Effect of repeated extraction of white ash with water on physicochemical properties of Palash Kshar

Abstract

Kshar Kalpana is the method of extraction of white alkaline substances present in the white ash of the plant. Ancient scholars used single- time extraction by variation in the quantum (4, 6 and 8 times) of solvent (water). Modern pharmaceutics recommend the repetition of extraction till getting maximum extract. So it is necessary to compare the Palash Kshar prepared by using single and repeated extraction by using water. Palash Kshar was prepared by using single and repeated (5 times) extraction of white ash of Palash (Butea monosperma Lam.) along with water. Palash Kshar was characterized by organoleptic characters, physico-chemical limits and various modern analytical techniques, viz., X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and Flame Photometry. The percentage yield of Palash Kshar decreased nearly half from 1st to 5th extraction. Maximum Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) extraction happens after the 1st extraction. The K percentage of Palash Kshar obtained after 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th extractions is 5.380, 6.177, 5.959, and 3.990. Na percentage of Palash Kshar obtained after 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th extractions is 0.179, 0.207, 0.329 and 0.321. All samples of Palash Kshar contain K, Na, C, O, Cl, while Mg and Al were present in Kshar obtained from repeated extraction. A method prescribed by ancient scholars i.e., the use of a single extraction of ash with water, is the most appropriate method in terms of yield, cost, and extraction of basic substances like Na, K.