(A Monthly Scientific Journal of Kiban Research Publications) REVIEW ARTICLE

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1 ISSN: International Journal of of Ayurveda (A Monthly Scientific Journal of Kiban Research Publications) REVIEW ARTICLE Tankana (Borax): It s Therapeutic Value in Gynecology Anubha Chandla* 1, Praveen Guleria 2 1 Department of Stri Roga Avum Prasuti Tantra, SKSS Ayurvedic College & Hospital Sarabha, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. 2 Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, SKSS Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Sarabha, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. *Corresponding Author: dranubhachandla@gmail.com Abstract Tankana has been used in ayurveda since very long time and has been kept under kshara(alkali) varga. Chemically it is composed of boric acid and sodium and is also named as sodium tetra borate decahydrate. It occurs as a natural deposit in the form of crystalline tough masses formed by evaporation of water, on shores of dried up lakes in India, Tibet and Nepal. It is then purified to get Tankana Bhashma. Borax is only ingredient of tankana Bhasma. Borax contains 11.3% boron. Boron is always chemically bound to oxygen forming borates (borax or boric acid). Boron is a naturally occurring element widespread in nature. Fruits and vegetables are the primary sources of boron. It is an essential element for dietary intake for human and animals. Shuddha tankana has great therapeutic/medicinal value as a potent expectorant, anti-inflammatory, digestive, diuretic, antimicrobial and is considered as an antidote for Aconite.The present study focuses on the therapeutic value of tankana in stree roga. Keywords: Tankana, Borax, Gynecological use, Ayurveda. Introduction Female health is of prime concern nowadays. The common gynecological issues of occurrence are those related to abnormal menstruation (scanty, excessive and painful menstruation), abnormal vaginal discharges, vaginitis, ovarian cysts and carcinomas of cervix, uterus. Ayurveda is a rich ancient science having a number of herbs and minerals for preventive and curative aspect in stree rogas. The one commonly available mineral compound of gynecological importance is Tankana. It is categorized among kshar dravyas and one finds reference of its use in Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtang Sangraha and in various texts of Rasa Shastra. Besides for its medicinal uses it has been used in various detoxification/ purification and calcination processes for metals and minerals and various alchemical procedures related with mercury. Tankana is a very popularly used ingredient of various kaasa shwasahara herbo/mineral preparations and also those which contain vatsanabha (tankana is considered antidote of vatsanabha). Tankana should be purified by certain methods enumerated in ayurvedic classics before bringing it into medicinal use. Consumption in impure form can result in toxic reactions. Tankana bhasma is an ayurvedic calcined formulation prepared from borax powder. Aims and Objectives To review the available literature of tankana(borax); both ayurvedic and modern aspect. To focus on the therapeutic use of tankana bhasma in stree roga Anubha Chandla August 2017 Vol.2 Issue

2 Materials and Methods Classical texts of Ayurveda especially rasa shastra, research journals and internet were taken as the source of present study. Literary Review Tankana (borax) has been in use since the Samhita kaal. It is one among ksharatrya and is also known by other names e.g. tanka, shweta kshara, kshara raj, suhaga, saubhagya[1]. Purification of Tankana Tankan is recommended for internal as well as external use. Depending on usage; it is purified in different ways: For external use: Tankan is dissolved in 24 parts of water, filtered and subject to intense heat till little water is left and then dried completely. This is used for preparation of tankanamla and in external applications [2]. For internal use: There are few methods of purification but in the commonly used one, raw tankana is first powdered, heated over a low flame in an iron vessel and stirred till it looses water and tankana particles swell up in the form of kheel. It is then allowed to cool, made into a fine powder to obtain shuddha tankana[3]. The same is called