Comparative physicochemical evaluation of a marketed herbomineral formulation: Naga bhasma

Abstract

In the practice of Ayurveda, where herbomineral formulations are said to be made biocompatible through specific processes like Shodhana and Marana, the western medical science on the contrary has raised the safety concerns of these formulations in the recent past. In the present study, comparative physico-chemical analysis of Naga bhasma, a herbo-mineral preparation having a reputation of miraculous drug commonly used to treat several health disorders, was carried out using five marketed formulations through analytical methods like differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray difraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy and also subjected for particle size analysis and estimation of trace and heavy metals to access the safety of these formulation. The results revealed variable observations regarding particle size, metal form and content of lead. The presence of free lead in five different formulations indicated towards the possible risk of severe side effects to the consumer. Present findings certainly put doubt over the safety of this formulation but at the same time, variation in the results with all five formulations also indicated that these formulations were not prepared as per the mentioned Ayurvedic text. Hence, enforcement of strict regulatory guidelines is strongly warranted before launching into the market. Further, a series of biological studies need to be conducted before taking any final verdict on the safety of this formulation.

Process and Pharmacological Potentials of Kasisa Bhasma , a Herbo-Mineral Formulation with Calcinated Ferrous Sulphate = وضع الطريقة المعيارية و فحص الإمكانيات الدوائية لنبتة كاسيسا فاسما مصوغ ، نباتي - معدني مع كلسات كبريتات الحديدوز

“…In group III to V animals, reduction of the levels of hepatic enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP) and total bilirubin to the base levels indicates the re-generation process. This could be due to stability of biliary function and also due to the stabilization of endoplasmic reticulum that could stimulate protein synthesis 19,20 . Histopathological study showed that AK1 and AK2 have good potentials against hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats and the hepatoprotective activity of bhasma is on par with standard drug candidate sylimarin.…”

In-process Profiling of Herbomineral Formulation from Marine Origin

“…All these exposure and methodologies may alter the toxic metal characteristics. Thus therapeutical effectiveness with high-grade safety is made possible 2 . As per the traditional physicians, the ashing process (Calcination) incorporates the depth and personality of the herbal juices in the metal 2 .…”

“…Thus therapeutical effectiveness with high-grade safety is made possible 2 . As per the traditional physicians, the ashing process (Calcination) incorporates the depth and personality of the herbal juices in the metal 2 . The distinctive abilities of Rasausadhies like rapid action, smaller dosage, flavorlessness, lengthy shelf-life, and improved delectableness have facilitated to surmount the demands of these drugs…”

Manikya Bhasma is a nanomedicine to affect cancer cell viability through induction of apoptosis

“…Also, it homogenizes the mixture and removes any form of adulteration present. Further, it is exposed to repeated cycles of incineration or calcination, that converts it into ashes [ 25 , 26 ]. This process transforms, the heavy, rough, and hard minerals into soft and smooth powder, also it converts the macro-sized particles into micro/nano-sized as confirmed by several spectroscopic and microscopic studies [ 27 ].…”