title: X-Ray Diffraction of different samples of Swarna Makshika Bhasma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Shodhana and Marana are a series of complex procedures that identify the undesirable effects of heavy metals/minerals and convert them into absorbable and assimilable forms. Study on the analytical levels is essential to evaluate the structural and chemical changes that take place during and after following such procedures as described in major classical texts to understand the mystery behind these processes. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) helps to identify and characterize minerals/metals and fix up the particular characteristics pattern of prepared Bhasma.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the chemical changes in Swarna Makshika Bhasma prepared by using different media and methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study, raw Swarna Makshika, purified Swarna Makshika and four types of Swarna Makshika Bhasma prepared by using different media and methods were analyzed by XRD study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  XRD study of different samples revealed strongest peaks of iron oxide in Bhasma. Other phases of Cu2O, FeS2, Cu2S, FeSO4, etc., were also identified in many of the samples.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  XRD study revealed that Swarna Makshika Bhasma prepared by Kupipakwa method is better, convenient, and can save time.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Ramesh Kumar
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.affiliation: Department of Prasooti Tantra, Government Ayurvedic College, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Vijay
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lakshmi
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Chandra Bhushan
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Jha
keywords: Bhasma; Makshika; Marana; Shodhana; X-ray diffraction