PHARMACEUTICAL STANDARDIZATION AND STAGE WISE ANALYTICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SWARNAMAKSHIKA WSR SHODHANA AND MARANA PROCESSES USING SEM-EDX AND XRD

Abstract

Swarnamakshika Bhasma is an important Herbo-mineral preparation described in Ayurvedic Rasa shastra and is traditionally prescribed for conditions such as Pandu (anaemia), Anidra (insomnia), Apasmara (seizure disorders), Mandagni (reduced digestive capacity), and Kushta (skin disorders). It is also esteemed for its Rasayana (rejuvenative) and Vrishya (aphrodisiac) properties, contributing to its broad therapeutic applicability. However, its wider acceptance within contemporary scientific systems has been hindered by limited standardization and insufficient validation through modern analytical methodologies. Therefore, the present investigation aimed to prepare Swarnamakshika Bhasma according to classical Ayurvedic pharmaceutical principles and to systematically evaluate the physicochemical and structural changes occurring during its processing.

The preparation involved conventional Shodhana (purification) and Marana (incineration) procedures. Samples representing four processing stages Raw Swarnamakshika, Shodhita Swarnamakshika, Marita Swarnamakshika after the sixth Puta, and the final Bhasma were subjected to comprehensive analysis. Evaluation included physicochemical testing along with characterization by Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (SEM–EDX) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD).

The finished Bhasma successfully satisfied all classical quality parameters, namely Nishchandra, Rekhapurnatva, Varitara, Unnam, Nisvadutvam, Amla, Avami, and Dantagre Kachkachabhava. SEM–EDX observations demonstrated a sequential reduction in particle size throughout processing, decreasing from approximately 1.66 mm in the raw mineral to 91 nm in the final product, thereby indicating the attainment of a nanometric particle range. Elemental profiling revealed progressive oxidation accompanied by a gradual decline in sulphur content, culminating in its complete absence in the finished Bhasma. XRD studies further established a distinct mineralogical transformation, showing conversion of tetragonal chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) into cubic spinel cuprospinel (CuFe₂O₄) without detectable residual sulphide phases. The combined findings from classical and modern analytical assessments substantiate the transformative effects of the Marana process and provide a robust scientific framework for the quality control and standardization of Swarnamakshika Bhasma.