Introduction to Arka Kalpana W.S.R to Distillation

Arka Kalpana is a specialized Ayurvedic pharmaceutical process that involves distillation of medicinal herbs to obtain their volatile and active principles in a potent liquid form called Arka. Though not mentioned in early classical texts like Charaka or Sushruta Samhita, it was elaborated later in Ravana’s Arka Prakasha, which remains the principal treatise on this subject. Arka is prepared by soaking herbs in water and heating them in an apparatus known as Arka Yantra, which captures the vapors and condenses them into a clear, aromatic distillate. This process preserves volatile components that are often lost in decoctions (Kwathas), making Arka both powerful and stable. The term “Arka” denotes something pure and enduring, comparable to modern herbal distillates or hydrosols used in Western medicine.

The general method includes soaking coarsely powdered herbs overnight, followed by controlled heating to distill about two-thirds of the liquid. The resulting distillate is collected, possessing the fragrance, taste, and therapeutic potency of the original herb. Ideal Arka should be transparent, aromatic, and similar in color to the source material. Any unpleasant odor can be corrected by fumigation with aromatic substances like Hingu or Methi.

Different Arka preparations serve specific therapeutic purposes. Ajmoda Arka enhances digestion, Brahmi Arka improves memory and cognition, Jatamansi Arka benefits nervous disorders, Gulab Arka is cooling and useful in eye diseases, and Kakamachi Arka supports liver and heart health. The Ayurvedic Formulary of India mentions several examples including Pudina Arka and Yavani Arka.

From a modern pharmaceutical perspective, Arka Kalpana resembles hydro-distillation techniques such as steam and simple distillation. Analytical parameters like pH, specific gravity, and chromatographic profiling ensure its quality. With a shelf life of around one year and dosage of 10–20 ml, Arka represents the scientific and therapeutic refinement of Ayurvedic pharmaceutics, integrating traditional wisdom with modern principles.

1. ARKA KALPANA
Dr . Neha Upadhyay
M.D. Scholar
Rasa shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana
Department
National Institute of Ayurveda , Jaipur

2. INTRODUCTION
•Bhaishajya Kalpana represents a vital branch of Ayurveda focused on the preparation of various medicinal
dosage forms and their Therapeutic applications.
•Among the numerous formulations detailed by ancient scholars, the panchavidha kashaya kalpanas hold
special significance as they serve as the foundational or primary dosage forms.
•The foundational five kalpanas consist of Swarasa, Kalka, Shrita, Sheeta, and Phanta.
•However, various Acharyas offer differing perspectives on these specific preparations.
•In Ravana’s Arka Prakasha, the five types of kashaya kalpanas are identified as Kalka, Choorna, Rasa,
Taila, and Arka.
•Arka Kalpana has got more importance than other Kalpana’s, because of its potency. Arka is a unique
preparation in which essential oils from herbal drugs are extracted through the distillation method.

3. DEFINITION OF ARKA
•Arka is a liquid extract produced by distilling specific medicinal substances that have been soaked in water, using either the
traditional Arka Yantra or any suitable modern distillation equipment.
•This preparation captures the volatile components of the herbs or drugs, resulting in a water-based essence rich in their active
aromatic compounds.
•In Western pharmacology, Arka corresponds to what is known as 'aquae' or herbal waters, serving a similar purpose and
preparation method.
•Different Names of arka Kalpana
Ayurveda: Arka , Unani: Arkquites , Siddha: Teenir , Homeopathy: Tincture , Allopathy: Distillate
•निरुक्तिः (Etymology)
•‘अच्युतो इनत अर्किः ।’("Acyuto iti Arkaḥ") – This Sanskrit phrase suggests that "Arka" refers to something that is imperishable
or constant, often interpreted in classical texts as a potent or enduring essence.

4. LITERARY REVIEW
•Samhita Kala : References about Arka kalpana are not available in any Samhitas. Usage of Arkas may be not popular during that
period.
• Adhunika kala: Gada Nigraha , Asavarishta Vijnana and Sahasrayoga : In Kharjurasava, an equipment similar to Arka yantra &
preparation of Arka from Asava is mentioned Ayurvedic Formulary of India: The definition, method of preparation,
characteristics and examples of Arkas are mentioned in both the volumes
•. Rasatantra Sara and Siddha Prayoga Sangraha : Examples of 21 Arkas are mentioned in the first volume. In this book the
practical experiences of the author is also mentioned along with dose specification of particular yoga. The method of
preparation, anupana (adjuvant), aushada sevana kala (time of drug administration) and bheshaja marga (route of drug
administration) of each Arka is mentioned separately.
•Bharateeya Bhaishajya Kalpana: Synonyms, History, Method of preparation, Precauntions, Samyak lakshana and eight different
examples of Arka kalpana are told. Though different books are written on Arka kalpana in Adhunika kala, Arka Prakasha is
considered as a comprehensive referral book as far as Arka kalpana is concerned.

