Role of Shodhana on Antimicrobial Activity of Tuttha

Tuttha is one among the Maharasas, well known and frequently used mineral in Rasaaushadis.  Ayurveda classical texts indicate to use in skin diseases, ulcer, sinus, worm infection, vitiligo, obesity, pain, asthma, hyper acidity, hemorrhoids, diseases of eyes and as Krimighna etc. But advocates only after specific procedures called Shodhana (purification procedures) before making any pharmaceutical form since crude Tuttha causes vomiting and giddiness etc. The present antimicrobial study was carried out on two Tuttha named crude Tuttha and Shodhita Tuttha before and after Shodhana. Antibacterial activity on Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus bacterias and antifungal activity on fungi Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum were carried out by agar disk diffusion method. The shodhana process results that Shodhita Tuttha was found to be more effective compared to crude, as the diameter of the zone of inhibition was higher, even at low concentration of 1mg. The present study shows the importance of Shodhana process by enhancing the antimicroabial activity