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Jagtap CY, Mishra AK, Nariya M, Shukla VJ, Prajapati PK. Product development and characterization of the Ayurvedic herbo-mineral-metallic compound- Hridayarnava Rasa. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2024; 15:100886. [PMID: 38759538 PMCID: PMC11127204 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Herbo-mineral-metallic formulations are an inseparable part of the Ayurveda system of traditional medicine. Hridayarnava Rasa (HR) is a preparation containing metals like copper, sulphur, and mercury in processed forms and other herbs that do not produce toxic effects and adverse drug reactions when taken in appropriate dosage. Ayurveda practitioners use it in treating cardiac diseases like hypertension, cardiotoxicity and many more. The rasa-aushadhis possess characteristics such as rapid efficacy, little dosage required, and extensive therapeutic applicability. Hridayarnava Rasa [AFI Part-1, 20:55] has been employed for the treatment of various diseases from ancient times. A systematic study of these formulations manufacturing is required to maintain their quality, safety, and efficacy is a need of time to protect the immense faith of patients in Ayurveda. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to prepare HR as per standard operating procedures mentioned in the classical text and to characterize it physio-chemically using advanced analytical techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS HR was prepared and physicochemical analyses and assay of elements by ICP-AES were carried out as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission gun scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (FEG SEM, EDAX), CHNS-O analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), Particle size distribution analysis (PSD) was carried out. RESULTS The XRD analysis of HR showed the presence of unreacted sulphur and sulfides of copper and mercury. FEG SEM revealed the particles in the form of aggregates as nanocrystallites in the range of 100-1000 nm. Elemental analysis showed the presence of copper, sulphur, and mercury in major, along with traces of iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. In FTIR analysis, 18 peaks were observed, which strongly suggests the presence of various organic groups. In the TGA, four peaks were seen, which can be attributed to sulphur volatilization and oxidative changes in mercury. In PSD analysis, 50% of the material was found below 16.40 μm. CONCLUSION To establish a piece of fundamental knowledge and ensure uniformity of these rasa-aushadhis, it is imperative to conduct an analysis of their characteristics as per classical texts and modern analytical techniques. Additionally, it is crucial to investigate the significance of each procedural step included in the preparation process. The inferences drawn are helpful as an essential aid for quality assurance and standardization of this herbo-mineral-metallic formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mukesh Nariya
- Pharmacology Lab, ITRA, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat - 361008, India
| | - Vinay J Shukla
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Lab, ITRA, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat - 361008, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar Prajapati
- Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan - 342037, India
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Sarkar PK, Wele A. Presence and activities of carbonaceous nano-materials in Ayurvedic nano-medicine preparations. INTERNATIONAL NANO LETTERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40089-022-00383-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Varghese T, Vijayakumar S, Boban N, R SS, L V, Robin DT, M VR. Severe Lead Toxicity Due to Ayurvedic Medicine in a Child with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Correspondence. Indian J Pediatr 2022; 89:633. [PMID: 35171435 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-022-04088-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Teena Varghese
- Department of Swasthavritta (Social and Preventive Medicine), Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amritapuri, Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham, Kollam, Kerala, 690525, India
| | - Swathy Vijayakumar
- Department of Swasthavritta (Social and Preventive Medicine), Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amritapuri, Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham, Kollam, Kerala, 690525, India
| | - Nidhin Boban
- Department of Swasthavritta (Social and Preventive Medicine), Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amritapuri, Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham, Kollam, Kerala, 690525, India
| | - Suraj S R
- Department of Swasthavritta (Social and Preventive Medicine), Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amritapuri, Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham, Kollam, Kerala, 690525, India
| | - Veena L
- Department of Swasthavritta (Social and Preventive Medicine), Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amritapuri, Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham, Kollam, Kerala, 690525, India
| | - Delvin T Robin
- Department of Swasthavritta (Social and Preventive Medicine), Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amritapuri, Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham, Kollam, Kerala, 690525, India.
