preparation. Additional analytical and clinical investigations are necessary to confirm its curative value.

Keyword: Shankhanabhi Bhasma, Shodhana (Purification), Bhavana (Levigation), Marana (Incineration).