title: Process standardization and characterization of Rajata Sindura.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Rajata Sindura (RS) is a mercurial preparation, known for its properties like Rasayana (rejuvinating), Balya (strengthening), Vrushya (aphrodisiac), Medhya (increasing intellect) and can cure various diseases when used with appropriate adjuvant. It is prepared with Hingulottha Parada (purified mercury), Shuddha Gandhaka (purified sulfur) and Shuddha Rajata (purified silver) in a proportion of 1:1:4. Process standardization and characterization of RS are not reported until date.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Pharmaceutical standardization and characterization of Rajata Sindura.
  
  
  METHODS
  Purified mercury and silver were triturated to form amalgam, followed by the addition of purified sulfur to prepare Kajjali and lavigated with Vatankura (leaf buds of Ficus benghalensis Linn.) swarasa (juice). This Kajjali was processed by Kupipakwa method.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RS was prepared in 33 h with 20.25% yield. Scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis has shown Mercury 86.21%, sulfur 13.27% as major elements; iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and silver were other detected minor elements. X-ray diffraction report revealed the chemical nature of RS as HgS compound, having cubic crystal structure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishjya Kalpana, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital and Research Centre, Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Rohit A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Gokarn
authors.affiliation: Department of Dravyaguna, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital and Research Centre, Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Supriya R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Gokarn
authors.affiliation: Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishjya Kalpana, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Shobha G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Hiremath
keywords: Kupipakwa Rasayana; Rajata Sindura; X-ray diffraction