| | - Vandana Rani M
- Department of Swasthavritta (Social and Preventive Medicine), Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amritapuri, Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham, Kollam, Kerala, 690525, India
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Severe Lead Toxicity Due to Ayurvedic Medicine in a Child with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Authors' Reply. Indian J Pediatr 2022; 89:634. [PMID: 35298771 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-022-04106-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Paladhi A, Rej A, Sarkar D, Singh R, Bhattacharyya S, Sarkar PK, Kar PK, Manna PP, Hira SK. Nanoscale Diamond-Based Formulation as an Immunomodulator and Potential Therapeutic for Lymphoma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:852065. [PMID: 35444547 PMCID: PMC9014173 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.852065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrative medicine practices, such as Ayurveda, are popular in India and many South Asian countries, yet basic research to investigate the concepts, procedures, and medical benefits of ayurvedic products has received little attention and is not fully understood. Here, we report a functional nanodiamond-based traditional Ayurvedic herbomineral formulation, Heerak Bhasma (Ayu_ND), for the treatment of solid tumors called Dalton’s lymphoma generated in CD1 mice. Ayu_ND-mediated immunostimulation significantly reduces tumor cell proliferation and induces apoptosis aided by the active participation of dendritic cells. Immunomodulatory Ayu_ND treatment is highly immunostimulatory and drives dendritic cells to produce TNF-α. Treatment with Ayu_ND significantly reduces the tumor volume, inhibits metastasis in distant vascularized organs, and increases the life span of tumor-bearing animals compared with untreated littermates. These events were associated with elevated serum levels of the protective cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α and downregulated the disease, exacerbating TGF-β. Ayu_ND-mediated therapeutic success was also accompanied by the depletion of regulatory T cells and enhanced vaccine-induced T-cell immunity, guided by the restoration of the memory CD8+ T-cell pool and prevention of PD-1-mediated T cell exhaustion. The results provide a basis for further evaluation of ayurvedic formulations and drug efficacy in treating cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankush Paladhi
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, India
| | - Abhinandan Rej
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, India
| | - Debanjan Sarkar
- Immunobiology Lab, Department of Zoology, Sidho Kanho Birsha University, Purulia, India
| | - Ranjeet Singh
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Sankar Bhattacharyya
- Immunobiology Lab, Department of Zoology, Sidho Kanho Birsha University, Purulia, India
| | - Prasanta Kumar Sarkar
- Department of Rasashastra, J. B. Roy State Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Pulak Kanti Kar
- Department of Panchakarma, J. B. Roy State Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Partha Pratim Manna
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Sumit Kumar Hira
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, India
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Royapuram Parthasarathy P, Manikandamathavan VM, Chandronitha C, Vasanthi HR, Mohan VK, Vijayakumar V, Shanmugam R, Sekaran S, Unni Nair B, Chamundeeswari D, Thyagarajan SP. Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vivo Toxicological Evaluation of Copper (II) Oxide Containing Herbometallic Siddha Nanocomplex “Thamira Parpam”. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:849441. [PMID: 35480968 PMCID: PMC9037038 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.849441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
“Thamira parpam” (TP), a copper-based herbometallic oxide (copper (II) oxide) nanodrug has been used in Siddha medicine for centuries because of its anti-ulcerogenic property. However, the physicochemical properties and in vivo toxicity of TP still remain elusive. Rigorous clinical translation requires deciphering these vital properties. We have synthesized TP following a gold standard protocol in the traditional Siddha methodology. We assessed the size, phase, elemental constituents, and thermal stability of TP by SEM and TEM, XRD, EPR, and EDAX analyses, respectively. The results depicted the conversion of metallic copper into copper (II) oxide in the final stages of TP preparation and exhibited nanodimensions ranging between 10 and 50 nm. The XPS spectra revealed the presence of oxygen-deficient state and a carbonaceous coating was found on the surface of TP using TEM analysis. In vivo safety was studied in rat toxicity models by adopting OECD guidelines. Body weight changes, feed, and water intake were unaltered upon TP administration. Hematological, biochemical profiling, and histopathological findings also suggested its nontoxic nature with no abnormalities in major organs and its functions. Interestingly, we found that the metal toxicity could have been subdued because of the carbonaceous coating around the nanoparticle copper (II) oxide, confirming that the drug is safe at a low dose. Overall, our study has enlightened the safety of TP supporting the use of Siddha formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parameswari Royapuram Parthasarathy
- Centre for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Chennai, India
- Herbal and Indian Medicine Research Laboratory, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, India
| | - Verasundaram M. Manikandamathavan
- Chemical Laboratory, Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai, India
- Department of Chemistry, Thiruvalluvar College, Tamilnadu, India
| | | | - Hannah R. Vasanthi
- Herbal and Indian Medicine Research Laboratory, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Lifesciences, Pondicherry University, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vasanth Kumar Mohan
- Herbal and Indian Medicine Research Laboratory, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, India
| | | | - Rajeshkumar Shanmugam
- Centre for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - Saravanan Sekaran
- Centre for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | | | | | - Sadras Panchatcharam Thyagarajan
- Herbal and Indian Medicine Research Laboratory, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, India
- Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
- *Correspondence: Sadras Panchatcharam Thyagarajan,
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Roy K, Sharma R, Gupta P, Jain V. Severe Lead Toxicity Due to Ayurvedic Medicine in a Child with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Indian J Pediatr 2022; 89:89-90. [PMID: 34611786 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-021-03951-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kakali Roy
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajni Sharma
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Priyanka Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vandana Jain
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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Selvakesavan RK, Franklin G. Prospective Application of Nanoparticles Green Synthesized Using Medicinal Plant Extracts as Novel Nanomedicines. Nanotechnol Sci Appl 2021; 14:179-195. [PMID: 34588770 PMCID: PMC8476107 DOI: 10.2147/nsa.s333467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of medicinal plants in green synthesis of metal nanoparticles is increasing day by day. A simple search for the keywords "green synthesis" and "nanoparticles" yields more than 33,000 articles in Scopus. As of August 10, 2021, more than 4000 articles have been published in 2021 alone. Besides demonstrating the ease and environmental-friendly route of synthesizing nanomaterials, many studies report the superior pharmacological properties of green synthesized nanoparticles compared to those synthesized by other methods. This is probably due to the fact that bioactive molecules are entrapped on the surface of these nanoparticles. On the other hand, recent studies have confirmed the nano-dimension and biocompatibility of metal ash (Bhasma) preparations, which are commonly macerated with biological products and administered for the treatment of various diseases in Indian medicine since ancient times. This perspective article argues for the prospective medical application of green nanoparticles in the light of Bhasma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory Franklin
- Institute of Plant Genetics of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Manikya Bhasma is a nanomedicine to affect cancer cell viability through induction of apoptosis. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2020; 12:302-311. [PMID: 33358658 PMCID: PMC8187110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ayurveda is an ancient medicine system practiced in the Indian sub-continent. Ayurvedic Bhasma is incinerated herbo-metallic/mineral preparations that consist of the particles in the range of nano/micrometers with therapeutic effects against different diseases. Manikya Bhasma (MB) is composed of purified ruby, orpiment, and purified arsenic sulfide. Objective This study was conducted to identify the potential of MB as a nanomedicine that can be used for the treatment of cancer. Materials and methods Biophysical characterization to determine the morphology and composition of bhasma particles was done using several techniques such as DLS, FTIR, FETEM, FESEM, EDX, and XRD. Cell viability assays were conducted to identify the cytotoxic effect of MB against different cancer cell lines and also to determine the mode of death caused by MB. Results The biophysical characterization of MB indicates that it is crystalline with a particle size of 70 nm. MB exhibits anticancer activity against MDAMB-231, HeLa, HCT-116, DLD-1, MG-63 cancer cells with an IC50 in the range of 105–155 μg/mL. MB induces oxidative stress in cancer cells, which in turn affects their cell-cycle with an accumulation of cells in the G1-phase. Also, apoptosis induced by MB involves loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, the release of Cyt c, activation of caspases, and DNA degradation. Conclusion Our study highlights the dual potential of MB as a nano-carrier to deliver the drugs and exerting cytotoxic effects against cancer cells.
