Comparative Pharmaceutical and Analytical Study of Chapal Shodhan (Purification Process) with Special Reference to Bismuth and Selenium

Rasashastra is the branch of science which deals with alchemic preparation or metal and mineral medicinal formulation explained in ancient texts of Ayurved. Rasashastra explained group of drugs in different names on the basis their therapeutic application and binding capacity of drug with Mercury. Chapal one among the group of Maharasa which is having potent therapeutic properties like immune modulator, analgesic, rejuvenator and aphrodisiac. Due to lack of identification, difficulty in procurement and confusion in synonyms and vernacular names, Chapal placed in controversial drugs. Some opines Chapal as Bismuth and some says Selenium. To overcome from these controversies to confirm the type of drug this comparative study is undertaken. Comparative study given nearer conclusion that Chapal can be Selenium, after observing organoleptic properties and symptoms experienced by the person during the purificatory process.


INTRODUCTION
In Rasashatra during the formulation of medicines Shodhana and Maran has been given more importance. These both processes which are considered highly necessary for converting the metals, mettaloids & minerals into the suitable form, which they could be administered internally for achieving their therapeutic values [1]. Without subjecting to the purification processes the drugs of mineral & plant origin could not be used for internal administration [2], and if at all they used internally they are likely to produce various harmful or toxic effects in the body [3]. Hence in Rasashastra & Bhaishajya kalpana shodhana process plays very important role while preparing medicine.
To remove the impurities of drug acharyas have mentioneddifferent methods like Mardana, Kshalana, Nirvapanadi karmas are done that are called Shodhana. To remove the dosha (impurities) of dravya (medicinal substances) is called Shodhana Shodhana is a type of chikitsa (treatment) for the Removal of Doshas from body with respect to Ayurved In Aushudikaran (In drug process) Shodhana means only separation of additional drugs. It depends upon structure of dravya (Drug), ingredients, impurities, properties & some kind of chemical change also. Shodhana is combinations of processes which removes unwanted material from the drug & controls toxic effect then enhance the properties of drug. While considering the shodhana process the substance which has to be purified is called as Shudhidravya/shodhya dravya. And the substance with which it is treated for purification called Shodhana dravya.

Need of Study:
By Shodhana process which all changes are going to taking place are not mentioned in our Rasagranthas. Hence it is the need evaluate the importance of shodhan (purification) of Chapal is undertaken. Chapala is a substance; mineral in origin and it is included in Maharasa group of drug. There are many literatures were found in rasashastra, but the explanation of Chapala is given in very few rasashastra text. Rasarnava the earliest book to mention the properties and action of Chapala is salient about its occerence.

Types of
In this text we can get the explanation regarding origin, types, properties, qualities, methods of shodhana (purification), marana (incenaration), satwapatana, pharmacological action, and therepeutical indication of Chapala. But as time passed, uses of Chapala become less and gradually disappeared. Now a day there is no specific mineral or metal, which termed as Chapala [4].
The present days scholars of Rasashastra have different opinions regarding Chapala. Some of them try to specify Bismuth as Chapala, others opine Selenium should be considered as chapala. To rule out these differences of opinions proper identification by classical and modern method, pharmaceutical, pharmacological study should be carried out. In this regard pharmaceutical and analytical study of Chapal is conducted to both the samples of Bismuth and Selenium.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Importance of Chapal Shodhana: Impure Chapala (Bismuth / Selenium) if it is used internally it causes 11 types of complications as explained in lakshmeeswara tantra.
They are Vomiting, loss of appetite, Headache, weakness, Burning sensation, Difficulty in breathing, mouth ulcers, palpitation, Sweating, Abdominal pain and jaundice.
Purificatory processes of Chapal is mentioned different by different acharyas as follows: Among these processes, the process mentioned in Rasaratna samucchaya [5] is considered best for purification.
Methods: Both the samples of Chapal -Bismuth and Selenium were subjected for trituration along with the juices of Jambeer (Citrous fruticosa), Vandya Karkotaki (Momordica dioica ) and Shrungavera (Zingiber officinalle) for 7-7 times each in mortar and pestle. Total 21 times the drugs are processed to get purified Chapal.

Procedure:
1) Ashodhit Chapala is taken in khalwayantra made in to fine powder.
2) The bhavana of Jambeera is given 7 time.
3) After each bhavana Shuddha Chapala is dried and subjected for next bhavana.
Observation: Observations regarding bhavana (Purificatory) procedure are mentioned as follows:

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Observation and Analytical Result:   The drugs which were used for purification helps to remove bad odour (rotten egg smell), sliminess, reduces the elemental impurities and make the drug suitable for internal administration. When we compare the elemental percentage of Selenium and bismuth before and after purification there is decrease in the elemental form of drugs and increased organic salt of same compound.
According to Lakshmishwara tantra and Rasaraja Lakshmi it is mentioned that, during purification of chapal the person who is doing trituration he will feel raise in body temperature, Thirst, burning of eyes and nose, weakness. As the process of shodhan continues these symptoms are going to reduce. In last trituration there will be no abnormal symptoms are going to find during the process. During the shodhan procedure of Bismuth no such symptoms were noticed but while doing shodhan of Selenium all the above stated symptoms were experienced. When these changes are compared with classical parameters the changes that were observed at the processing of Selenium found same.
The analytical study shows that, pH of Bismuth is changed from 7.5 to 8, whereas pH of Selenium remained same 5.

CONCLUSION
Shodhan (Purification) process is an essential phase of drug process which helps to detoxify the adverse effect of drug. It also makes Chapal suitable for further process of incineration. By this comparative study we can say that Selenium may be considered as Chapal.

DISCLAIMER
The products used for this research are commonly and predominantly use products in our area of research and country. There is absolutely no conflict of interest between the authors and producers of the products because we do not intend to use these products as an avenue for any litigation but for the advancement of knowledge. Also, the research was not funded by the producing company rather it was funded by personal efforts of the authors.

NOTE
The study highlights the efficacy of "Ayurved" which is an ancient tradition, used in some parts of India. This ancient concept should be carefully evaluated in the light of modern medical science and can be utilized partially if found suitable.

CONSENT
It's not applicable.

ETHICAL APPROVAL
It's not applicable.