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Bhasmas: unique ayurvedic metallic-herbal preparations, chemical characterization.

A Kumar1, A G C Nair, A V R Reddy

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee 247667, India.

Biological Trace Element Research
|April 25, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Ayurvedic bhasmas, unique metallic-herbal preparations, contain essential trace elements chelated with organic compounds. These biologically produced nanoparticles are easily assimilated, enhancing biocompatibility for treating chronic ailments.

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Area of Science:

  • Ayurvedic Medicine
  • Materials Science
  • Analytical Chemistry

Background:

  • Bhasmas are traditional Ayurvedic metallic-herbal preparations used for chronic ailments.
  • Their composition and elemental profile are crucial for therapeutic efficacy and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the elemental composition of various bhasmas.
  • To investigate the presence of essential and trace elements.
  • To correlate elemental content with medicinal properties.

Main Methods:

  • Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was used to determine elemental composition.
  • Analysis included major, essential, and ultratrace elements, as well as C, H, N, and S.
  • Specific bhasmas like Siddha Makaradhwaja and Swet Parpati were analyzed for stoichiometric accuracy.

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Main Results:

  • Twenty bhasmas revealed major constituents and essential elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, V, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn) in microgram/gram and ultratrace amounts (Au, Co).
  • Elements appear chelated with organic ligands from medicinal herbs, suggesting nanoparticle formation.
  • Siddha Makaradhwaja was HgS; Swet Parpati was KNO3 with additional elements.

Conclusions:

  • Bhasmas are biologically produced nanoparticles with diverse elemental profiles.
  • Chelation with organic matter likely enhances bioavailability and reduces toxicity.
  • Elemental analysis provides insights into the medicinal importance and potential therapeutic mechanisms of bhasmas.