Physico-chemical characterization and in-vivo evaluation of Jasad Bhasma: An Indian traditional biomedicine

Abstract

Indian traditional system of medicine Ayurveda makes use of herb and metal based preparations called Bhasma (literal meaning ash) which are prepared by several processing steps including repeated calcinations of the metal in the presence of herbal constituents (juices, decoctions, powders, etc). These medicines are very effective; however, standardization of such medicines as to their preparation, composition, structure, toxicity, and mechanism of action, etc is a challenging but necessary task. Present work on Zinc based Jasad Bhasma is an attempt to unravel the science behind such preparations and also to establish a general parameter to standardize them. Jasad Bhasma has been prepared using strict protocol listed in Ayurveda texts. Further, the final prepared medicine and the material in intermediate steps of the processing of the medicine both have been characterized. In-vivo evaluation of the drug has also been carried out. Our analysis suggests that different stages of the processing of the medicine convert the metallic Zn into ZnO with reduction in particle size in sub-micrometer range. A small fraction of the particles also lies in nano regime (<100 nm). In addition, presence of biocompatible material (like silica and carbon compound) and nutrient elements is also observed in the medicine due to natural precursors used during the preparation of the medicine. The medicine has been found safe under the recommended dosages.