Comparative Analysis of Four Distinct Purification Methods of Sulphur as per Siddha with Contemporary Analytical Techniques

Background: Nonmetallic and mild toxic Sulphur is abundantly available in world. Kanthakam is the name for Sulphur in Siddha medicine. Sulphur is one of unavoidable substance for medicine preparations with deferent purification methods. According to Siddha concept of Purification (Shuddhi) not only a process of purification or detoxification, but also process to enhance potency and efficacy of the medicine.Methods: The Unpurified Sulphur (S۱) and Purified Sulphur Method I (S۲), Method II (S۳), Method III (S۴) and Method IV(S۵) Samples were employed for Comparative analysis of organoleptic character, Solubility profile, loss on drying, total and acid insoluble ash, alcohol and water soluble extractive, pH, Sulphur concentration, Microbial test, Aflatoxin assay by TLC, Test for basic and acid radicles, FTIR, and SEMResults: finding gave considerable changes between unpurified Sulphur (S۱) and purified samples. The purity percentage of Sulphur, were found increased from ۸.۹۷% w/w to ۵۹.۰۴% w/w and the particle size were reduces from ۱۲۴۷ d.nm to ۴۶۸.۰ d.nm in the S۵ sample. FTIR show the functional group changes from C=C- alkene and C-I - Alkyl & Aryl Halides in to O-H-Alcohol, N-H- amine salt, C-H- alkane, C=C- alkene and C=O Esters & δ-lactone. Purified Sulphur samples show changes in Sulphur content, Particle size, functional group and solubility were within the safety limits as FDA permissible quantity. Heavy metals was not found in any samples.Conclusion: According to comparative analysis, it is vital to select purifying methods for preparing medicines in accordance with the text.

Keywords:

Sulphur , Purification , Analytical Techniques