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Contribution of Bhaishajya Ratnavali to Ayurveda Pharmaceutics

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Contribution of Bhaishajya Ratnavali to Ayurveda

Pharmaceutics
Author: Ambika S1
Co Authors: Paul Wilson Parathuvayalil2 and Gazala hussain3
1-3
Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda
Hospital, Hassan, India

ABSTRACT
Bhaishajya Ratnavali is a compiled book of Ayurveda pharmaceutics that is from Chakradutta, Rasendra Sara
Sangraha, Charaka Samhita, etc. Bhaishajya Ratnavali is the most popular reference book among the
practitioners and students of Ayurveda. In this book Utpatti (Origin), Bheda (Types), Guna (Properties),
Shodhana (Purification), Marana (Incineration) of Maharasa, Uparasa, Sadharana rasa, Ratna (Precious
stones), Uparatna (Semi precious stones), Visha, Upavisha (Poisonous drugs) are explained. Paribhasha
(Definitions), the concept of bhavana (Tricturation) and murchana (Special processing of raw oil or ghee) is
also explained in this book. Line of treatment, yoga (Formulations), pathya (wholesome food) and apathya
(unwholesome food) for each disease are also mentioned.

Key Words Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Ayurveda Pharmaceutics, Bhavana, Murchana

INTRODUCTION
Table 1 Translations of the Book Bhaishajya Ratnavali
In Ayurveda pharmaceutics there are a number of
Sl. Author Language No. of
classical books that have a wide spectrum of No. Chapters
1 Ambika Dutta Shastri Hindi 106
formulations and protocol for treatment of Dr S.N Mishra Hindi 75
2
diseases. Bhaishajya Ratnavali is one among them 3 Rajeshwara Dutta Hindi 106
Shastri
written by Kavi Raj Govinda Das Sen in 4 Dr Kanjiv Lochan English 65
5 Dr. Prabhakar Rao English 106
18thcentury AD. Two commentaries are available Bhaishajya Ratnavali has been the most popular
for Bhaishajya Ratnavali written by Shree references book among the practitioners and
Bhrahma Shankar Mishra and Ambika Dutta students of Ayurveda. In this book Utpatti (origin),
Shastri (1956). It is translated to Hindi and English Bheda (Types), Guna (Properties), Shodhana
1
by five authors . (Table 1) (Purification), Marana (Incineration) of
Bhaishajya Ratnavali is a compiled book mainly Maharasa, Uparasa, Sadharana rasa, Ratna
from Chakradutta, Rasendra Sara Sangraha, (Precious stones), Uparatna (Semi precious
Charaka samhita, etc. The book is divided into stones), Visha, Upavisha (Poisonous drugs) are
106 chapters, each dealing with diseases. explained. Paribhasha (Definitions) are

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explained. Line of treatment, yoga (formulations), (poisonous), Giri (mountainous) and asahyagni
pathya (wholesome food) and apathya (intolerance to heat). Naga and vanga are dhatu
(unwholesome food) for each disease are also doshaja, Mala Khanija samyogajanya dosha
mentioned. Hence an attempt is made to review (Combined metallic impurities), Chanchala is the
the contribution of Bhaishajya Ratnavali to guna of parada and this is also considered as
Ayurveda pharmaceutics. parada dosha, Chapalya dosha is a because of
Chapala dhatu (bismuth). Giri dosha is because of
MATERIALS AND METHODS arsenic and antimony also called as pashana

An extensive search was carried out in both print samyogajanya dosha. Parada (Mercury) will

and digital media to collect the description of evaporate above 350C but because of combination

pharmaceutics in Bhaishajya Ratnavali of other dhatu parada will evaporate fast. Parada
(Mercury) can’t tolerate more temperature this is

OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS called ashyagnidosha. Because of naga, vanga,

