Chemical composition of patikaraparpam
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Chemical composition of patikaraparpam
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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A. Saraswathy, M. Girija Rani, T. Susan, K.K. Purushothaman
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Chemical composition of patikaraparpam
Year: 1997
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Patikaraparpam is a Siddha formulation used primarily for urinary inflammations and obstructions, recognized for its diuretic properties. The formulation is created via the trituration of potash alum (potassium aluminium sulphate) with egg albumin, followed by calcination. This study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of various samples of Patikaraparpam, emphasizing the importance of using only potash alum as the raw ingredient, as outlined in traditional Siddha literature.
Importance of Potash Alum
One of the critical findings from the analysis is the confounding use of potash alum and ammonia alum by raw drug dealers and manufacturers. The investigation revealed that out of nine analyzed samples, seven were found to contain ammonium aluminium sulphate instead of the requisite potash alum. This misidentification presents significant implications for the efficacy of Patikaraparpam as a therapeutic agent, as ammonia alum does not possess diuretic properties comparable to those of potash alum. The research indicates a notable lack of awareness among stakeholders regarding the chemical nature of patikaram, leading to the indiscriminate substitution of one compound for another.
Conclusion
The study underscores the need for stringent quality control in the sourcing and manufacturing of Siddha medicines, specifically concerning the raw materials utilized, such as potash alum and ammonia alum. The prevalence of ammonia alum in the market compromises the efficacy of Patikaraparpam, contradicting established guidelines within the Indian System of Medicine. Therefore, it is crucial for raw drug sellers, manufacturers, and practitioners to ensure that only potash alum is utilized in the preparation of Patikaraparpam to uphold the integrity of Siddha pharmacotherapy and protect patient health.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Patikaraparpam and its purpose in Siddha medicine?
Patikaraparpam is a Siddha formulation used as a remedy for urinary inflammations and obstructions. It is known for its diuretic properties, and is traditionally prepared from potash alum and egg albumin.
What was the main finding regarding the chemical composition of samples?
The analysis found that seven out of nine samples contained ammonium aluminium sulfate instead of the prescribed potash alum, indicating a significant misidentification in the raw materials used.
How is Patikaraparpam prepared in the laboratory?
Patikaraparpam is prepared by triturating purified patikaram with egg albumin, forming cakes, which are dried and then calcined. This process allows for the formation of the desired chemical composition.
Why is potash alum preferred over ammonium alum according to Siddha literature?
Potash alum is preferred because it retains its potassium content during calcination, which is necessary for the formulation's diuretic properties, unlike ammonium alum, which converts to a less effective form.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Chemical composition of patikaraparpam�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
The term 'Drug' refers to any substance that is used for medical purposes, specifically for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases. In the context of the article, it emphasizes how formulations like Patikaraparpam are crafted from raw materials to treat health issues, particularly urinary conditions, showcasing the essential role of drug formulation in traditional medicine.
2) Siddha (Siddhā):
Siddha is one of the ancient systems of medicine that originated in South India. It focuses on the holistic approach to treatment through natural substances. In this text, it is relevant as the study explores a Siddha formulation, Patikaraparpam, examining its chemical composition and efficacy in treating ailments, particularly urinary issues.
3) Medicine:
The term 'Medicine' encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. Within this study, it pertains to traditional systems of healing like Siddha and Ayurveda, highlighting the importance of verifying the chemical components of medicines, ensuring their purity and proper classification for effective treatment.
4) Water:
Water is a crucial solvent used in the preparation of medicines and also connects to the purification processes described in the study. It is vital in extracting active components from raw herbal materials, such as Patikaram, emphasizing its role in enhancing the therapeutic properties and ensuring the efficacy of medicinal formulations.
5) Inflammation:
Inflammation refers to the body's response to injury or infection, leading to redness, swelling, and pain. In the context of Patikaraparpam, it is mentioned as one of the primary conditions that the formulation aims to alleviate, underscoring the formulation's role as a therapeutic agent in managing urinary tract inflammations.
6) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine from India that promotes holistic health, focusing on balance among the body, mind, and spirit. The reference to Ayurveda in the article highlights the importance of traditional knowledge systems in drug formulation and the standardization needs to ensure quality and efficacy in medicines.
7) Salt (Salty):
The term 'Salt' in this context mainly refers to the alum compounds, specifically potash alum and ammonium alum. The discussion on salt is significant as it indicates the chemical composition of Patikaraparpam and its role in therapeutic applications, emphasizing the distinction between different types of alum used in traditional formulations.
8) Purification:
Purification is a process essential for removing impurities from raw materials to ensure the effectiveness of medicinal formulations. In the study, the purification of Patikaram illustrates the importance of preparing high-quality ingredients free from contaminants which is vital for safeguarding the health of patients using such medications.
9) Discussion:
The term 'Discussion' signifies the analytical part of the study where results are interpreted, and implications are drawn. It serves to explain the findings regarding the chemical composition of Patikaraparpam, addressing potential discrepancies in raw material sourcing and their impacts on treatment efficacy within traditional medicine frameworks.
10) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. The discussion in the article merges scientific analysis with traditional practices, reinforcing the need for rigorous scientific evaluation of Siddha formulations to ensure safety and therapeutic efficacy.
11) Girija (Giri-ja):
Girija refers to one of the authors of the study, contributing to the research conducted on Patikaraparpam. The inclusion of authors' names reflects collaborative scientific efforts and emphasizes the role of knowledgeable individuals in advancing traditional medicine through empirical analysis and standardization efforts.
12) Ulcer:
Ulcers are open sores that can occur in various parts of the body, often resulting in pain and discomfort. In the context of this article, reference to ulcers highlights the range of ailments that traditional formulations like Patikaraparpam aim to address, emphasizing the broader therapeutic roles these compounds play in Siddha medicine.
13) Soil:
Soil is referenced in relation to the natural sources of medicinal plants and raw materials, highlighting its significance in the cultivation and harvesting of herbs used in formulations. The connection to soil indicates the environmental context in which traditional medicine is practiced, emphasizing the need for sustainable sourcing of raw materials.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Chemical composition of patikaraparpam�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Purification process, Diuretic properties, Chemical composition, Potash alum, Analytical data, Raw drug, Siddha formulation, Chemical investigation, Commercial Samples, Flocculating agent, Examination results.