5. •As far as Rasa-Shastriya literature is concerned, there is only a single reference in Rasatarangini that mentions Arka-Kalpana; no other
such references can be sort out in-relation to Arka Kalpana. The references were described in the context of ‘Parishrutasalilam’
•यन्त्रेण नाडिकाख्येन वहनीसन्त्तापयोगतः । बिन्त्दुशो यत्स्रुतं नीरं तत्स्परररुतमुच्यते ॥। [R.T 2/59]
•The simple distillation of only water or the water added with medicinal drugs, yield the drop- by-drop distillate collected in the receiver
of the simple distillation apparatus. The same is properly packed and used as 'Parisrta jala' (distilled water).
• Importance of the Arkas
•द्रव्यकल्पः पञ्चधा स्यात् कल्कश्श्रूणण रसं तथा। तैलमकक क्रमाज्ज्ञेयं यथोत्तरगुणं प्रिये ।। [A.P1/46
•These five forms of the pharmaceutical viz. Kalka (paste), Churna (powder), Rasa (expressed juice), Taila (oil), and Arka (distilled liquid),
the medicinal potency increases successively. Therefore, among all the pharmaceutical forms of medicinal preparation ‘Arka’ holds peak
position on account of its excellence in medicinal attributes.
•According to Arka Prakash - The extract which is prepared on a male day (Sun, Mars, Jupiter) in the male constellation is appropriate to
be given to a woman . Arka Kalpana - A Review of Traditional and Modern Methods and on the contrary, the extract which is prepared on
a female day (Moon, Mercury, Venus, Saturn) in the female constellation and manufactured during night time should be given to a man.

6. NEED OF ARKA KALPANA
•Certain medications include active components in the form of volatile oils. When
preparing kwatha (decoctions) with these drugs, the active ingredients may evaporate
during the process. To prevent this loss, these drugs are instead utilized in the form of
Arka kalpana (distillates).
•Arka kalpana is specifically prepared using such herbs, including examples like Gulab
pushpa (rose petals), Kevada pushpa (screw pine flowers), Vedamuska, Saunf (fennel),
Chandana (sandalwood), Yavani (ajwain), Khas (vetiver), Anant mool, and Pudina (mint).

7. GENERAL METHOD OF PREPARATION
1. Soaking the Drugs
Required quantity of water is added to the herbal drugs.
The mixture is kept overnight for soaking.
2.Use of Arka Yantra
Next morning, the soaked mixture is poured into the Arka Yantra.
Remaining water is added to complete the required volume.
3. Distillation Process
The mixture is boiled using Shat Agnis (six types of fire).
Vapors rise, condense, and are collected in a receiver.
4. Fire Intensity
Maintain Madhyamagni (moderate fire) or Teevra Agni (intense fire) during boiling.
5. Water Quantity
Eight times the quantity of water relative to the drug is used.

8. 6. Collection of Arka
Only two-thirds of the poured liquid is collected as Arka.
Aliquots collected during distillation contain active ingredients.
7. Uniformity
Aliquots may be mixed together to ensure uniformity of the final Arka.
Classification of drugs for arka preparation

9. Specific method of preparation(pancha vidha oushada) the five fold classification of drugs is atyanta katina (very
hard), katina(hard), ardra (wet), pallava(tender leaves)and drava (liquids).
Arka can be prepared using a single drug or a compound of drugs.
The typical ratio of drug to water is based on ayurved sar sangrah by siddhi nandan mishra.
Ingredients ratio:
drugs: 1 part
water: 8 parts or 10 parts

10. Different methods of preparation of arka are mentioned for different arkas. The types of drugs,
quantity of water and example of each type :

11. Shat agnis in preparation:
Shat agnis in preparation during arka patana (collection of arka) the agni (fire) must be proper. If the
agni is less, there will be no production of distilled vapours and arka will not be obtained. If the agni is
more, the drugs will turn to khara paka and there will be vaivarnya and altered burnt smell for the
arka. All the qualities of the arka will be lost. For the preparation of arka six different types of agni are
mentioned.

13. By mentioning the word “kramat“author describes the gradual sequence of agni that must be
given during the preparation of arkas. Arka niskaranartha agnikala •saardha yama(4:30 hrs)
•yama(3 hrs) •yamardha(1:30 hrs) •muhurta(48 min)

14. Prashastha Arka Lakshanani
Arka should have more fragrance than its constituent dravyas taken alone. On keeping in jeernasthimrithikapatra , the
colour of the drug must appear same.The Arka must resemble Shankha (conch shell), Kunda, Indu (moon)on keeping in
other vessels . The taste of the Arka while keeping on tongue should be that of the constituent drug itself. All other Arka
opposite to the above said features are to be discarded.
Removing durgandha from Arka : If Arka is having bad smell then it has to be fumigated with dhuma (smoke) produced
from powder of Hingu(asafoetida), Methika (fenugrrek) and Rajika (mustard) mixed in Ghrita (ghee) and kept in new pot. If
the process of fumigation is repeated several times, Arka will lose its bad odour, develop good odour (flavour) and in
addition will gain its therapeutic efficacy of increasing Jatharagni(digestive fire).
उत्तम अर्क र्े लक्षण
द्रव्यादधधकसौगंध्यंय ससन्त्नकेिदृश्श्यते ।
जीणाकस्स्थपार संक्षिप्ताेे द्रव्य वणकः िदृश्श्यते ॥
शंखकुंदेंदुधवलोन्त्यथापारांतर स्स्थतः ।
स्जह्वोपररगतः स्वादुंदद्याहृद्रव्यमवंतुयः ॥( Arka Prakash p.no 21 shloka 74-
75)