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Kale B, Rajurkar N. Synthesis and characterization of Vanga bhasma. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2018; 10:111-118. [PMID: 29310904 PMCID: PMC6598822 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bhasmas are unique Ayurvedic organometallic preparations used for medicinal purpose. Quality of bhasma depends upon quality of starting materials, processing ingredients, meticulous trituration and heating cycle. In Ayurveda, Vanga bhasma is traditional Indian medicine which is an organometallic preparation treated with plant extract. It is especially used in the treatments of diseases related to gastrointestinal tract and genitor urinary system. However detailed characterization studies after synthesis are important which shows authenticity of product. Objective The present study deals with the preparation of Vanga bhasma according to the procedure mentioned in the Ayurvedic literature. Synthesized bhasma was characterized by various analytical techniques and also compared with commercial sample. Material and method Different steps involved in synthesis of Vanga bhasma include shodhan (purification/detoxification), jaran (heating and stirring), bhavan (levigation) and maran (incineration). Bhasma was incinerated (maran process) by traditional method of heating as well as using muffle furnace. These two products obtained from Maran (incineration) and commercial sample were analyzed for quality control checks, on the parameters described in Ayurvedic texts as well as modern techniques such as TEM, SEM, EDX, XRD, DLS and FTIR were done to find out the nature and form of the drug prepared. The in vitro gastric and gastrointestinal (pancreatic) bioaccessibility of Bhasma were also determined. Results The study reveals that the synthesized Bhasma was converted into its nontoxic oxide form and had a highly reduced particle size observed from SEM images. These studies reveal that Vanga Bhasma prepared by traditional method of heating (Sn1) has 50% nanoparticles (150–300 nm range) that prepared by using electric muffle furnace (Sn2) has 100% nanoparticles (50–100 nm range) while commercial samples (Sn3) has 50% nanoparticles (100–300 nm range). Conclusion The study confirmed the formation of organometallic compound (SnO2) at the end of the manufacturing process. The percentage bioaccessibility for gastrointestinal digestion is more than the gastric digestion. Hence, it is concluded that Vanga Bhasma can be useful nanomedicine. XRD studies reveal crystalline nature of Vanga Bhasma and formation of SnO2. SEM studies reveals that Vanga Bhasma prepared by Muffle furnace heating are less than 50 nm. TEM analysis of Vanga Bhasma also reveals that bhasma are polycrystalline in nature while commercial sample shows presence of rod like structures. The HR-TEM shows that the inter planer distance in particle prepared by traditional method of heating is 0.373 nm while that of bhasma prepared by using the Furnace for heating shows 0.34 nm. DLS studies reveal that Vanga Bhasma prepared by traditional method of heating has 50% nanoparticles (150–300 nm range) that prepared by using electric muffle furnace has 100% nanoparticles (50–100 nm range) while commercial sample has 50% nanoparticles (100–300 nm range).
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Affiliation(s)
- Babita Kale
- Department of Chemistry, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411 007, India
| | - Nilima Rajurkar
- Department of Chemistry, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411 007, India.
