Identity of certain species of plants of unknown source from Rasendramangala

Abstract

Combination of plant and mineral products were derived in the process of exploring safe and effective remedies which can cure severe and deadly diseases. Some plants are used for processing, purification and calcination of minerals, metals and gems. Mainly the purpose of plants in Rasa shastra is to obtain absorbable metallic molecules in the maximum possible minute form. But some plants mentioned in textbook of Rasa-shastra are not identified properly, because Rasa siddhas like Nagarjuna and Rasa Vagbhata have used some rare synonyms of plants, to conceal them from the knowledge of unknown and mischievous personalities, to avoid misuse. But at present, it is necessary to identify them properly, to use the plants for exact calcination and purification for the benefit of mankind. In the present study, nearly ten plants out of 47 unidentified plants are selected from Rasendra Mangala written by Acharya Nagarjuna in the period of 7^th and 8^th Century A.D. and a trial has been made to work out on such unidentified plants depending upon their synonyms, utility and combination with other drugs. To quote some, Kanchuki, Chandali, Choraka, Chandravalli and Sarpakshi.