15. Different yantras used for arka preparation
Arka yantraNadika yantra / bhapka yantra
Tiryak patana yantra

16. THERAPEUTIC USES
•Ajmoda Arka: Treats indigestion, incomplete digestion, bowel disorders, and Vata-Kapha
imbalances.
•Brahmi Arka: Helps with poor memory and confusion.
• Jatamansi Arka: Addresses indigestion, loss of appetite, bad breath, insanity, and epilepsy.
•Gulaba Arka: Daha, Trishna, Hrillasa, Netraroga.
•Kakmachi Arka: Hrid roga, Yakridroga, Sotha.
• Munditika Arka: Pleeha roga, Meha, Vataroga, Tvakroga, Arunsika. Nilodupuspa Arka:
Kapharoga, Kasa, Svasa, Kantharoga.

17. Modern aspects of arka
•In today's pharmaceutical sciences, the concept of Arka kalpana closely parallels the
technique of distillation.
•Distillation involves separating the components of a liquid mixture by heating it to create
vapor, then cooling the vapor on a cold surface to condense it back into liquid form.
•Various distillation methods exist, including Simple distillation, Fractional
distillation, Steam distillation, Vacuum distillation, and Destructive distillation,
each serving unique purposes.

18. 1.Simple distillation condenses vapor directly, so the distillate matches vapor composition,
not purity.
It's effective for liquids with widely different boiling points or separating from non-volatile
solids.
2. Fractional distillation is used when components have close boiling points, separation
occurs via repeated vaporization-condensation cycles in a packed fractionating column.
Vapors rise and cool, condensing on the column's walls and packing surfaces , condensate
reheats and vaporizes again due to rising hot vapors , each cycle produces a purer solution of
the more volatile component
3. Steam distillation extracts heat-sensitive compounds by passing steam through a heated
mix. Steam temperature is easier to control than direct heat, allowing efficient heating
without high temperatures. Vaporized compounds condense into oil and water layers.
4. Vacuum distillation lowers pressure to boil high-boiling compounds without high heat.
This prevents decomposition of sensitive compounds. It's often done using a rotary
evaporator in labs.
5. Destructive distillation, or dry distillation, is actually pyrolysis—a chemical reaction
where solids are heated without oxygen. This process releases volatile liquids and pyrolysis
products. Wood's destructive distillation produces methanol, known as wood alcohol.
,

19. PROCEDURE

20. Modern aspects
•Shelf Life and Expiration
•Valid for 12 months starting from the manufacturing date.
•Recommended Dosage
•Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API): Take between 10 and 20 ml daily, divided into multiple doses.
•Ayurvedic Formulation Ingredient (AFI): Administer 12 to 24 ml per day, split into several doses.
•Administration Guidance
•Consume with an equal volume of water for optimal absorption.

21. CONTINOUS………
•Analytical Specifications
•Physical Characteristics: Appearance, color, and aroma
•pH Level: Measurement of acidity or alkalinity
•Volatile Components: Assessment of evaporative substances
•Specific Gravity at 20°C: Typically ranges between 0.991 and 1.0
•Clarity Evaluation: Visual inspection for transparency
•Identification Techniques: Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), High-Performance TLC (HPTLC), Gas-
Liquid Chromatography (GLC)
•Essential Oil Quantification: Precise assay methods

22. 1.Test heavy metals: pb, cd, hg, as
2.check microbial levels:
• total bacteria • total fungi
3.Test pathogens:
E. Coli, salmonella, S. Aureus, P. Aeruginosa
4.Check pesticide residues:
• organochlorines • organophosphates • pyrethroids
ARKA Varieties in A.F.I.
•Ajamoda Essence
•Karpuradya Extract
•Jatamansi Distillate
•Misreya Concentrate
•Additional ARKA Types
•Pudina Extract
•Yavani Essence

23. Research studies on arka kalapana
•Arka Kalpana – A review of traditional and modern methods. Bag J, Singh N. Dept of Rasa
Shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, Govt. Ayurvedic College, Patna. 2024 Jul 10. in AYUSHDHARA
ISSN: 2393-9583 (P)/ 2393-9591 (O) An International Journal of Research in AYUSH and
Allied Systems.
•. Pharmaceutical review of Arka Kalpana. Rahul U, Hussain G, Ganti BY Int Ayurvedic Med J.
2024;12(3):45–52.International journal of medicine ISSN 2320 5091.

24. Thank you