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Bolan S, Kunhikrishnan A, Seshadri B, Choppala G, Naidu R, Bolan NS, Ok YS, Zhang M, Li CG, Li F, Noller B, Kirkham MB. Sources, distribution, bioavailability, toxicity, and risk assessment of heavy metal(loid)s in complementary medicines. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 108:103-118. [PMID: 28843139 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Revised: 08/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The last few decades have seen the rise of alternative medical approaches including the use of herbal supplements, natural products, and traditional medicines, which are collectively known as 'Complementary medicines'. However, there are increasing concerns on the safety and health benefits of these medicines. One of the main hazards with the use of complementary medicines is the presence of heavy metal(loid)s such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg). This review deals with the characteristics of complementary medicines in terms of heavy metal(loid)s sources, distribution, bioavailability, toxicity, and human risk assessment. The heavy metal(loid)s in these medicines are derived from uptake by medicinal plants, cross-contamination during processing, and therapeutic input of metal(loid)s. This paper discusses the distribution of heavy metal(loid)s in these medicines, in terms of their nature, concentration, and speciation. The importance of determining bioavailability towards human health risk assessment was emphasized by the need to estimate daily intake of heavy metal(loid)s in complementary medicines. The review ends with selected case studies of heavy metal(loid) toxicity from complementary medicines with specific reference to As, Cd, Pb, and Hg. The future research opportunities mentioned in the conclusion of review will help researchers to explore new avenues, methodologies, and approaches to the issue of heavy metal(loid)s in complementary medicines, thereby generating new regulations and proposing fresh approach towards safe use of these medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiv Bolan
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, ATC Building, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Anitha Kunhikrishnan
- Department of Agro-Food Safety, National Institute of Agricultural Science, Wanju, Jeollabuk-do 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Balaji Seshadri
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, ATC Building, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Girish Choppala
- Southern Cross GeoScience, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales 2480, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, ATC Building, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, ATC Building, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- O-Jeong Eco-Resilience Institute (OJERI) & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chun-Guang Li
- National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Feng Li
- National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Barry Noller
- Sustainable Minerals Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mary Beth Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Throckmorton Plant Sciences Center, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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Singh Gautam DN. A Metallurgical Study of Nāga Bhasma. Anc Sci Life 2017; 36:182-186. [PMID: 29269968 PMCID: PMC5726183 DOI: 10.4103/asl.asl_206_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The metal Nāga (Lead) is being used by Indians since ancient times. Its external and internal uses have been described in Caraka, Suśruta and other Ayurvedic Saṃhitā. According to most of the Rasa texts, Nāga Bhasma and its formulations are used in many diseases such as Prameha, Jvara, Gulma, Śukrameha etc. Objectives: In the present study, Nāga Bhasma was prepared by the traditional Puṭa method (TPM) and by the electric muffle furnace Puṭa method (EMFPM) and standardized using Metallographic studies. Doing so helps in the study of the microstructure of Nāga Bhasma and also helps in the identification of the metal particles along with the nature of compound formed during the Māraṇa (Bhasmīkaraṇa) process. Setting and Design: Different samples from initial raw material to final product of Nāga Bhasma were collected during the pharmaceutical process (1st, 30th and 60thPuṭa) from both methods i.e. TPM and EMFPM. Samples from both methods were studied using metallographic examination. Materials and Methods: The processing of the Nāga Bhasma (ṣaṣṭipuṭa) was done according to Ānanda Kanda[9] Samples from the raw material i.e. Aśodhita Nāga (raw Lead) and that processed after 1st, 30th and 60th Puṭa from both methods i.e. traditional Puṭa method (using heat from burning of cow dung cakes) and electric muffle furnace Puṭa method were taken. They were mounted on self hardening acrylic base. After careful polishing to obtain scratch free surface of product, they were used for metallurgical study. Conclusion: This study shows that traditional Puṭa method may be better than electric muffle furnace Puṭa method because of more homogeneous distribution of Lead sulphide in the Nāga Bhasma which is prepared by traditional method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dev Nath Singh Gautam
- Department of Rasa Shastra, Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Quadros LS, Bangera H, Kotian SR, Bhat KMR. Effects of Lead in Various Preparatory Stages of Nagabhasma on Function and Histopathology of Cornu Ammonis of Hippocampus. J Clin Diagn Res 2016; 10:AF01-AF04. [PMID: 27891329 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2016/20424.8748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Heavy metals are frequently used in the preparations of traditional/folk medicines. One such preparation in Ayurveda is Nagabhasma, in which lead is the main ingredient. Lead is non-essential element to the human body and is known toxic substance to many organ systems. However, it is claimed that, the highly toxic metallic lead will be converted into health beneficial organo-metallic compound when raw lead is subjected to various traditional methods of purification during preparation as mentioned in the ancient medicinal system. AIM The present study is designed to evaluate the effect of such detoxification of lead in various stages of authentically prepared Nagabhasma on the learning and memory. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using half of the human equivalent doses of traditionally prepared Nagabhasma, at intermittent stages of its preparation were fed orally to healthy Wistar rats for 30 days. After treatment, the immediate effect and residual effect after 2 months was evaluated by subjecting them to passive avoidance test. Then rats were sacrificed and hippocampus was collected for histopathological evaluation. RESULTS Pure lead treated animals showed deficit in learning and memory which is indicated by spending more time in the dark compartment in passive avoidance test. However, animals treated with stage 1 to 4 Nagabhasma showed gradual increase in the memory and learning. This observation is substantiated by the findings of the histopathology of the Cornu Ammonis (CA) region of hippocampus. CONCLUSION The results of the present study indicate that, the metallic toxicity of the lead used in the preparation of bhasma was gradually decreased from stage 1 to stage 4 of preparation. Therefore, the traditional way of preparing the metallic bhasma is very critical in eliminating the possible health hazardous metallic lead toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia S Quadros
