Author(s):
Arvind Bishnoi, Priyanka Verma, Rajendra Prasad Sharma, Anupam Srivastava, Reetesh Ramnani, Sakhitha K.S.
Email(s):
dras2008@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/0974-4150.2026.00073 
Address:
Arvind Bishnoi1*, Priyanka Verma2, Rajendra Prasad Sharma3, Anupam Srivastava4*, Reetesh Ramnani5, Sakhitha K.S.6
1M.D. Scholar, Dept. of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
2Ph.D. Scholar, Dept. of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
3Prof., Professor, Dept. of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
4Prof., HOD and Professor, Dept. of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
5Assistant Professor, Dept. of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
6Assistant Professor, Dept. of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 19,
Issue - 5,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Gandhaka (sulphur) is one of the most important mineral drugs in Rasashastra, occupying a position next only to Parada owing to its extensive pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications. It is an indispensable constituent of numerous Ayurvedic formulations, particularly mercurial preparations, and is widely employed in the management of dermatological, respiratory, digestive, and musculoskeletal disorders. Despite its widespread use, comprehensive documentation integrating classical Ayurvedic knowledge with contemporary scientific evidence remains limited. The present review critically compiles and analyzes the available literature on Gandhaka from classical Ayurvedic texts and modern scientific sources. Classical references from Rasa Ratna Samuccaya, Rasarnava, Rasa Tarangini, Ayurveda Prakasha, Rasendra Chudamani, and other authoritative treatises were systematically reviewed alongside contemporary literature on sulphur. The review comprehensively discusses the nomenclature, synonyms, origin, occurrence, varieties, Grahya Lakshana, impurities (Dosha), Shodhana procedures, pharmacodynamic attributes, pharmaceutical importance, and therapeutic applications of Gandhaka. Modern perspectives, including its physical and chemical characteristics, allotropes, biological activities, toxicological profile, and medicinal significance, are also critically integrated. The review emphasizes that appropriate Shodhana is fundamental for eliminating impurities, minimizing toxicity, and enhancing the safety, quality, and therapeutic efficacy of Gandhaka. Integrating classical principles with contemporary scientific evidence provides a comprehensive understanding of this important mineral drug and establishes a scientific basis for its standardization, quality assurance, and rational application in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics and clinical practice.
Cite this article:
Arvind Bishnoi, Priyanka Verma, Rajendra Prasad Sharma, Anupam Srivastava, Reetesh Ramnani, Sakhitha K.S.. Gandhaka (Sulphur): A Comprehensive Review from Classical Rasa Shastra to Contemporary Knowledge. Asian Journal of Research in Chemistry. 2026; 19(5):507-6. doi: 10.52711/0974-4150.2026.00073
Cite(Electronic):
Arvind Bishnoi, Priyanka Verma, Rajendra Prasad Sharma, Anupam Srivastava, Reetesh Ramnani, Sakhitha K.S.. Gandhaka (Sulphur): A Comprehensive Review from Classical Rasa Shastra to Contemporary Knowledge. Asian Journal of Research in Chemistry. 2026; 19(5):507-6. doi: 10.52711/0974-4150.2026.00073 Available on: https://www.ajrconline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-19-5-14
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