Preprint / Version 1

Physico-chemical characterization of kajjali, black sulphide of mercury, with respect to the role of sulfur in its formation and structure

Authors

  • Namrata Joshi aDept. of Rasashastra, Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
  • Manoj Dash bDept. of Rasashastra, Govt. Ayurveda College, Raipur, C.G, India
  • Chandan Upadhyay cMaterials Science and Technology, School of Materials Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
  • Vikas Jindal dDepartment of Metallurgical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, 221005, India
  • Pradip Panda eGovt. Ayurveda College, Balangir, Odisha, India
  • Manjari Shukla cMaterials Science and Technology, School of Materials Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India

Keywords:

Ayurveda, Black sulfide, Kajjali, Nanoparticle, Safety, Sulfur ratio

Abstract

Kajjali is used as a base for Ayurvedic herbo-mineral medicines. It is a combination of mercury with sulfur in varying proportions. The ratio of sulfur (S) added to mercury (Hg) directly relates to the therapeutic efficacy of the compound. Objective To analyze the physico-chemical characteristics of samaguna gandhaka kajjali (Hg: S = 1:1) and shadaguna gandhaka kajjali (Hg: S = 1:6). Materials and methods X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, thermo-gravimetry analysis, and atomic absorption spectroscopy were applied to characterize each type of kajjali. Results It was found that the particle size of the formed kajjali compound increases with a decrease in the mercury to sulfur ratio. The presence of excess sulfur does not change the surface oxidation states as revealed by the XPS analysis. No trace of mercury has been found in both samaguna gandhaka kajjali (SGK-1) and shadguna gandhaka kajjali (SGK-6), indicating a complete Hg reaction with S. Conclusion Kajjali simulates nanomaterial of the modern era and possesses therapeutic efficacy as mentioned in classical Ayurveda texts. Complete trituration of mercury and sulfur combination ends up with this kajjali formation incorporating the potency of nanotherapeutics. Keywords: Ayurveda, Black sulfide, Kajjali, Nanoparticle, Safety, Sulfur ratio

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