- Senior Grade Lecturer Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University , Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Hemalatha Bangera
- Research Scholar, Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University , Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sushma R Kotian
- Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University , Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Kumar M R Bhat
- Professor and Chairperson, Department of Anatomy, RAK College of Medical Sciences , Rakmhsu, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
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Janadri S, Mishra AP, Kumar R, Shanmukh I, Rao N, Kharya M. Preparation and characterization of mercury-based traditional herbomineral formulation: Shwas kuthar rasa. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2016; 6:268-72. [PMID: 26834426 PMCID: PMC4719487 DOI: 10.4103/0975-9476.172383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shwas kuthar rasa is a prestigious and potential herbomineral formulation of Ayurveda tested on 100 years of time scale for the treatment of asthma, allergy, and other respiratory problems. However, there is a lack of scientific work on Shwas kuthar rasa. OBJECTIVE To prepare and physicochemically evaluate mercury-based Shwas kuthar rasa herbomineral formulation of Ayurveda for asthma and allergy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Shwas kuthar rasa was prepared as per Ayurvedic text and characterized by various modern analytical techniques, viz., transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), far infrared (IR) spectroscopy, fourier transform IR spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. RESULTS Study clearly revealed that prepared Shwas kuthar rasa formulation shows several crystallites agglomerate into a single particle. It yields submicron size particle structure (1.22 μ) with TEM analysis. The usage of mercury in the formulation found in the form of mercuric sulfide (HgS) and reaching to nanocrystalline (31-56 nm) size by XRD analysis. CONCLUSION The present study indicates Shwas kuthar rasa is nanocrystallite with submicron size particle. Trituration of Kajjali helps in the formation of HgS and increases the crystallinity in the formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Janadri
- Department of Pharmacology, Acharya and B. M. Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - A P Mishra
- Department of Chemistry, Dr. H. S. Gour University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Ranveer Kumar
- Department of Physics, Dr. H. S. Gour University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - I Shanmukh
- Department of Pharmacology, S.C.S College of Pharmacy, Harapanahalli, Karnataka, India
| | - Nagendra Rao
- Department of Chemistry, Dr. H. S. Gour University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Muralidhar Kharya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. H. S. Gour University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Sharma R, Bhatt A, Thakur M. Physicochemical characterization and antibacterial activity of Rajata Bhasma and silver nanoparticle. Ayu 2016; 37:71-75. [PMID: 28827959 PMCID: PMC5541471 DOI: 10.4103/ayu.ayu_167_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Bhasma, an Ayurvedic metallo-mineral preparation, is claimed to be biologically produced nanoparticles. Rajata (silver) is a noble metal known for its antimicrobial activity. Rajata Bhasma (RB) is expected to be composed of nanoparticles. With all these facts in place, this study was conducted to evaluate RB for the presence of silver nanoparticle (SNP) and its antimicrobial effect. Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the physicochemical characterization, antibacterial activity of RB, and SNP. Materials and Methods: RB was commercially ordered and SNP was prepared by Turkevich method. Characterization of RB was carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). SNP was characterized by ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ICP-AES. Antibacterial activity of RB and SNP was carried out by well-diffusion method. Results: Analysis of RB by SEM revealed particles in range from 10 to 60 nm. UV-visible spectrum of the aqueous medium containing SNPs showed absorption peak at around 423 nm. The TEM analysis showed that SNP was spherical in the range of 5–50 nm and uniformly distributed without significant agglomeration. The content of silver in RB measured with ICP-AES was found to be 70.56% whereas in case of SNP was 65.23%. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be sensitive to both RB and SNP. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis were found to be resistant to RB as well as SNP. Conclusion: The current study shows that RB does have silver particles in the size of nanometers and also has mild antibacterial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revati Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, MGM Medical College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ahsan Bhatt
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, MGMIUDBS, MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mansee Thakur
- Department of Biotechnology, Central Research Laboratory, MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Elahi A, Sharma Y, Bashir S, Khan F. Balanced TH1 and TH2 immunopotentiating effects of silicates partly containing nanoparticles present in calcined serpentine. J Immunotoxicol 2015; 13:335-48. [PMID: 26484633 DOI: 10.3109/1547691x.2015.1094152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcined Serpentine (CS) is used in various formulations of alternative systems of medicine as a tonic to vital organs and as an anti-inflammatory agent. The process of calcination or incineration is believed to render non-toxic, gently absorbable, adaptable and digestible properties to the mineral compounds. The present study characterized CS and also evaluated its immunostimulatory potential. CS was characterized by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction, atomic absorption spectroscopy and CHNS analysis. The characterized CS was further evaluated for its immunomodulatory potential in Swiss mice. X-Ray diffraction analysis revealed that the CS contained silicates of magnesium, calcium and iron as major minerals. Elemental composition and heavy metal analyses showed a presence of various inorganic elements/heavy metals, albeit at levels well below daily permissive intake values. TEM analysis of the test CS revealed a presence of nano particles with an average size of 10-20 nm (≈ 26% of total material). Oral administration of CS to mice at 50, 75, 100 or 200 μg/kg body weight for 10 days led to enhanced levels of total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b in ovalbumin-immunized mice as well as ex vivo lymphocyte proliferation and levels of TH1 (IL-2, IFNγ) and TH2 (IL-4, IL-10) cytokines produced by their cultured splenocytes. Similarly, CS treatment resulted in enhanced delayed-type hypersensitivity responses in GRBC-primed hosts. CS also activated host peritoneal macrophages, as indicated by increases in phagocytic activity and in TLR-2, CD80 and CD86 expression. The CS did not affect liver, kidney and spleen histology. Taken together, the results indicated that absorbed CS was stimulatory of host cell-mediated immune responses. It is hypothesized for now that the immunomodulatory effect of CS may have been due, in part, to a presence of nanoparticles on the CS; further study is required to validate this viewpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asif Elahi
- a Department of Biochemistry , Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University) , Hamdard Nagar , New Delhi , India