mala, vahni, chanchalata, visha, giri and ashyagni
1st Chapter2: In this chapter author has explained
dosha leads to vrana (ulcer), kushta (skin
about Mangalacharana, Shiva Parvati vandana,
Diseases), jadya (lethargy), daha (burning
Vishnupada vandana, Ghrantakarthrunivedana,
sensation), virya nasha (loss in vigor), marana
Ayurvedasya lakshana, Ayurveda nirukti,
(death), jadata (lethargy) and sphota (blisters).
Ayurvedotpattiprakara. Mentioned about Daksha,
Author has explained the uses of dosharahita
Ashwini, Indra, Atreya, Bharadhwaja,
parada (pure mercury) which helps to increase the
Dhanvantari, Charaka, Sushruta and Vagbhata.
life span. Shuddha parada is called considered as
2nd Chapter3: Rasa (mercury) paryaya has been
amruta of mrityuloka (nectar).
mentioned. The paryaya (synonyms) are as
Hingulottha parada (mercury extracted from
follows Rasendra, parada, suta, sutaraja, sutaka,
cinnabar) is explained and the quantity of parada
shivateja and rasa. Rasa lakshana
to be taken for shodhana (purification) and
(Characteristics) are explained as the parada
marana (tricturation) is also mentioned.
which possesses bluish tinge from within and a
Parada shodhana has been explained. In this
bright sunshine appearance from outside
method, parada should be triturated with lashuna
considered as pure mercury. Whereas, the impure
swarasa (juice of garlic), tambula patra swarasa
mercury is said to have smoky or pale yellowish
(betel leaf) and triphala kwatha (decoction of
colour.
fruits of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica,
Rasa (mercury) dosha is explained which are
Phyllantus emblica) later washed with kanji (sour
Naga (lead), Vanga (tin), mala (impurities), Vahni
gruel).
(heat), Chanchalata (quickness), Visha

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Author has explained about types, synonyms, Naga (lead), Vanga (tin), Lauha (Iron), Mandoora
shodhana and guna of Gandhaka (Sulphur), Vajra has been explained like other references
(Diamond), Abhraka (Mica), Haratala Shodhana and marana of Manikya (Ruby), Mukta
(Orpiment), Manashila (Realgar), Tuttha (Copper (Pearl), Pravala (Calcium carbonate); Sarvaratna
sulphate), Vimala (Iron pyrites), Kasisa (Green samanya shodhana, Visha shodhana, Upavisha –
vitriol), Varatika (Cowry), Kanta pashana, Shodhana of dhatura (Dhatura metal), jayapala
Anjana (Collyrium), Hingula (Cinnabar), (Croton tiglium), Snuhiksheera (Euphorbia
shilajatu (Asphaltum punjabinum), kankushta nerifolia).Jalouka shodhana (Purification of
(Rubharb), Tankana (Borax), Shanka (Cohn leech), Agrahya Jalouka lakshana has been
shell), Swarna (Gold), Rajata (Silver), Tamra mentioned(Table 2).
(Copper), Pittala (Bronze), Kamsya (Bell metal),
Table 2 Purification of drugs
Dravya (Drug) Shodhana dravya (drug for purification)
Nimba Beeja (Seed of Azadirachta indica) Apamarga Kashaya (Decoction of Cassia fistula)
Jayapala (Croton tiglium) Kumari Moola Kwatha (Decoction of alovera root)
Raja Vruksha Beeja (Seeds of Cassia fistula) Indravaruni (Citrullus colocynthis)
Dustura (Dattura metel) Uttara Varuni (Citrullus colocynthis)
Shigru (Moringa oliefera), Karpasa (Gossypium Dry in Sun
herbaceum), Apamarga (Cassia fistula)
Mahakaala Beeja ( Seeds of Trichosanthes tricuspidata) Amalaki (Phyllantus Emblica)
Karanja (Pongamia pinnata) and Puti Karanja Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba)
(Caesalpinia bonduc)
Gunja (Abrus precatorius) Nara mutra ( Human urine)
Bhallataka (Semicarpus anacardium), Bilwa (Aegle Narikela (Cocos nucifera)
marmelos)
Guggulu (Commifora mukul) Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), triphala (Fruits of Terminalia
chebula, Terminalia bellirica, Phyllantus emblica)

