Physico-chemical characterization of traditionally prepared Yashada bhasma

Abstract

Background Yashada bhasma has been found to be very useful for the treatment of ailments like diabetes, eye disorder, urinary disorder etc. Since bhasma is a metallic preparation, so to prove its non-toxicity; modern standardization of the prepared samples is a must apart from other organoleptic tests as mentioned in the ancient text. Objectives The present study is aimed to synthesize bio-compatible Yashada bhasma from bio-incompatible zinc metal. Further, comparative study of their chemical and physical properties through some quality control tests, physico-chemical tests and modern tests like XRD, DLS, Zeta potential, SEM and EDAX are carried out. Materials and methods Yashada bhasma is prepared by a three step process i.e. Shodhan, Jarana and Marana . The inclusion of plant extracts and herbs during calcination process enhances its medicinal qualities, and reduces it to a nano size. Results The XRD analysis of Yashada bhasma shows hexagonal ZnO crystalline phase whereas the raw metal confirms the presence of crystallite Zinc metal. DLS shows reduction in particle size of Yashada Bhasma (339.8 nm) as compared to raw metal (2063 nm) and this reduction is further supported by SEM which shows the particle size of Yashada bhasma (324 nm) and raw metal (1-2μ). The zeta potential value confirms the stability of Yashada bhasma . EDAX revealed difference in concentration of Zinc and Oxygen in both the samples. Conclusion An effort has been made to characterize the preparation of Yashada bhasma using sophisticated analytical tools as a step towards standardization of the bhasma. The results help in scientifically establishing the findings in line with the principle of Ayurveda.

Prospective Application of Nanoparticles Green Synthesized Using Medicinal Plant Extracts as Novel Nanomedicines

“…20 It is believed that the above process of purification, levigation and combustion in the presence of plant and animal products removes impurities and detoxifies the metallic preparations, reduces the size to nano level and increases their effectiveness. 25 , 41 , 42 The particle size of Bhasma was probably stabilized by the calcium present in the plants used, despite repeated burning at high temperatures. 43 According to the traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine, these Bhasma impart biocompatibility and increased bioavailability to organic molecules from plant extracts.…”

“… Tamra Bhasma [ 49 ] Ficus benghalensis L. Ras-Sindoor [ 53 ] Plectranthus coesta Buch-Ham Naga Bhasma [ 23 ] Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Citrus medica L. Marana Vaikrānta Bhasma [ 52 ] A. Vera Yashada Bhasma, Rajata Bhasma [ 25 , 54 ] Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br.…”

“…Yashada (Zn) Bhasma is commonly used in the treatment of diabetes, urinary disorder, eye diseases, etc. 25 A. vera is used in the marana process of Yashada Bhasma and both A. vera and Zn have the potential to lower blood sugar level. The authors suggest that both metallic Zn and organic compounds present in A. vera may form a coordination bond between them to enhance the medicinal property.…”

“… 22 , 23 The biocompatibility of Bhasma has been demonstrated in recent studies. 24 , 25 The metals showed toxic effects when present in macro size and showed medicinally beneficial effects when present in micro or nano size. 26 The need for repeated washing, drying and puta steps makes the process of Bhasma preparation time consuming.…”

“… 26 The need for repeated washing, drying and puta steps makes the process of Bhasma preparation time consuming. 19 , 22 , 25 …”