S.K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Ganpat University, Ganpat vidhyanagar, Kherva

7āyus meaning "life" veda, system of "knowledge". AYURVEDA = "knowledge of life". According to Charaka, "life" itself is defined as the "combination of the body, sense organs, mind and soul, the factor responsible for preventing decay and death, which sustains the body over tim

What Is AYURVEDA….??

Ayurveda is considered by many scholars to be the oldest healing science. In Sanskrit, Ayurveda means “The Science of Life.” Ayurvedic knowledge originated in

India more than 5,000 years ago and is often called the “Mother of All Healing.” It stems from the ancient Vedic culture and was taught for many thousands of years in an oral tradition from accomplished masters to their

disciples. Some of this knowledge was set to print a few thousand years ago, but much of it is inaccessible. The principles of many of the natural healing systems now familiar in the West have their roots in Ayurveda,

including Homeopathy and Polarity Therapy.

HISTORY

Ayurveda as a Complementary System of Healing

The basic difference between Ayurveda and Western allopathic medicine is important to understand. Western allopathic medicine currently tends to focus on symptomatology and disease, and primarily uses drugs and surgery to rid the body of pathogens or diseased tissue. Many lives have been saved by this approach. In fact, surgery is encompassed by Ayurveda. However, drugs, because of their toxicity, often weaken the body. Ayurveda does not focus on disease. Rather, Ayurveda maintains that all life must be supported by energy in balance. When there is minimal stress and the flow of energy within a person is balanced, the body’s natural defense systems will be strong and can more easily defend against disease.

Ayurveda imparts the knowledge with regard to what substances, properties and actions are promotive of life and what are not so. Here in Ayurveda, it is laid down the good and the bad of life, and what is wholesome and what is unwholesome in relation to life, as also the measure of life.

Thus the subject matter of Ayurveda is not only a physical body but the mind, spirit and body –the tripod –the Man; he is the conscious agent and regarded as the subject matter of this science. Ayurveda gives us the formulas for living a long life filled with joy. Ayurveda is not limited to the physical body but also deals with the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of life.

Ayurveda is a simple, practical science of life, existing since more than 5000 years, which is originated in India and having a great role in health care in South Asia and now a days world wideAyurveda is a system of Holistic Health or Holistic Healing, speaks to every aspect, element and facet of life.Ayurveda is ‘Arsha-sashtra’, means science laid down by Rishis, who had visualized the things.

The science of Ayurveda is based not on constantly changing research data but on the eternal wisdom of the Rishis and Gurus Ayurveda offers guidance that has been tested, refined and nourished over many centuries to all those who seek greater harmony, peace and longevity. Ayurveda is a basically; -Health promotive–Preventive -Curative - Rejuvenative-Nutritive –All self combined Science

The term Ayurveda comes from Sanskrit language and derived from two words;Ayuand Veda Ayumeans daily life or life span.Veda means knowledge or science.Thus, we can comprise that Ayurveda means Science or Knowledge of life.

Ayurveda is not only the science of diseases, but it also deals with Life. The definition of Life is –“The flow of consciousness”. Life is known as ‘The union of the mind, body and spirit’. The science of life is that which makes life understood.

Aim & Objects of Ayurveda

To promote & maintain total well being of an individual.

To cure the disease at their root level..

The two principle objectives of Ayurveda are:

1.)To prolong life and promote perfect health2.)To completely eradicate the disease and dysfunction of the body.

Ayurveda takes the individual as whole and seeks to re-establish harmony between all the constituents in the body. Perfect balance of the tripod –Mind, body and Spirit means perfect health.

According to Ayurveda , Health is not just merely absence of disease.Health is a state where Dosha, Dhatu, Malaand Agni these all are in a balanced condition and mind, soul and senses are in a state of inner peace and contentment.

Swastha(Health) means to be ‘established in the self’. The Ayurvedic view of healthy person is :

“Samadosha,samagnischa,Samadhatumalkriyah,

Prasannatmendriyamanah,Swasthaitiabhidhiyat”

(SushrutSamhita, Sutrasthan, Ch. 15, Shloka10)

“He whose doshas are in balance, appetite is good, all tissues of the body and all natural urges are functioning properly, and whose mind, body and spirit (self) are cheerful or full of bliss, he is a healthy person.”

•What is Health?

The theory of the three Doshas

The Tridosha theory :-- Tri means three and Dosha means functional energy. Balance of three doshas are central concept of this science.

