Abstract

Mohd Tariq*, Hakimuddin Khan, Abdur Rasheed, Mahe alam and Ziaul Haq Siddiqui, Dr. Maqbool Ahmad Khan

ABSTRACT

Background and objective: Silver is a metal frequently used as a therapeutic agent in Unani system of medicine. It is mostly used in kushta form however, before using the metals or metallic compounds they are always subjected to processes called ‘tasfiya’ (detoxification). In present study, kushta nuqra was prepared by detoxifying Silver with method mentioned in the classical literature using quenching technique and physicochemical standardization data of the Kushta was recorded which can be used for future studies as a reference for Kushta Nuqra (KN). Methods: Detoxification of silver was done by quenching in aab leemun (Citrus Lemon) seven times. Detoxified silver was subjected to furnace for preparation of kushta (Calx). Temperature in furnace was regulated according to the thermogram prepared previously, by recording the temperature using pyrometer by means of preparing the kushta as mentioned in the classical text. Finished product was evaluated for physicochemical characteristics including preliminary and physicochemical parameters. Results: Bulk density 0.79±0.005, tapped density 1.18 ± 0.001, Hausner’s ratio 1.48±0.008, compressibility index 32.79 ± 0.31, loss of weight on drying 0.003±0.00, pH of 1 % solution, 10 % solution (8.26±0.00, 8.39±0.003, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble 99.70±0.005, 92.32±0.12, 3.55±0.13, water, alcohol soluble extractive value 0.039±0.00, 0.07±0.00 successive extractive values of petroleum ether, chloroform, alcohol (0.06±0.001, 0.016±0.001, 0.04±0.003 were reported in KN. Conclusion: This study was first of its kind where Kushta nuqra was prepared by classical detoxification process and observed on scientific parameters. Kushta was prepared in electric muffle furnace, which helped to achieve a better temperature control. The method of preparation and the results obtained can be taken as standard for future studies.