3rd Chapter4- Mishra varga prakarana: Table 3 Manaparibhasha (Weights and Measures)
6 Sarshapa 1 Yava
Classification of disease, cause of diseases, types
3 Yava 1 Ratti (125mg)
of examination, description of treatment is 10 ratti 1 Masha (1.25g)
4 Masha 1 Shana (5g)
mentioned. 2 Shana 1 Kola (10g)
4th Chapter5- Manaparibhasha (Table 3), Gana 2 Karsha 1 Shukti (20g)
2 Kudava 1 Manika (40g)
(groups) of triphala, trimada, madhuratrika, 2 Sharava 1 Prastha (80g)
4 Prastha 1 Aadhaka (320g)
ksharatraya, trikatu, trijata, chaturushana,
4 Aadhaka 1 Drona (1280g)
chaturjataka, chaturbhadra, chaturamla, sneha 2 Drona 1 Shurpa (2560g)
2 Shurpa 1 Droni (5120g)
chatushtaya, panchakola, Panchaamla, etc (Table 4 Droni 1 Khari(20.480kg)
4) explanation on Astavraga, Jeevaniya gana, Bhara 2000 Pala (96kg)
100 pala 1 Tula (4.8kg)
Astamutra, ksharastaka, sarvasugandhi, Shweta Maireya. Definition of Asava and Arishta,
maricha, Sukhodaka, Jyeshta ambu, Amla Kanjika, Madhushukta, Mantha, Laja, Tarpana is
Mulaka, Katvara, Udaswita, Shukta, Sidu, Asava, mentioned.
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Table 4 Mishra varga (Group of drugs) mentioned in Bhaishajyaratnavali
Sl No Name of the group Ingredients
01 Triphala Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amalaki (Phyllantus emblica), Vibhitaki
(Terminalia bellirica)
02 Swalpa triphala Kashmarya (Gmelina arborea), Kharjura (Phoenix dactylifera), Parushaka
(Grewia asiatica)
03 Trimada Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Vidanga
(Embelia ribes)
04 Madhuratrika Ghrita (Ghee), Guda (Jaggery), Madhu (Honey)
05 Trikshara Sarja kshara (phyto-alkali of Vateria indica),Yava kshara (phyto-alkali of
Trachyspermum ammi), tankana kshara (Borax)
06 Trikatu Pippali (Piper longum), Maricha (Piper nigrum) and Shunti (Zingiber
officinale)

Different methods of bhavana (Triturating) is prescribed liquids should be poured into the
mentioned. For preparing churna, the bhavana mortar one by one. It helps in contusing the matter.
(Triturating) should continue for one week, if time Method of preparing decoctions for bhavana
is unspecified in the given formula. For this, the process: The ratio of the herbal powder (to be
prescribed powder should be kept in mortar and be processed through bhavana method) and the herb
triturated by mentioned swarasa (juices), (which decoction is to be levigated) and water
decoction or kanji. The substances should be should be 1:1:8. For preparing decoctions the
levigated and kept in the sun for drying or should boiling process should continue till the original
be levigated under sun and be dried amount of water is reduced to one eighth. This
simultaneously. During the night, the substance in ratio is meant for the bhavana process for
mortar are covered and kept in a safe place. The preparing general Rasa and Churna types of
following day, the substances should again be drugs. For bhavana involving metals like iron,
triturated in the prescribed liquids and the process different ratio has to be administered.
of levigating under sun should be repeated. This Murchana6 (Special processing of Raw oil or
process should continue for a week. ghee)
Prakshepa pramana for Bhavana (Ratio of In Jwara chikitsa (Treatment for fever) for the first
decoction and juices used in varieties of the time, Murchana (Special processing of raw oil or
bhavana process) the prescribed liquids for ghee) concept has brought in chikitsa. Murchana
bhavana process of a given powder should be (Special processing of raw oil or ghee) is the prime
limited only to triturate the later, so that a bolus stage for any ghrita or taila siddha yoga (prepared
could be prepared from the preparation. However, formulation). At first murchana (Special
pouring more liquids is more beneficial. One processing of raw oil or ghee) is to be done
should not pour all juices, etc. at one time into the according to classics for sneha shodhana
mortar holding the given powder. Instead, the (Purification of Sneha). Herbs which can be used
for particular condition can be taken as kwatha

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(Decoction) dravya (Drug) and to be boiled with found. Author has given description of bhavana in
sneha. In 3rd stage kalka (Paste) dravya (Drug) and different way compared to other literature. Author
in 4th stage gandha draya (Aromatic drugs) like has mentioned about bhavana (Tricturation) in
Shati (Hedychium spicatum), Pushkara (Inula order to reduce the particle size to have more
racemosa) to be added and heated in mandagni absorption property. The concept of murchana
(mild heat) till all water content evaporates and all (special processing of Raw oil or ghee) explained
froth ceases. At this stage sneha will be devoid of by the author for the first time in the jwara chikitsa
impurities and dosha. (Treatment for fever) chapter to remove the ama
dosha; with the reasoning that Ama to be the main

DISCUSSION cause of jwara (Fever).

