PHARMACEUTICO THERAPEUTICS OF SULPHUR (GANDHAKA) AN AYURVEDIC REVIEW

  • Dr Debasis Panigrahi Associate Professor, Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, Faculty of Ayurvedic Sciences, Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women’s University

Abstract

The term Sulfur or Sulphur derived From the Sanskrit word "Shulvari"(Shulva + Ari) meaning enemy  of shulva or copper metal(Anti-copper). Sulphur occurs free in abundant quantities and hence was probably known to ancients. The Greek and Roman were familiar with the uses of sulphur oxides in fumigation and bleaching.

Almost all Acharyas included Gandhaka in Uparasa Varga. Gandhaka seems to be best among all Rasa and Uparasa varga dravya.1 It is also believed that only Gandhaka is able to form all types of Lauha into Bhasma form.2 Acharya Shyamsundaracharya praises Gandhaka in a unique way under heading 'Gandhaka Pradhanyam' in his classic.3

As per modern medical science, sulphur regulates the sodium/potassium electrolyte pump within each cell. It also helps in detoxification and is a vital part of immune system. Sulphur is a component of insulin and it functions along with thiamine and biotin in a normal sugar metabolism. It also helps in tissue repair. It has been referred to as 'Nature's beauty mineral' as it keeps hairs, skins, fingernails strong and healthy. It maintains skin's elasticity.

Almost all Rasashastra classics have quoted Karma of Gandhaka as Deepana, Pachana, Rasayana, Vrishya, Balya, Aamdoshanashaka, Vishaghna. As per Rasa Ratna Samucchaya, "Gandhashma ati rasayanah"4 and "Haret rogan kustha mrityu jaradikan"5. Gandhaka Kalpa of Rudrayamala mentions the use of Gandhaka as Rasayana and longevity by its use in 'Kalpakrama'.6 Daily up to 1 Prastha Gandhaka has been advised in 'Kalpakrama'. Kakachandishwara Kalpa Tantra reveals almost all herbal drug kalpa except one, which is 'Gandhaka Kalpa'. It shows Gandhaka as "Vikhyato jaravyadhivinashakah" and mentions some Gandhaka kalpa for Rasayana purpose also.7 Shuddha Gandhaka, as per Rasa Ratnakara, Rasayana Khanda, administered as 'Kramana Yoga' along with Godugdha for 'Shrikantha Rasa'8 and 'Mritasanjivani Gutika'9. It indicates that use of Gandhaka as Rasayana had begun in earlier times.

Keywords: Gandhaka, Sodhana, Gandhanasana, Satwapatana

Published
2018-04-28
How to Cite
Panigrahi, D. D. (2018). PHARMACEUTICO THERAPEUTICS OF SULPHUR (GANDHAKA) AN AYURVEDIC REVIEW. Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research, 7(2). Retrieved from http://jbpr.in/index.php/jbpr/article/view/522
Issue
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2018)
Section
Review Articles

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