Chemical and pharmacological evaluation of Karpura shilajit bhasma, an ayurvedic diuretic formulation

Abstract

In this present study, Karpura shilajit bhasma, an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation, currently used in the Ayurvedic clinical practice as a diuretic drug, was investigated chemically and pharmacologically. Content of iron and nitrogen were determined by volumetric analysis and content of calcium, magnesium and aluminium by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). LD 50 , gross behavioral studies and diuretic activity were evaluated in experimental animals.Calcium was found to be the major element (24.6044% w/w). The LD 50 was found to be 4.625 g/kg p.o. body weight in mice. Karpura shilajit bhasma produced mild reduction in motor coordination and mild sedation during the first 2 h after administration at the doses of 500-5000 mg/kg p.o. in mice. The diuretic activity was found to be significant (P < 0.01) at minimum dose of 200 mg/kg p.o. in rats and dose dependant up to 1000 mg/kg p.o. Furthermore, natriuretic effect was found to be significant (P < 0.01), while no significant change was observed on urinary potassium excretion. The present study justified the use of Karpura shilajit bhasma as a diuretic drug. The results of this study could be used as a model data in the standardization of Karpura shilajit bhasma.

Review on shilajit used in traditional Indian medicine

“…Amongst the four types of gomuthira shilajit, iron ore variety is commonly found and is widely used (Thiyagarajan and Sunderrajan, 1992). Saleem et al (2006) studied the chemistry and pharmacology of karpura shilajit bhasma (calcined oxide) but have conversely discussed the pharmacological studies pertaining to gomuthira shilajit. In this regard, it is pertinent to have a clear-cut understanding about the different varieties of shilajit and its characteristic identification features which is the first step in assuring the quality, safety and efficacy of traditional medicines as per WHO guidelines (World Health Organization, 2000).…”

“…There are two distinct types of shilajit, one as a semi-hard, brownish black to dark, greasy resin with a distinct coniferous smell and bitter taste (gomuthira shilajit) and a white variety with camphor odour called karpura shilajit (Thiyagarajan and Sunderrajan, 1992;Saleem et al, 2006;Agarwal et al, 2007). Gomuthira shilajit is again classified into four types according to the predominance of the metal ore found in the mountains from where shilajit exudates.…”

Shilajit

“…Two distinct types of shilajit exist: one as a semihard, brownish black, dark, greasy resin with a distinct coniferous smell and bitter taste (gomuthira shilajit) and another is a white variety with a camphor odor called karpura shilajit (Thiyagarajan and Sunderrajan, 1992;Saleem et al, 2006;Agarwal et al, 2007). Gomuthira shilajit is again classified into four types according to the predominance of the metal ore found in the mountains that it comes from: gold ore shilajit, silver ore shilajit, copper ore shilajit, and iron ore shilajit.…”

Potency of Kara Sooda Sathu Parpam, a Herbo Mineral Siddha Drug in the Management of Kalladaippu Noi (Urolithiasis): A Drug Review

“…in rats and dose dependant up to 1000 mg/kg p.o. Furthermore, natriuretic effect was found to be significant (P < 0.01), while no significant change was observed on urinary potassium excretion 32 .…”