Physical, Physicochemical, and Structural Characteristics of Three, Four, and Five Mukhi Rudraksha

Elaeocarpus ganitrus (Roxb.), popularly known as Rudraksha, is known for its numerous medicinal and spiritual benefits. In our previous studies we have reported the differences in the electromagnetic and compositional characteristic of three types of Rudraksha namely 3 Mukhi (3MR), 4 Mukhi (4MR), and 5 Mukhi (5MR). Aim of the present study is to extend the knowledge about the differences in the structural, physical, and physiochemical characteristic of 3MR, 4MR, and 5MR. Basic physical analysis includes estimation of weight (gm), moisture, ash content, volatile matter content, bulk density, specific gravity, and crude fiber content of selected Rudraksha. Physicochemical characteristics involve evaluation of pH, TDS, conductivity, resistivity, and salinity of water mixed with Rudraksha powder. Structural analysis of whole beads carried out using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) techniques. The outcomes were statistically compared through One-way ANOVA followed by Posthoc Tukey test by using Graph Prism Pad Software version 8.0. All the three types of Rudraksha showed significant variations in their physical and physicochemical properties. The surface characteristics of different Mukhi Rudraksha demonstrated the rough nature of 5MR, while the surface of 4MR and 3MR was relatively smooth. Future research is warranted to decipher the association between the differences in physical, physicochemical, and morphological charactericts with its electromagnteic behaviour.