They are Three Type ;

Vata, Pitta & Kapha

Functions of Tri-dosha VATA PITTA KPHA(Air + Space) (Fire & Water) (Water + arth)Movement Body Heat StabilityBreathing Temperature EnergyNatural Urges Digestion LubricationTransformation of Tissues Perception UnctuousnessMotor functions Understanding ForgivenessSensory functions Hunger GreedUngroundness Thirst AttachmentSecretions Intelligence AccumulationExcretions Anger HoldingFear Hate PossessivenessEmptiness JealousyAnxiety

These three doshas or bio-energies combine in each person , in proportions that vary from person to person .

Each of these doshas are further subdivided into five sub-doshas. This precision makes it possible to reach at the exact causative organism.

It is most important to understand that these three doshas, Agni, Aama etc.-can not be touched, seen or tasted.

Qualities : Light Cold Mobile

Characteristics of three Doshas

Vata

Rough Dry Subtle Penetrative

Respiration Swallowing Elimination Movement Absorption

Mind conductionSpeechDigestionSensory organs functionsAll dhatu formation etc.

Functions Of Vata:

Qualities :

Hot Bitter Sour

Fluid –FlowingSharpOilyPenetrative

PITTA

Digestion Absorption Assimilation Vision Hunger , ThirstSoftness, luster, complexion of the skin

•Comprehension •Appreciation •Recognition •Evaluation •Discrimination •Intelligence•Courage•Cheerfulness etc.

Functions Of Pitta:

Qualities : Heavy ColdSmooth Soft

Moist SlowSweetWhite in color

KAPHA

Creation Nutrition Strength

Stamina Calmness Immunity

Functions Of Kapha:

CLASSIFICATION OF HERBAL SOLID DOSAGE FORM

Contents Of Bhasma

Vibhuti

Bhasmikaran

Steps Of bhasmikaran

Nots.

Bhasma in Ayurveda has been defined as a substance obtained by calcinations Use of both bhasma (Residue after incineration – calcined preparation) as well as in pishti (powdered gem or metal) form along with appropriate herbs for treatment of critical ailments is a medicinal preparation in Ayurveda and to some extent Unani (both Indian branches of medical science) using natural curative methods. The procedures for preparing these medicines are time-consuming and complicated.

Bhasma is a calcined preparation in which the Gem or Metal is converted into Ash. Gems or metals are purified to remove impurities and treated by Triturating and macerating in herbal extracts. The dough so obtained is calcinated to obtain the ashes.

BHASMA

VibhutiIn certain circumstances Bhasma and 'Vibhuti’ (Sanskrit) are synonymous.

BhasmikaranBhasmikaran is a process by which a substance which is otherwise bioincompatible is made biocompitble by certain samskarsh or processes (Puranik and Dhamankar, 1964e). The objectives of samskara are :- a) elimination of harmful matters from the drug b) modification of undesirable physical properties of the drug c)conversion of some of the characteristics of the drug d) enhancement of the therapeutic action(Puranik and Dhamankar, 1964e). Various steps involved in the preparation of BHASMA(or bhasmikaran) are:- 1) Shodhan -Purification, 2) Maran - Powdering, 3) Chalan- Stirring, 4) Dhavan - Washing, 5) Galan- Filtering, 6) Putan- Heating, 7) Mardan- Triturating, 8) Bhavan- Coating with herbal extract, 9) Amrutikaran - Detoxification and 10) Sandharan- Preservation (Puranik and Dhamankar, 1964e). Selection of these steps depends on the specific metal. Sometimes there is an overlapping of the steps e.g. maran is achieved by puttan. Since the present thesis work is on bhasma, Bhasmikaran process is elaborated in details in the following paragraphs.

Steps of bhasmikaran1. Shodhan: The principle objective of shodhan is to remove unwanted part from the raw material and separate out impurities( Vaiday and Dole 1996b). Metals obtained from ores may contain several impurities, which are removed by subjecting them to Shodhan process. In context of bhasma, shodhan means purifying and making the product suitable for the next step i.e. Maran. Ayurveda classifies shodhan into a) General process and b) Specific process.

a.General process for shodhan:“The sheets of metals are heated till red hot and are successively dipped into liquids like oil, buttermilk, cow’s urine etc. The procedure is repeated seven times”.

b. Specific process for shodhan: For some metals a specific process is described for shodhan e.g. for purification of Jasad, the molten mass is poured in cow’s milk 21 times (Shastri K,1979b).

2. Maran : Maran literally means killing. As the name suggests in maran process, a change is brought about in the chemical form or state of the metal. This makes it to lose its metallic characteristics and physical nature. In short, after maran, metal can be converted into powder or other form suitable for administration. To convert various metals into a form appropriate for human consumption, several techniques have been employed which ultimately gave birth to concept: “Bhasma prepared by using Rasa i.e. mercury is the best, whereas the one prepared using herbs are of better quality and those prepared using Gandhak (sulfur) are of inferior quality. Thus there are 3 methods given for maran. It is carried out by heating the metal in presence of 1) mercury 2) plants and 3 ) sulfur.