tankana bhasma. Properties of Tankana bhasma: Rasa: katu, Guna: ruksha, teekshna, Veerya: ushna, Vipaka: katu, Dosha karma: kaphaghna, vata shamaka, Karma: kapha vishleshaka(mucolytic), hridya, vata vikara naashaka, agni deepaka, pitta krita, aadhamaan naashaka, stri pushpa janana, balya, vividh vrana naashaka, sthavara visha hara and mudha garbha pravartaka[4]. Dose: mg [5] Uses: After purification it is used in the form of tankana bhasma (borax powder), tankanamla (boric acid) or tankanamla drava (diluted boric acid) either internally or externally. Use in Stree Roga: Internal use (Aabhyantar): For internal use tankana is usually used in combination with other herbs or minerals. Its common uses are: In Aartava dosha (Menstrual Disorders): In stree roga it is used in anaartava (pathological amennorrhoea), alpa artava (oligo/hypomennorhoea), kashta aartava (dysmenorrhoea) as tankana is stree pushpa janana. Rajapravartini vati is one preparation of tankana commonly used drug in rajo rodha(amenorrhoea), kashta raja (Dysmenorrhoea) and associated pains[6]. In Yoni gata roga: It is also an ingredient of Nashtpushpantaka rasa which is used for various gynecological disorders like nashta pushpa, nashta shukra, yoni shoola, ritu shoola, kleda yoni[7] Garbha nirodhaka: Tankana is one of the main ingredients of Pippalyadi yoga; prescribed for contraception and is given during menstrual phase with milk[8] Mudhagarbha pravartaka (relieves obstruction in obstructed labour): In prolonged and tedious labors due to weak uterine contractions 30 grains (1.94gm) of borax with 10 grains of powdered cinnamon in a little warm conjee may be given every 1-2 hrs upto 3-4 doses [9]. External use (bahya prayog) Haemostatic: Fine powder of tankana when sprinkled over vrana(wound), immediately causes haemostasis[10]. In Yoni pidka (small eruptions in genital tract) and ruja (pain); tankana water is used in the form of yoni basti (vaginal douche) [11]. In distressing irritation of the genital organs in both male and females, tampon/gauze saturated with a strong solution of borax (1:16) kept to the parts affords much relief [12]. In aupsargika mehauth vrana(ulcers of genitourinary area in Sexually transmitted diseases) tankanamla(boric acid) is used for vrana prakshalana [13]. In chronic shweta pradara, tankana amla drava(diluted boric acid) is commonly used in the form of yoni basti(vaginal douche) for seven days[14]. For preparing tankana amla drava 10 ratti(1.25gm) tankana amla(boric acid powder) is dissolved in 5 tola parisruta jala (60ml distilled water)[15]. Anubha Chandla August 2017 Vol.2 Issue

3 In case of women a solution of 1:5 in the form of vaginal injection proves useful in cystitis, leucorrhea, gonorrhea and lithic acid deposits[16]. Vrana ropaka: Tankana is used in the process of repair of vividha vrana (various types of wounds) [17] either in diluted form to wash the wounds or in the form of malhar. In stree roga it is popularly used for yoni prakshalana to treat garbhashya greevamukha gata vrana (cervical erosion). In lactating mothers having sore nipples and other forms of skin eruptions a solution of borax (1:8) is applied locally before and after breast feed[18]. In chloasma and frecklles acne, a dilute solution of borax 1:10 is used to wash the face[19] Contraindications: As tankana is ushna, teekshna, it is used judiciously and in low doses in bala(children) and vriddha(old age). Its use in contraindicated in garbhini. Modern View: The term borax is used for a number of closely related chemical compounds that differ in their crystal water content, but usually refers to the decahydrate. It is an important boron compound. Borax contains 11.34% boron. Boron is a naturally occurring element widespread in nature. The average concentration in the earth s crust has been estimated to be 10 ppm and in seawater, 4.6 ppm. Fruits and vegetables are known to be primary sources of boron. Among vegetables, leafy greens have the highest boron levels. Boron is always chemically bound to oxygen forming borates (e.g borax or boric acid). When administered to humans inorganic borates are bio transformed to boric acid and are absorbed from mucosal surfaces. Boric acid shows affinity for cis-hydroxyl groups, and such affinity may account for the mechanism by which boric acid produces some of its