Abstract

RASADRAVYA VARGEEKARANA AND RATIONALITY BEHIND THE CLASSIFICATION

*Dr. Sindhuri, Dr. Radhika Ranjan Geethesh P., Dr. Ravindra Angadi, Dr. Ashok Kumar B. N., Dr. Sushmitha V. S.

Abstract

Background: Rasashastra, literally meaning the "Science of Mercury," is a specialized branch of Ayurveda that primarily deals with Rasadravyas and their pharmaceutical processing and therapeutic applications. Rasadravyas include substances of mineral (Khaneeja), animal (Praneeja), and plant (Vanaspateeka) origin, which play varying roles in the purification, processing, and therapeutic use of mercury (Parada) and other herbo-mineral formulations. To facilitate their systematic study and application, these substances were classified into different groups. However, the criteria for classification vary among classical Rasashastra texts, often without explicit explanations. Objective: To critically review the classical classifications of Rasadravyas and analyze the rationale underlying their categorization in different Rasashastra texts. Methods: A comprehensive review of classical Rasashastra literature, including Rasamritham, Rasarnava, Rasa Prakasha Sudhakara, Rasendra Chudamani, Rasa Ratna Samuchchaya, Anandakanda, and Rasatarangini, was undertaken. The classifications described in these texts were compared and critically analyzed with special emphasis on the principles adopted in Rasa Ratna Samuchchaya, which serves as the standard reference for subsequent texts. Results: The review revealed that although different authors proposed varying classifications, the underlying principles were based on the pharmaceutical importance of the substances, their role in mercury processing, therapeutic utility, physicochemical properties, and practical applicability. The classification described in Rasa Ratna Samuchchaya emerged as the most systematic and widely accepted framework, influencing later Rasashastra literature. Conclusion: Rasadravya Vargeekarana is a scientifically designed classification system developed to facilitate the identification, processing, and therapeutic application of Rasadravyas. Understanding the rationale behind these classifications enhances the interpretation of classical Ayurvedic literature and supports the standardization, safe utilization, and scientific validation of mineral-based formulations in contemporary Ayurvedic pharmaceutics and clinical practice.

Keywords: Rasashastra, Rasadravya, Vargeekarana, Parada, Rasa Ratna Samuchchaya, Ayurveda, Mineral Drugs, Classification.