Quality control parameters for Tamra (copper) Bhasma

Abstract

Background:Metallic Bhasmas are highly valued and have their own importance in Ayurvedic formulations. To testify the Bhasmas various parameters have been told in Rasashastra classics. Tamra Bhasma (TB) with its different properties is used in the treatment of various diseases is quiet famous among the Ayurvedic physicians (Vaidyas).Objectives:The present study was carried out to set up the quality control parameters for the TB by making the use of classical tests along with advanced analytical tools.Settings and Design:Copper wire taken for the preparation of Bhasma was first analyzed for its copper content and then subjected to Shodhana, Marana and Amrutikarana procedures as per the classical references. Final product complied with all the classical parameters like Rekhapurnatwa, Varitaratwa etc.Materials and Methods:After complying with these tests TB was analyzed by advanced analytical techniques like particle size distribution (PSD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and inductive coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP).Results:PSD analysis of TB showed volumetric mean diameter of 28.70 μm, 50% of the material was below 18.40 μm size. Particle size less than 2μm were seen in SEM. 56.24 wt % of copper and 23.06 wt % of sulphur was found in ICP-AES. Heavy metals like cadmium, selenium were not detected while others like arsenic, lead and mercury were present in traces.Conclusions:These observations could be specified as the quality control parameters conforming to all the classical tests under the Bhasma Pariksha.

Preliminary physicochemical evaluation of Kushta tutia: A Unani Formulation

“…Lower value of the acid insoluble ash suggests the greater physiological availability of the drug. [ 25 ] The mean percentage of the water soluble extractive value was 0.85 ± 0.02% [ Table 5 ] Extractive values help in the determination of the adulteration and is an index of the purity of the drug. In case of kushta extractive value is performed to extract out organic matter if present.…”

“…The prepared KT was evaluated for classical parameters of kamil kushta (ideal kushta ) like floating test ( varitaratavam ),[ 22 ] grain floating test ( unama ),[ 23 ] finger test ( rekhapurnatvam ),[ 22 ] loss of metallic lustre ( nischandratva ),[ 23 24 ] wall stick test,[ 8 ] curd test ( dadhi pariksha ),[ 25 26 ] as well as modern scientific parameters like bulk density,[ 26 ] tapped density,[ 26 ] Hausner's ratio,[ 27 ] and Carr's compressibility index,[ 28 ] were evaluated in density tester (LABINDIA model no. 1025).…”

“…Fifty gram of curd (pH - 3.5) was taken in Petri dish and 500 mg of KT sample was kept in it and observed for 48 h. No discoloration in the surrounding area was considered as proper kushta and greenish bluish discoloration if observed was considered as improper kushta or kushta kham . [ 25 33 ]…”

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“…Less is the acid-insoluble ash more is the physiologically availability in human body. [12] The alcohol-soluble extractive value of Mugdha Rasa was 3.57% which indicates the presence of polar constituents such as phenols, alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, and secondary metabolites present in the plant. Water-soluble extractive value of Mugdha Rasa was found to be 11%.…”

“…Less or more extractive value indicates the addition of exhausted material, adulteration, or incorrect processing during drying or storage. [12] pH of Mugdha Rasa was 8.88; it was slightly basic in nature it is due to the presence of Shankha Bhasma which has incorporated some alkalinity in the formulation [ Table 4]. …”