Standard manufacturing procedure of Shadguna Balijarita Makaradhwaja

BACKGROUND: Makaradhwaja is one of the most potent herbomineral medicines of Ayurveda. Different references for the preparation of Makaradhwaja were reported in classics. According to the proportion of sulfur (Gandhaka), three references were mentioned in classics that is, Dwiguna (2:1 = S: Hg), Triguna (3:1 = S: Hg) and Shadguna (6:1 = S: Hg). Makaradhwaja is prepared by Kupipakwa system of heating. In the preparation of Kupipakwa medicine as the ratio of sulfur to mercury increases it becomes difficult to prepare medicine. AIM: To standardize manufacturing procedure of Shadguna Balijarita Makaradhwaja (SBM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total four batches of SBM were prepared by using electrical muffle furnace (EMF). All the involved procedures were followed as per classical guidelines. RESULTS: Average 13.68% yield of SBM was observed. CONCLUSION: SBM requires intermittent heating pattern, that is, mild heat (100-125° C) for 2.5 hrs, moderate heat (250-450° C) for 4.5 hrs and strong heat (450-600° C) for 5 hrs for 290.5 g Kajjali.