Scientific characterization of the Siddha medicine Pavala parpam manufacturing

In general, various Siddha medicine manufacturing methods are reported without comprehensive scientific quantification of the process and product at various manufacturing stages.

The current work aimed to study the standard manufacturing method involved in the pavala parpam medicine preparation and characterization.

The raw material for the pudam process was prepared by purifying the pavalam using lemon juice and ground with thelkodukku (Heliotropium indicum) decoction. Raw material was taken in a sealed agal for the pudam process cow dung cakes. The process parameter of the pudam process was recorded. After the pudam process, the finished medicine was ground using nannikal kalvam. The pavala parpam was characterized using Thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and a particle size analyzer.

The maximum temperature of 680°C during the pudam process was recorded at the top location of the sealed agal, and the holding time above 500°C was observed to be 55 min, 75 min, and 122 min at the top, inside, and bottom locations, respectively. The analytical testing of pavala parpam shows the presence of calcium carbide, calcium oxide, and magnesium oxide.

The pressure developed during the pudam process was only 25-30 mbar, and it can be assumed that the pudam process happens at atmospheric pressure. 1 kg of raw materials yields 920 g of pavala parpam. The characterization of pavala parpam was done using modern scientific testing methods.