| | - Yadhu Sharma
- a Department of Biochemistry , Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University) , Hamdard Nagar , New Delhi , India
| | - Samina Bashir
- a Department of Biochemistry , Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University) , Hamdard Nagar , New Delhi , India
| | - Farah Khan
- a Department of Biochemistry , Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University) , Hamdard Nagar , New Delhi , India
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Umrani RD, Paknikar KM. Jasada bhasma, a Zinc-Based Ayurvedic Preparation: Contemporary Evidence of Antidiabetic Activity Inspires Development of a Nanomedicine. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2015; 2015:193156. [PMID: 25866533 PMCID: PMC4381720 DOI: 10.1155/2015/193156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The roles of metals in human physiology are well established. It is also known that many metals are required in trace amounts for normal metabolism and their deficiency leads to diseases. In Ayurveda, metal-based preparations, that is, bhasmas, are indicated for the treatment of several diseases. Standard textbooks of Ayurveda recommend Jasada bhasma (zinc based bhasma) as the treatment of choice for diabetes. Modern medicine also recognizes the important role of zinc in glucose homeostasis. Yet, studies that validate the use of Jasada bhasma are few and uncomprehensive. There is an imminent need for a systematic study on physicochemical characterization, pharmacological efficacy, and toxicity assessment of several bhasma preparations to generate scientific evidence of their utility and safety. Interestingly, recent studies suggest that bhasmas comprise submicronic particles or nanoparticles. Thus a bhasma-inspired new drug discovery approach could emerge in which several metal based nanomedicines could be developed. This would help in utilizing the age old, time-tested wisdom of Ayurveda in modern medicine. One such study on antidiabetic activity of Jasada bhasma and the corresponding new drug, namely, zinc oxide nanoparticles, is briefly discussed, as an example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinku D. Umrani
- Centre for Nanobioscience, Agharkar Research Institute, G. G. Agarkar Road, Pune Maharashtra 411004, India
| | - Kishore M. Paknikar
- Centre for Nanobioscience, Agharkar Research Institute, G. G. Agarkar Road, Pune Maharashtra 411004, India
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Rajput D, Patgiri BJ, Galib R, Prajapati PK. Anti-diabetic formulations of Nāga bhasma (lead calx): A brief review. Anc Sci Life 2014; 33:52-9. [PMID: 25161332 PMCID: PMC4140024 DOI: 10.4103/0257-7941.134609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ayurvedic formulations usually contain ingredients of herbal, mineral, metal or animal in origin. Nāga bhasma (lead calx) is a potent metallic formulation mainly indicated in the treatment of Prameha (~diabetes). Until date, no published information is available in compiled form on the formulations containing Nāga bhasma as an ingredient, their dose and indications. Therefore, in the present study, an attempt has been made to compile various formulations of Nāga bhasma indicated in treating Prameha. AIM The present work aims to collect information on various formulations of Nāga bhasma mainly indicated in treating Prameha and to elaborate the safety and efficacy of Nāga bhasma as a Pramehaghna (antidiabetic) drug. MATERIALS AND METHODS Critical review of formulations of Nāga bhasma is compiled from various Ayurvedic texts and the therapeutic efficacy of Nāga bhasma is discussed on the basis of available data. RESULT AND CONCLUSION Antidiabetic formulations of Nāga bhasma were discovered around 12(th) century CE. There are 44 formulations of Nāga bhasma mainly indicated for Prameha. Haridrā (Curcuma longa Linn), Āmalakī (Emblica officinalis), Guḍūci (Tinospora cordifolia) and Madhu (honey) enhance the antidiabetic action of Nāga bhasma and also help to prevent diabetic complications as well as any untoward effects of Nāga bhasma. On the basis of the reviewed research, it is concluded that Nāga bhasma possesses significant antidiabetic property.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhirajsingh Rajput
- Department of Rasashastra sand Bhaishajya Kalpana, I.P.G.T. and R.A., Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
| | - B J Patgiri
- Department of Rasashastra sand Bhaishajya Kalpana, I.P.G.T. and R.A., Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
| | - R Galib
- Department of Rasashastra sand Bhaishajya Kalpana, I.P.G.T. and R.A., Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
| | - P K Prajapati
- Department of Rasashastra sand Bhaishajya Kalpana, I.P.G.T. and R.A., Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
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Abstract
Ayurveda and other Indian system of medicine use metals, but their use is also amply described in Chinese and Egyptian civilization in 2500 B.C. Bhasma are unique ayurvedic metallic/minerals preparation, treated with herbal juice or decoction and exposed for Ayurveda, which are known in Indian subcontinent since 7th century A.D. and widely recommended for treatment of a variety of chronic ailments. Animal's derivative such as horns, shells, feathers, metallic, nonmetallic and herbals are normally administered as Bhasma. A Bhasma means an ash obtained through incineration; the starter material undergoes an elaborate process of purification and this process is followed by the reaction phase, which involves incorporation of some other minerals and/or herbal extract. There are various importance of Bhasma like maintaining optimum alkalinity for optimum health, neutralizing harmful acids that lead to illness; because Bhasma do not get metabolized so they don’t produce any harmful metabolite, rather it breakdowns heavy metals in the body. Methods including for Bhasma preparation are parpati, rasayoga, sindora, etc., Bhasma which contain Fe, Cu, S or other manufacturing process plays a specific role in the final product(s). Particle size (1-2 μ) reduced significantly, which may facilitate absorption and assimilation of the drug into the body system. Standardization of Bhasma is utmost necessary to confirm its identity and to determine its quality, purity safety, effectiveness and acceptability of the product. But the most important challenges faced by these formulations are the lack of complete standardization by physiochemical parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilipkumar Pal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalya (A Central University) Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Chandan Kumar Sahu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalya (A Central University) Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Arindam Haldar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalya (A Central University) Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India
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Nagarajan S, Krishnaswamy S, Pemiah B, Rajan KS, Krishnan U, Sethuraman S. Scientific Insights in the Preparation and Characterisation of a Lead-based Naga Bhasma. Indian J Pharm Sci 2014; 76:38-45. [PMID: 24799737 PMCID: PMC4007254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2013] [Revised: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Naga bhasma is one of the herbo-metallic preparations used in Ayurveda, a traditional Indian System of Medicine. The preparation of Naga bhasma involves thermal treatment of 'Naga' (metallic lead) in a series of quenching liquids, followed by reaction with realgar and herbal constituents, before calcination to prepare a fine product. We have analysed the intermediates obtained during different stages of preparation to understand the relevance and importance of different steps involved in the preparation. Our results show that 'Sodhana' (purification process) removes heavy metals other than lead, apart from making it soft and amenable for trituration. The use of powders of tamarind bark and peepal bark maintains the oxidation state of lead in Jarita Naga (lead oxide) as Pb(2+). The repeated calcination steps result in the formation of nano-crystalline lead sulphide, the main chemical species present in Naga bhasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Nagarajan
- Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Biomaterials, Thanjavur-613 401, India
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, Thanjavur-613 401, India
| | - S. Krishnaswamy
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, Thanjavur-613 401, India
| | - Brindha Pemiah
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, Thanjavur-613 401, India
- Centre for Advanced Research in Indian System of Medicine, Sastra University, Thanjavur-613 401, India
| | - K. S. Rajan
- Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Biomaterials, Thanjavur-613 401, India
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, Thanjavur-613 401, India
| | - Umamaheswari Krishnan
- Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Biomaterials, Thanjavur-613 401, India
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, Thanjavur-613 401, India
| | - S. Sethuraman
- Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Biomaterials, Thanjavur-613 401, India
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, Thanjavur-613 401, India
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Nagarajan S, Sivaji K, Krishnaswamy S, Pemiah B, Rajan KS, Krishnan UM, Sethuraman S. Safety and toxicity issues associated with lead-based traditional herbo-metallic preparations. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 151:1-11. [PMID: 24216165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Herbal and herbo-mineral preparations are being traditionally used in Indian medicines. The herbo-mineral preparations have several benefits that have been instrumental in their widespread use in treatment of different disorders by traditional medicinal practitioners. These include better stability, lower dosage, ease of storability and sustained availability. Naga bhasma (lead sulphide ash), a traditional Indian herbo-mineral medication prepared using lead and several herbal ingredients, has been used as an oral medicine in India for many years for the treatment of diabetes, spleen enlargement, diarrhoea and various skin diseases. The elaborate preparation protocol involved in the traditional medicines is believed to modify the toxic nature of the precursor (metal) and adds therapeutic value. But modern scientists claim that these preparations are toxic to health as they contain large amount of metal. Many factors such as preparation based factors, chemical nature based factors, vehicle used, therapy associated factors, pharmacological factors, etc, determine whether the traditional medicines are toxic or not. This review focuses on the safety and critical issues associated with Naga bhasma-a lead based ayurvedic medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS The detailed review of literature about Naga bhasma apart from other lead based formulations are carried out by utilizing the resources including, classical Indian text books, databases such as Pub med, Scopus, Science direct and few other web sources. RESULTS Though metallic lead is known to be toxic to the biological system, no compelling evidence has been put forth to suggest any toxic manifestations of Naga bhasma. The elemental characterization of preparations containing Naga bhasma has shown extremely high levels of lead content and various parameters must be taken into consideration in deciding the safety and critical issues present in traditional medicines. As there are no molecular targets available for most of the traditional medicine, it is difficult to assure the safety in using this traditional preparation. Highly intensive research encompassing physico-chemical, engineering as well as biological aspects need to be carried out to understand the applicability of such preparations in a modern context. CONCLUSION As there are no molecular targets available for most of the traditional medicine, it is difficult to assure the safety in using this traditional preparation. Highly intensive research encompassing physico-chemical, engineering as well as biological aspects need to be carried out to understand the applicability of such preparations in a modern context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surya Nagarajan
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA University, Thanjavur 613 401, Tamil Nadu, India; School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kalaiarasi Sivaji
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA University, Thanjavur 613 401, Tamil Nadu, India; School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Brindha Pemiah
- School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India; Centre for Advanced Research in Indian Systems for Medicine, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kalpoondi Sekar Rajan
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA University, Thanjavur 613 401, Tamil Nadu, India; School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA University, Thanjavur 613 401, Tamil Nadu, India; School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Swaminathan Sethuraman
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA University, Thanjavur 613 401, Tamil Nadu, India; School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Garg M, Das S, Singh G. Comparative physicochemical evaluation of a marketed herbomineral formulation: naga bhasma. Indian J Pharm Sci 2013; 74:535-40. [PMID: 23798779 PMCID: PMC3687923 DOI: 10.4103/0250-474x.110598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2012] [Revised: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Garg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak-124 001, India
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Abstract
Tarakeshwara Rasa (TR) is an Ayurvedic herbomineral compound formulation used in the intervention of Prameha vis-à-vis diabetes mellitus. The present study was executed to establish a fingerprint for this unique formulation, which can be adopted by the Ayurvedic pharmacies for drug standardization. TR is a formulation prepared by the trituration of four ingredients Abhraka Bhasma (AB), Loha Bhasma (LB), Vanga Bhasma (VB) and Rasa Sindhura (RS) in equal quantities with honey for one day. Each of the ingredients were prepared according to the norms of Ayurvedic classical texts and by employing Electric Muffle Furnace as heating device for incineration. To ensure the proper preparation of Bhasmas, standard tests (Bhasma Pariksha) were employed. After Bhasma complies these tests, TR was prepared and subjected for qualitative analysis, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies. LB, AB, VB, RS and TR were also studied for free metal presence by employing phosphomolybdic acid. Chemical analysis of TR reveals that it contains Fe, Sn, Hg, Al, Mn, Ca and Mg. XRD study indicates that TR contains Fe2O3 (maghamite) in major phase and SnO2 (cassiterite), HgS, SiO2, HgO in minor phases. SEM study revealed that the compound is an agglomeration of particles. The particle size was in between 0.5 and 2 μ. Free metal detection by phosphomolybdic acid revealed the absence of free metals in the final Bhasmas. This is the first study establishing the characterization of Tarakeshwara Rasa.
