Abstract

BHASMA: A HERBAL AYURVEDIC NANOFORMULATION

Gulkari V. D.* and Naghoshe D. R.

Abstract

Ayurveda and other Indian system of medicine use metals, but their use is also amply described in Chinese and Egyptian civilization in 2500 B.C. Bhasma are unique ayurvedic metallic/minerals preparation, treated with herbal juice or decoction and exposed for Ayurveda, which are known in Indian subcontinent since 7th century A.D. and widely recommended for treatment of a variety of chronic ailments. Animal’s derivative such as horns, shells, feathers, metallic, nonmetallic and herbals are normally administered as Bhasma. A Bhasma means an ash obtained through incineration; the starter material undergoes an elaborate process of purification and this process is followed by the reaction phase, which involves incorporation of some other minerals and/or herbal extract. The holistic eternal healing science has achieved worldwide recognition because of remarkable efficiency in curing chronic and degenerative diseases with a few side effects. Bhasmas are Ayurvedic herbomineral formulation prepared from herbs, minerals and metals by calcinations process. Nano particles natures of bhasma make them unique and are wildly recommended to treat chronic diseases in most efficient ways. Nano particulate nature and chemical characterization of bhasma can be estimated by using analytical instruments like X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Atomic force microscope (AFM). In this review an attempt is made to gather the physical chemical and biological evaluation methods for bhasma and to develop a systematic approach for the quality control parameters of bhasma and thus make them more appreciable by the world.

Keywords: Ayurveda, bhasma, marna, Nano-particle, shodhna, standardization.