Abstract

CONCEPT OF BHASMA: FROM SHODHANA AND MARANA TO MODERN PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION

*Dr. Pushpalata Yogesh Shete

Abstract

Background: Bhasma represents a distinctive category of Ayurvedic medicinal preparations produced through a series of pharmaceutical procedures designed to transform metals and minerals into therapeutically suitable forms. The classical processes of Shodhana, Bhavana, Marana and subsequent processing are traditionally considered essential for reducing unwanted properties and achieving the desired therapeutic characteristics. With the advancement of analytical sciences, these preparations are increasingly being investigated using modern physicochemical techniques. Objective: To review the classical concept of Bhasma with particular emphasis on the pharmaceutical principles of Shodhana and Marana and to correlate these processes with modern physicochemical characterization. Methods: Classical Ayurvedic literature describing Bhasma preparation was reviewed along with contemporary scientific literature concerning physicochemical evaluation of Bhasma. The review considered changes produced during purification and incineration processes and examined their characterization through modern analytical techniques. Results: Shodhana involves systematic processing intended to modify the physical and chemical properties of the raw material and remove or reduce undesirable components. Subsequent Bhavana and Marana involve repeated trituration, levigation and controlled heating, resulting in substantial changes in particle size, morphology, crystallinity and chemical composition. Modern analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX/EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and related methods can provide information regarding elemental composition, crystalline phases, morphology, particle characteristics and thermal behavior. Such characterization provides a scientific framework for understanding the transformations occurring during Bhasma preparation while complementing classical pharmaceutical concepts. Conclusion: Bhasma preparation represents a complex pharmaceutical transformation in which traditional procedures such as Shodhana and Marana may produce measurable changes in physicochemical characteristics. Integration of classical Ayurvedic principles with validated modern analytical techniques can enhance understanding, quality assessment, standardization and reproducibility of Bhasma preparations. However, physicochemical characterization should be interpreted alongside classical quality parameters and appropriate safety and pharmacological evaluation.

Keywords: Bhasma; Shodhana; Marana; Bhavana; Rasashastra; Physicochemical Characterization; X-ray Diffraction; SEM; FTIR; Elemental Analysis; Standardization.