Evaluation of Market Samples of 'Mayur Puccha Bhasma' Using Namburi Phased Spot Test (NPST)

Mayur Puccha Bhasma(calx of peacock feather), an unique animal product used traditionally in the management of Chardhi (vomiting), Hikka (hiccough), Swasa (respiratory disorder) was prepared according to the prescription in the Ayurvedic classics and subjected to various bhasma pariksha (tests for calx),including the Namburi Phased Spot Test (NPST), one of the qualitative tests described for various Ayurvedic preparations. NPST helps to differentiate between, and thus identify, various bhasmas (calx). It depends upon the pattern of the spot, which develops after a specific chemical reaction. Mayur Puccha Bhasma prepared by classical reference in our department along with three market samples were subjected to above said tests and the results were compared. The various bhasmas exhibited marked differences in color, and though NPST yielded desired results for all the samples, there were difference in their spot pattern and color. The bhasma prepared in our department produced the nearest results to standard NPST of Mayur Puccha Bhasma.