Author has divided the chapters based on line of
Bhaishajya Ratnavali is a compiled book of
treatment for particular disease. In these chapters
Ayurveda pharmaceutics; where in references
author explains simple formulations like Pancha
from Chakradutta, Rasendra Sara Sangraha,
vidha kashaya kalpana and its upakalpana
Charaka Samhita, etc. written by Kaviraj Govinda
formulation (Fundamental preparations), Vati
Das Sen in 18th century. In this book Rasa paryaya
(Tablets), Guggulu preparations, Sneha yoga
(Synonyms of mercury), Rasa dosha (Impurities
(Medicated oil/ghee), Sandhana yoga
of mercury), Utpatti (Origin), Bheda (Types),
(Fermentative preparations) and at last author
Guna (Properties), Shodhana (Purification),
mentioned Rasaushadi (Mercuric preparations).
Marana (Incineration) of Maharasa, Uparasa,
This is the general order author has followed in
Sadharana rasa, Ratna (precious stones),
every chapter of Bhaishajya Ratnavali. The
Uparatna (Semi- precious stones), Visha and
probable reason behind this common protocol is
Upavisha (Poisonous drugs) are explained.
simple formulations are for alpadoshavastha
Procedure of Hingulottha Parada (Mercury
(Initial stage ) condition of disease and ghrita
extracted from cinnabar) is mentioned. In
yoga, sandhana yoga and Rasaushadi are for
paribhasha prakarana mana paribhasha,
bahudoshavastha (Chronic) condition of disease
different groups of drugs are also explained.
where long term usage of medicine and highly
Pratinidhi (Substitute) dravya, Pancha vidha
potent medicine is required. At last pathya
kashaya kalpana (Fundamental preparations),
(wholesome food) and apathya (unwholesome
Ghrita and taila murchana (special processing of
food) for each disease has explained.
raw oil or ghee) are mentioned. Shodhana
(Purification) of herbal drugs are also described. CONCLUSION
Author has divided the chapters as per chikitsa Bhaishajya Ratnavali is divided into 106 chapters,

(treatment). Basics of Ayurveda pharmaceutics are each dealing with separate diseases. Bhaishajya

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Ratnavali has been the most popular reference
book among the practitioners and students of the
Ayurveda. Descriptions about mercury,
Purification and properties of minerals and gem
stones are mentioned. Purification method for
poisonous drugs and also some herbal drugs are
told. Author has explained Paribhasha and
Manaparibhasha. Detailed description of
Procedure of Bhavana (Tricturation) and Concept
of Murchana (Special processing of raw oil or
ghee) are explained by author in this text. Author
initially explains simple formulations then Vati
(Tablets), Guggulu preparations, Sneha yoga
(Medicated oil/ghee, Sandhana yoga
(Fermentative preparations) and at last author
mentioned Rasaushadi (Mercuric preparations).
This is the common protocol author has followed
in his every chapters of the book this may be based
on doshavastha (condition) of disease. This style
of presenting the treatment protocol for particular
disease makes author different from other author.

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REFERENCES
1. S Sharanya. Review on Bhaishajya
Ratnavali. Slide share [Internet]. Slide No, 6
Available
from:https://www.slideshare.net/DrSaranyaSasi/b
haishajya-ratnavali-review-drsaranya-sasi
2. Rajeshwara Dutta Shastri, Ambika Dutta
Shastri. Bhaishajya Ratnavali Chapter 1
Ayurvedavatarana prakarana. 14th edition.
Chaukambha Sanskrit Samsthana. Varanasi. 2001,
Pg No,1-7
3. Rajeshwara Dutta Shastri, Ambika Dutta
Shastri. Bhaishajya Ratnavali Chapter 2 Shodhana
marana prakarana. 14th edition. Chaukambha
Sanskrit Samsthana. Varanasi. 2001, Pg No, 8-25
4. Rajeshwara Dutta Shastri, Ambika Dutta
Shastri. Bhaishajya Ratnavali Chapter 3 Mishra
vargaPrakarana.14th edition. Chaukambha
Sanskrit Samsthana. Varanasi. 2001, Pg No, 25-34
5. Rajeshwara Dutta Shastri, Ambika Dutta
Shastri. Bhaishajya Ratnavali Chapter 4
Paribhashaprakarana14th edition. Chaukambha
Sanskrit Samsthana. Varanasi. 2001, Pg No, 34-
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6. Rajeshwara Dutta Shastri, Ambika Dutta
Shastri. Bhaishajya Ratnavali Chapter 5 Jwara
Chikitsa Shloka No 1283-1284. 14th edition.
Chaukambha Sanskrit Samsthana. Varanasi. 2001,
Pg No, 1-7.

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