STUDY OF EFFECT OF AYURVEDIC PHARMACEUTICAL PROCESSING NAMED SHODHANA AND MARANA ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND CRYSTALLINE STRUCTURE OF METAL IRON AND IRON-CONTAINING MINERALS USING XRD AND XRF ANALYSIS

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Ayurvedic pharmaceutical procedures Shodhana and Marana on the chemical composition of the raw material. Methods: Iron and four iron-containing minerals were subjected to Shodhana and Marana. For Shodhana, Loha (Iron), Suvarnamakshika (Copper pyrite) and Mandura (iron slag,) were repeatedly quenched sequentially in sesamin oil, buttermilk, cow’s urine, natural vinegar and herbal decoctions. Kasisa (green vitriol) was grinded in the juice of Eclipta Alba. For Marana, these materials were first grinded in prescribed liquids and then incinerated in closed earthenware caskets in measured pits. Powdered Gairika (red ochre) was roasted in Cow’s ghee for its Shodhana. Samples of Loha (iron)-L1, Samanya Shodhita Loha–L2, Vishesha Shodhita Loha–L3, Loha bahsma-L4, Mandura (iron slag)–M1, Shodhita Mandura–M2, Mandura bahsma–M3, Suvarnamakshika (copper pyrite)-S1, Shodhita Suvarnamakshika-S2, Suvarnamakshika bhasma-S3, Kasisa (green vitriol)-K1, Shodhita Kasisa-K2, Kasisa bahsma–K3, Gairika (red ochre)-G1 and Shodhita gairika-G2; were studied using XRF and XRD techniques. Results: XRD findings suggested that the Chemical nature, elemental composition and Crystaline lattice structure of each substance were altered after extensive processings. XRF studies confirmed the multi-elemental nature of the final products. Reduction in particle size and other morphological changes were observed in intermediate and finished products during each procedure. Conclusion: The study indicates that the composition of material is altered as a result of Ayurvedic pharmaceutical processing, ’Shodhana and Marana