biological effects [20]. Recent studies on biological significance of boron in various metabolic, nutritional, hormonal and physiological processes indicate that Boron is essential for humans and animals [21]. Therapeutic Value of Boron and its Compounds Bone Growth and Maintenance: Boron plays an important role in osteogenesis and its deficiency has been shown to adversely impact bone development and regeneration [22]. Wound healing: boron has been shown to significantly improve wound healing. Application of 3% boric acid solution to deep wounds reduced the time required in intensive care by two third [23]. Hormonal action: studies have proved that dietary intake of boron produces effects similar to estrogen supplementation in women who suffer from postmenopausal osteoporosis. In human males, an orally administered daily dose of 10mg/day of boron as sodium tetra borate for seven days produced a significant decrease in sex hormone binding globulin and increases the mean free testosterone level in blood plasma [24]. Anti-inflammatory effects: A number of studies have indicated that boron reduces levels of inflammatory biomarkers [25]. Antimicrobial Action: Various research studies have proved antibacterial and antifungal action of borax and boric acid, specifically against bacterial strains E.coli, P.aeruginosa, S.aureus, S.pyogenes and fungal strains C.albicans, A. niger [26]. Anticancer effects: Certain studies have indicated that boron possesses anticarcinogenic properties. Boron rich diets and regions where soil and water are rich in boron present with lower risk of several types of cancer like breast, cervical and lung cancers. HPV-16 and HPV-18 cause approximately 95% of all cervical cancers and boron interferes in the life cycle of HPV. Serine protease inhibitors reduce the immortalizing and transforming capacity of the HPV E7 oncogene [27]. Boron exists in the human body mostly in the form of boric acid, a serine protease inhibitor [28]. Toxic effects: Micronutrient elements may be toxic at some dose, duration of exposure time and application method. Anubha Chandla August 2017 Vol.2 Issue

4 Laboratory and animal studies have been extensively conducted to determine the toxicity of borate compounds. It was reported that 17.5 mg boron/kg per day affected fertility in rats. In humans acute toxicity symptoms of excessive boron exposure are nausea, vomiting diarrhea and lethargy [29]. Discussion Tankana is a kshara. Kshara has the property of ksharan (cutting). It is Katu in rasa and katu rasa is kleda naashaka, kandu naashaka (pacifies pruritis), vrana avsaadaka (depresses wound), krimi naashaka (kills microorganism), maansa vilekhana (scrapes muscle tissue), shonita sanghata bhedaka (brings lysis of clotted blood)[30]. Because of these properties and actions it is used in yonigata vrana chikitsa (wound management) either for vrana prakshalana or applied as malahara.it is ushna in veerya and vipaka, pitta krita(increases pitta dosha). Because of these properties it is stri pushpajanana as aartava is aagnya [31]. It is kaphaghna vata shamaka, teekshna and thus cures anaartava (amenorrhoea) as aggravated kapha and vata obstruct the aartava vaha srotas and destroy aartava[32]. It is ushna and thus relieves pain in kashtaartava. It also has balya property thus strengthens body. In higher doses it stimulates uterine contractions and thus is used in prolonged labour to increase uterine contractions. Boric acid is a weak acidic hydrate of boric oxide with antiseptic, antifungal properties. This property makes it a good agent for vaginal douche in chronic leucorrhoea, cervical erosion and for wound wash. Almost all the properties and actions described in ayurveda; prove very well when tested through different research studies and through the parameters of modern science. Role of boron and its compounds (borax, boric acid) for humans is well established. Conclusion Going through the ayurvedic literature of tankana and various research studies conducted in ayurveda as well as modern science we can easily conclude that tankana (boron and its compounds) has great medicinal value (internal and external use) for humans specially in stree roga (gynecology) when used judiciously in appropriate doses and in combination with other herb mineral drugs. It conducts various biological actions smoothly in body. It is a potent antimicrobial agent and has vital role in vrana (wound) healing. It acts as a hormone regulator in females. But one should always keep in mind its contraindications and long term use side effects. References 1. Sharma Sadanand, Ras Tarangini, prasadani vigyaneeyya tryodash tarang 13/ p.318, 2. Sharma Sadanand, Ras Tarangini prasadani vigyaneeyya tryodash tarang 13/75-76 p. 318, 3. Sharma Sadanand, Ras Tarangini prasadani vigyaneeyya tryodash tarang 13/77-78 p Sharma Sadanand, Ras Tarangini, Kshartrik vigyaneeyya tryodash tarang 13/ p.319, 5. Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India Volume VII, p.44, 1 st edition 2008, Department of AYUSH Government of India 6. Shastri Ambika Dutta, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Vidyotini teeka, Strirogadhikar 67/58-60, Chaukhamba Sanskrita Sansthana Varanasi 13 th edition 1999, p Shastri Ambika Dutta, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Vidyotini teeka, Strirogadhikar 67/51-57, Chaukhamba Sanskrita Sansthana Varanasi 13 th edition 1999, p Shastra Laxmipati, Yog Ratnakar with Vidyotini hindi commentary, Yoni Vyapad Chikitsa, Chaukhamba sanskrita sansthana 7 th edition 1999, p Nadkarni KM, Indian Materia Medica, Bombay Popular Prakashan, volume 2 p.104,third edition reprint 2002 Anubha Chandla August 2017 Vol.2 Issue

5 10. Sharma Sadanand, Ras Tarangini, Kshartrik vigyaneeyya tryodash tarang 13/81, p Sharma Sadanand, Ras Tarangini, Kshartrik vigyaneeyya tryodash tarang 13/92 p Nadkarni KM, Indian Materia Medica, Bombay Popular Prakashan, volume 2 p.104,third edition reprint Sharma Sadanand, Ras Tarangini, Kshartrik vigyaneeyya tryodash tarang 13/107 p.323, 14. Sharma Sadanand, Ras Tarangini, Kshartrikvigyaneeyya tryodash tarang 13/96 p.321, Motilal Banarasidas Publishers, 11 th edition 15. Sharma Sadanand, Ras Tarangini, Kshartrikvigyaneeyya tryodash tarang 13/115 p.324, Motilal Banarasidas Publishers, 11 th edition 16. Nadkarni KM, Indian Materia Medica, Bombay Popular Prakashan, volume 2 p. 107 third edition reprint Sadanand Sharma Ras Tarangini, Kshartrikvigyaneeyya tryodash tarang 13/119 p. 325, Motilal Banarasidas Publishers, 11 th edition 18. Nadkarni KM, Indian Materia Medica, Bombay Popular Prakashan, volume 2 p.106, Bombay Popular Prakashan, third edition reprint Nadkarni KM, Indian Materia Medica, Bombay Popular Prakashan, volume 2 p.106, Bombay Popular Prakashan, third edition reprint WHO (1998) environmental health criteria204: boron. International programme on chemical safety, Geneva, Switzerland. ISBN , p Nielsen FH (1997) Boron in human and animal nutrition, Plant soil 193: Nielsen FH, Is boron nutritionally relevant? Nutr rev. 2008; 66(4): [pub med] 23. Benderdour M, Dousset: Effects of boron derivatives on extracellular matrix formation. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2000; 14 (3): [pub med] 24. Naghii et al. the effect of boron on plasma testosterone and plasma lipids in rat, nutr research17: Naghii MR, Mofid M, Asgari AR, Hedayati M, Daneshpour MS. Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines. J Trace Elem Med Biol.2011; 25(1):54-58 [pub med] 26. Tarak R. Adhvaryu et al In vitro antimicrobial activity of Tankana European journal of Biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences vol: 2 issue: 7; , year: Stoppler H Koval D, Schlegel R. The serine protease inhibitors TLCK and TPCK inhibit the in vitro immortalization of primary human keratinocytes by HPV-18 DNA oncogene.1996; 13(7): [Pub Med] 28. Stoppler H Koval D, Schlegel R. The serine protease inhibitors TLCK and TPCK inhibit the in vitro immortalization of primary human keratinocytes by HPV-18 DNA oncogene.1996; 13(7): Nielsen FH (1997): Boron in human and animal nutrition. Plant soil 193: Pandey Kashinath, Gorakhnath Chaturvedi, Charak Samhita Sutrasthana Atreyabhadrakaapeeya adhyay 26/42(4), Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan Reprint edition Shastri Ambika Dutt, Sushruta Samhita of Maharshi Sushruta edited with Ayurved Tattva Sandipika Sutrasthan 14/7, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan Varanasi 14 th edition Tripathi, Dutt Ravi, Astanga Samgraha of Srimad Vriddha Vagbhata, Sharir Sthana, 1/13, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan Delhi, 2006 Anubha Chandla August 2017 Vol.2 Issue