Article: ANALYTICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MAHA VEERA MEZHUGU: A SIDDHA HERBO-MINERAL FORMULATION THROUGH POWDERED X-RAY DIFFRACTION

Article Category: Original Research articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.165180

Pages: 119-121

Author: Shanmugapriyan Pazhani *, Manivannan Periyasami, Amarnath Dhanapal, Sivakkumar S

Abstract: Introduction: Maha Veera Mezhugu (MVM) is a Siddha medicine made from red sulphide of mercury, arsenic compounds, minerals, and herbs, and is used for chronic illnesses like Megarogam and Vadharogam. In this study, MVM was prepared as described in traditional Siddha texts and verified by experts. Methodology: Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) was used to study its composition, along with tests for microbes and heavy metals. Result: The results showed no harmful contaminants, and the medicine met safety standards. The X-ray diffraction data indicates a highly crystalline structure with seven distinct peaks. The most intense peak at 30.8787? 2? (100% relative intensity, d = 2.89349 Å) suggests the presence of a dominant phase with well-ordered atomic planes. Peaks at 30.8787? 2?, 26.1863? 2? and 27.8453? 2? show significant intensities (100.00%, 83.33% and 28.01% respectively). Discussion and conclusion: This confirms the purity and safety of MVM and shows that PXRD is useful for checking the quality of Siddha medicines. The main peaks suggest the presence of Cinnabar (Red mercury sulphide). This shows how traditional medicine, like alchemy, relies on careful preparation and specific ingredients to create powerful combinations. The findings can serve as a reference for quality control and standardization of Maha Veera Mezhugu.

Keyword: Maha Veera Mezhugu, Siddha medicine, PXRD, safety, quality control.