Critical Analysis of Kaaraskara Beeja Shodhana in Milk

— Strychnos nuxvomica or Karaskara is one among the visha dravyas mentioned in Ayurveda science. It contains poisonous alkaloids like Strychnine and Brucine which may harm the body. In spite of its toxic nature, the seeds of this tree are used in various pharmaceutical preparations after purification. Strychnos Nuxvomica is included in Upavisha varga in Rasasastra. Acharyas has explained different methods of purification of the seeds. Dolayantra swedana in milk is one among the media for purification of Kaaraskara beeja. It has been already proven that the Strychnine and Brucine content of beeja significantly reduced after the swedana in milk. While comparing the ashodhita and shodita seeds, loss on drying and extractive values were increased after shodhana which clearly indicates incorporation of active principles to the shodhita Kaaraskara beeja.