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Mishra A, Mishra AK, Ghosh AK, Jha S. Standardization of a traditional polyherbo-mineral formulation - Brahmi vati. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL, COMPLEMENTARY, AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES : AJTCAM 2013; 10:390-396. [PMID: 24146464 PMCID: PMC3777576 DOI: 10.4314/ajtcam.v10i3.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The present study deals with standardization of an in-house standard preparation and three marketed samples of Brahmi vati, which is a traditional medicine known to be effective in mental disorders, convulsions, weak memory, high fever and hysteria. Preparation and standardization have been done by following modern scientific quality control procedures for raw material and the finished products. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis showed the reduction of metals and minerals (particle size range 2-5 µm) which indicates the proper preparation of bhasmas, the important ingredient of Brahmi vati. Findings of EDX analysis of all samples of Brahmi vati suggested the absence of Gold, an important constituent of Brahmi vati in two marketed samples. All the samples of Brahmi vati were subjected to quantitative estimation of Bacoside A (marker compound) by HPTLC technique. Extraction of the samples was done in methanol and the chromatograms were developed in Butanol: Glacial acetic acid: water (4.5:0.5:5 v/v) and detected at 225nm. The regression analysis of calibration plots of Bacoside A exhibited linear relationship in the concentration range of 50-300 ng, while the % recovery was found to be 96.06% w/w, thus proving the accuracy and precision of the analysis. The Bacoside A content in the in-house preparation was found to be higher than that of the commercial samples. The proposed HPTLC method was found to be rapid, simple and accurate for quantitative estimation of Bacoside A in different formulations. The results of this study could be used as a model data in the standardization of Brahmi vati.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Mishra
- Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IFTM University, Lodipur-Rajput, Moradabad-244001, India ; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, 835215, India
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Singh SK, Rai SB. Detection of carbonaceous material in naga bhasma. Indian J Pharm Sci 2013; 74:178-83. [PMID: 23326003 PMCID: PMC3546339 DOI: 10.4103/0250-474x.103858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Revised: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional medicines have maintained their popularity in all regions of the developing world and are being adopted increasingly by people worldwide. Indian traditional system of medicine Ayurveda make use of unique metallic-herbal preparations (called Bhasma) which involves different processing steps including repeated steps of calcination of metal in the presence of natural precursor (herbal juices, decoctions, and powders, etc). It has been recently established that Bhasma contains nano/sub-micron size particles and different nutrient elements. However, the role and the end product of the raw materials, especially the herbal parts, used during the synthesis of the drug (Bhasma) is one of the important but unanswered problems in such medicinal preparations. Present work on Naga Bhasma is an attempt to understand the role of natural precursors in detail. Our results on infrared, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy along with thermal measurements identify the presence of carbonaceous material (hydrogenated amorphous carbon) in the drug along with other compounds. In addition, this work also suggests the science and mechanism behind such complex preparations which could help in standardization of such medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Singh
- Laser and Spectroscopy Laboratory, Department of Physics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, India
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Genuis SJ, Schwalfenberg G, Siy AKJ, Rodushkin I. Toxic element contamination of natural health products and pharmaceutical preparations. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49676. [PMID: 23185404 PMCID: PMC3504157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concern has recently emerged regarding the safety of natural health products (NHPs)-therapies that are increasingly recommended by various health providers, including conventional physicians. Recognizing that most individuals in the Western world now consume vitamins and many take herbal agents, this study endeavored to determine levels of toxic element contamination within a range of NHPs. METHODS Toxic element testing was performed on 121 NHPs (including Ayurvedic, traditional Chinese, and various marine-source products) as well as 49 routinely prescribed pharmaceutical preparations. Testing was also performed on several batches of one prenatal supplement, with multiple samples tested within each batch. Results were compared to existing toxicant regulatory limits. RESULTS Toxic element contamination was found in many supplements and pharmaceuticals; levels exceeding established limits were only found in a small percentage of the NHPs tested and none of the drugs tested. Some NHPs demonstrated contamination levels above preferred daily endpoints for mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic or aluminum. NHPs manufactured in China generally had higher levels of mercury and aluminum. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to toxic elements is occurring regularly as a result of some contaminated NHPs. Best practices for quality control-developed and implemented by the NHP industry with government oversight-is recommended to guard the safety of unsuspecting consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Genuis
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Al-Asousi MF, Bu-Olayan AH, Shoukry AF. Atomic Force Microscopy and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Lead(II) Membrane Electrode Based on Dithiodibenzoic Acid as Ionophore. ELECTROANAL 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/elan.201100521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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