Abstract

COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF UNPURIFIED AND PURIFIED KALNAAR (ASBESTOS)

Alif Fathima A.*, Kanimozhi V., Pritha S. and Abdul Kader Jeylani M. P.

ABSTRACT

Siddha system is an ancient medical system mainly practiced in southern part of India. The cornerstone of Siddha Medicine for healthy living is food and life style. In Siddha system, medicines are mainly prepared from three origins such as plants, metals, minerals, and animals. Siddha literatures describe 220 minerals. They are studied under the following four headings - Metals (Ulokam) - 11, Minerals (Karasaram) - 25, Arsenic compounds (Paashanam) - 64 and Hydrochemicals (Uparasam) - 120. Before the preparation of medicine each raw drug will undergoes into a purification process called “Suddhi”. The concept of “Suddhi” in Siddha system is not only for purification/detoxification, it also enhances the potency and efficacy of the drug. In Siddha system, Kalnaar (Asbestos) a type of Uparasam is used in many preparations in its purified form. Kalnaar has diuretic and astringent action. It is one of the ingredient in medicines like Nandhi Mezhugu, Jalamanjari, Pancha paashana parpam and Kshayakulanthaga chendooram. It is necessity to prove the purification of poisonous drug scientifically. It is necessary to know scientifically what are all the changes occur in the purification process.

Keywords: kalnaar, asbestos, suddhi, purification.