3. Chalan: Process of stirring during heating the metal is chalan. Stirring is carried out either with iron rod or stick made from a specific plant. As we know today, iron serves as catalyst in many chemical reactions. The phytoconstituents of plant stick may be enhancing the therapeutic effect. For example, stick of Neem is used for chalan process of Jasad bhasma, which is used topically for ophthalmic diseases. We can interpret the significance of this process now. Neem is an antiseptic (Puranik and Dhamankar, 1964h). Zinc is antiseptic , astringent and has ulcer healing property (Block et al., 1982b). These effects of both the constituents may impart the final product better therapeutic activity.

4. Dhavan: In this process, several water washes are given to the product obtained in the previous stage. Perhaps this is to remove the excess amounts of agents used in shodhan or maran stage. Such agents may adversely affect the quality of final product. Hence intermediates are washed with water, thereby water soluble constituents are removed (Puranik and Dhamankar, 1964h).

5. Galan: The product is then sifted either through a fine cloth or through sieves of suitable mesh so as to separate residual material larger in size (Puranik and Dhamankar, 1964h).

6. Puttan: The term puttan means ignition. The general term used for heating in the process of Bhasmikaran is Puta. A special earthen pot, Sharav is generally used for the process. It has two parts, each having a shape of soccer. Sharav is used for direct heating of the material. Its shallowness is useful in heating the material faster and uniformly. After keeping the material on the shallow surface, other part is used as a lid, by placing it in an inverted position. This Puttan process can be looked upon as the key step in manufacturing of bhasma. The classification of putta is primarily done on the basic nature of the process and is as under :- (Puranik and Dhamankar, 1964f) 1)Chandraputta 2) Dhanyarashiputta 3) Suryaputta 4)Bhugarbhaputta 5) Agniptuta.Notes

•Ayurvedic formulary of India ,

A bhasma means an ash obtained though incineration

Parpams and kushta in Siddha and Unani-tibb

Dose (15-250 mg/ day).

Bhasmas as Multi-elemental Cocktail

All Bhasmas have some common properties like

Rasayana- immunomodulation and anti-aging quality

Yogavahi - ability of drug carry and targeted drug delivery

BHASMA

RELATION OF METALS WITH BODY

Name Of TheDhatu(Metal)

Present In Human Body

Gold trace amounts in blood, semen, eyes, heart, upper layer of skin and intestines Imbalance affects vision, causes general weakness in the body, dullness of intellect

Silver bone marrow, upper layer of bones, gall bladder, pancreas, inner layer of the skin, lungs, flesh, blood vessels, meanings (membrane which surrounds the brain), audio receptive glands and septum of nose.

Copper upper and inner layer of skin, mucosa of soft tissue, large glands, eye pupil, hair, pleura and pericardium. Imbalance causes defects in cardio-vascular, central nervous and skeletal system.

Iron Major constituent of blood, present in the villi of the Intestine, eye pupil, hair

Tin abdominal muscles, blood and blood vessels, synovial membrane, outer layer of uterus, Imbalance causes malformation in bones, diseases of reproductive tract, affects formation of urine, polyurea, increased perspiration,

Lead blood all the Lymphatic tissue. Imbalance causes anemia, disturbance in gastro-intestinal tract due to poor secretion of digestive juices, haemolytic anemia and ascitis.

Zinc sensory tissues and flesh.

VARIOUS SOURCES OF BHASMA

Metals Minerals Precious Stones

Marine Products

Animal Products

Swarna(Gold)

Abrak(Mica)

Vajra(Diamond)

Shankh(Counch)

Mrugashruga(Sabarsingh)

Rajat(Silver)

Makshika(Copper Pyrite)

Manek(Ruby)

Sukti(Chhip)

Peacock Feather Bhasma

Tamra(Copper)

Mansil(Red Arsenic)

Panna(Emerald)

Mukta(Pearl)

Kukutandatwak bhasma(eggshell

Naga(Lead)

Somal(White

Arsenic)

Nilam(Sapphire)

Kodi(Varatika)

Bang(Tin)

Hartal(Yellow Arsenic)

Pokhraj(Topaz)

Praval(Coral)

Parad(Mercury)

Mandoora(Slag Iron)

Yasad(Zinc)

Hingul(Cinnabar)

DIFFERENT BHASMAS AND THEIR MAIN INGREDIENTS/SOURCE

No. Bhasma Main Ingredient/Source

1 Abhrak bhasma Mica2 Hathidanta bhasma Charcoal of elephant tusk3 Jasad bhasma Zinc oxide4 Loha bhasma Iron oxide5 Mandur bhasma Iron oxide6 Mayurapicha bhasma Ashes of peacock feather7 Mukta bhasma Oxide of pearl8 Naga bhasma Lead9 Parada bhasma Mercury compound

