Preparation and characterization of an ayurvedic metallo mineral preparation - Mallasindura

Background: Mercurial preparations known by the name of Kupipakwa Rasayana are prepared in a glass bottle by adopting gradual temperature gradient. Aims and Objectives: To standardize the manufacturing process and develop an analytical profile for Mallasindura. Materials and Methods: Mallasindura was prepared by heating a mixture of Parada (mercury), Gandhaka (sulfur), and Malla (arsenic) in a Kupi (glass bottle covered with mud smeared cloth) placed in an electric muffle furnace. Final product deposited at the neck of bottle was collected as Mallasindura and analyzed on various physiochemical parameters along with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Results and Conclusion: Mallasindura was prepared by adopting gradient temperature pattern for 24 h, i.e., 8 h of mild (120-250°C), moderate (250-450°C) and strong heating (450-600°C) each. Average yield of Mallasindura is 151.33 g (37.83%) using 400 g Kajjali in each batch. XRD analysis showed that Mallasindura is mercury sulfide having an empirical formula of HgS and hexagonal crystal structure. Elemental composition of Mallasindura by EDAX showed the presence of 80.85%, 11.06% and 6.13% of mercury, sulfur and arsenic, respectively along with other trace elements. FTIR analysis revealed presence of a large number of functional groups.