Abstract

AREVIEW ARTICLE ON SURYAKANTA MANI

Aabha Pandey*

Abstract

Rasashastra has its roots in the Indian Alchemy. Alchemy was a form of chemistry studied in the Medieval period. Rasashastra is an important branch of ayurvedic pharmacology mainly deals with many minerals, metals, precious stones and semi precious stones. Uparatnas are semiprecious stones, which can be used therapeutically substitute to Ratnas. Among these upratnas suryakanta mani is a semi-precious stone with mineral origin. Rasashastra is a subject which deals with the study of metals and minerals, and their therapeutic effects. Rasa dravyas are broadly classified under the heading of Maharasa, Uprasa, Sadharanrasa, Dhatu, Ratna and Upratna varga. Ayurvedic formulations are formulated only after centuries of trials experience. These are well known to be free from toxicity. Ancient Acharyas mentioned about the best variety of metals and minerals based on the physical appearances which are coined in ancient literature as Grahya lakshanas and synonyms. But in modern era due to continuous development and increasing demand of Ras aushadhies which contain suryakanta as a ingredient, it is very difficult to identify genuine raw drug, which will be used for therapeutic purpose as mentioned in the classical texts, hence it is intended to take up such project in the present study. Suryakanta mani has many therapeutic uses, it mainly has ushna gunas, so it is vata kapha nashak and indicated in rasayana, medhya, kushtha vyadhi.

Keywords: Suryakanta Mani, Shodhana, Marana.