Comparative analysis of Kajjali (1:1) in Ayurveda Rasashastra with synthesized β-HgS

Abstract

The black colour compound prepared manually by grinding purified mercury and purified sulphur is known as kajjali in Ayurveda rasashastra. This insoluble inorganic compound is known as β-HgS in chemistry. Although kajjali has been evaluated as a nano-range compound, there is no comparative research evidences with synthesized β-HgS. Therefore this research was carried out to elucidate the structural, chemical patterns of kajjali (1:1) with β-HgS. For this purpose, purified mercury and purified sulphur (1:1) were manually ground in a ceramic motor to obtain kajjali (1:1). β-HgS was synthesized using a controlled precipitation process by injecting Na2S and NaOH into the Hg(NO3)2 solution. The prepared samples were analysed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Xray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, particle size analysis (PSA) and CHN elemental analysis. According to SEM images (10.0kV, x50.0k) of the samples highlighted the agglomerated nano-spheres in the kajjali while in nano-spheres coupled with nano-flakes in the β-HgS. The EDS data show mercury (47.5%) and sulphur (31.5%) in kajjali and mercury (80.5%) and sulphur (11.5%) in β-HgS. XRD peaks agree with meta-cinnabar in both samples and low intense peaks remained reference to free sulphur in kajjali. FTIR spectra of kajjali explains the changes in functional groups while purification in Ayurveda and Raman spectra of β-HgS shows the amorphous nature. XRF results reveal higher sulphur percentages in both samples and it is with good agreement with support of sulphur in chelation. PSA show the particles within the 58.77 nm–1718 nm in kajjali and 58.77 nm–712.40 nm in β-HgS. CHN analysis shows changes in carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen levels in both samples with their procedures. Although samples show the similarities, still kajjali expresses more applicability as a medicine according to FTIR and EDS data.