Pharmacognostic And Phytochemical Perspectives On Manahshila (Realgar): Classification, Purification, And Standardization Approaches

Abstract

Manahshila, commonly known as realgar (arsenic disulphide, As₂S₂), is a significant mineral drug in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly within Rasashastra. Classical sources describe it as a potent therapeutic agent with applications in dermatology, parasitic infestations,
respiratory diseases, and some cognitive abnormalities. Because of its inherent toxicity as an arsenic compound, ancient Ayurvedic authorities highlight the importance of purification (Shodhana) before medical use. These traditional purifica tion techniques comprise complex, multi-step processes that include medicinal decoctions, animal -derived media, and controlled heating, all of which are designed to purify the mineral and increase its therapeutic suitability.