10 Pravala bhasma Oxide of coral11 Rajata Bhasma Silver oxide12 Sankha bhasma Oxide of conch shell13 Mukta sukti bhasma Oxide of pearl, oyster

shell14 Talaka bhasma Arsenic sulphide15 Tamra bhasma Cupric oxide16 Vanga bhasma Tin compounds17 Varatika bhasma Oxide of cowrie shell

OTHER DIFFERENT BHASMAS

Kasisa bhasma (sulphate of iron)

Godanti bhasma

Trivanga bhasma- contains lead, tin, and zinc

Vajra bhasma (Hiraka Bhasma)

Vaikranta bhasma

Srnga bhasma

Svarna bhasma

Svarnamaksika bhasma

Harafala bhasma

Akika bhasma

Jaharamohara bhasma

Sphatika bhasma

Hajarulayahuda

bhasma

Shukti Bhasma,

Kapardika Bhasma

Kukkutand twaka

Bhasma,

Manikya Bhasma.

PREPARATION OF BHASMABhasma

Putapaka method

Shodhana

samanya shodhana

Vishesha shodhana

Marana

Chalan

DhavanGala

nJara

nPuttan

Kupipakwa methodShodhana, Kajjali

preparation, Bhavana

and Kupipaka

PutaSurya puta

Chandra putaAgni putaMahaputaGaja puta

Varaha putaKukkut puta Kapot puta

Gorver putaTusha puta

Bhanad putaBaluka puta

Bhudhar putaLavak puta

CLASSIFICATION OF PUTA

For Hard Material — Maha PutaFor Medium Material — Guj Puta And Varah PutaFor Soft Material — Kukkut Puta,kapot PutaFor Special Soft Material — Bhanad Puta,valuka Puta,bhudhar Puta,lavak Puta,khumbh Puta

Puta - 800 degree C to 1000 degree C - shorter duration and shorter shelf cooling period - Loha, Tamra, Abharak etc

A range of 400 degree C - longer duration and longer shelf cooling period -- Hartal etc

DIFFERENT TYPE OF MUSAS (CRUCIBLES) USED IN PREPARATION OF BHASMA

Yoga Musa

Gara Musa

Vara Musa

Varna Musa

Rupya Musa

Vida Musa

Vajra Musa

Vrintaka Musa

Gostani Musa

Malla Musa

Pakava Musa

Maha Musa

Manjusa Musa

Garbha Musa

Musala Musa

MORDEN VIEW OF BHASMA PREPARATION

In morden dayes Muffle furnaceis used to prepare bhasma

temperatures up to 1800oCelsius,

CHANGES DURING BHASMA PREPARATION

Shodhana application of heat

Repetition

Tension is increased

immediate cooling

Decrease in tension increase in compression force

finally reduction in particle size.

Disruption in compression tension equilibrium leads to increased brittleness, reduction in hardness

CHANGES DURING BHASMA PREPARATION

Iron ferroso-ferric oxide

atmospheric oxygen or steam

Copperbasic copper sulphate cupric oxide

Some metals and minerals during red hot state react with atmospheric oxygen or steam and form different chemical compound

red hot state

decomposed atmospheric oxygen or steam

vanga bhasma’ was studied by a systematic characterization of the drug samples after various calcination stages. It was found that tin was in the form of Sn4+ state and that the formation of SnO2 proceeded step-wise through Sn(OH)4.

STANDARDIZATION AYURVEDIC BHASMASFinalization of the process

Identification & Authentication of the raw materials.

Standardization of the raw materials

Process validation of shodhan, maran, amritikaran (if applicable)

Manufacturing of Bhasmas by both Method

Determine the Chemical transformations to be after every stage

Development technologies for faster commercial production

Toxicity studies and safety pharmacology Study.

Development of suitable bio-assays for biological

standardization.

Clinical studies on formulations

Any other relevant development activity

GOLD (SWARNA) BHASMAThe gold content was to be 96.76%.

The standard swarna bhasma should contain the following: [10]

Free sulphur — no less than 1.43% w/w and no more than 6.39% w/w Sulphur — no more than 3.33% w/w Calcium as Ca — no more than 1.625% w/w Sodium as Na — no more than 0.922% w/w Potassium as K — no more than 0.370% w/w Sulphate — no more than 3.00% w/w Copper — no more than 17.2% w/w Iron oxide (ferric) — no more than 85.0% w/w Iron oxide (ferrous) — no more than 5.7% w/w Iron — no less than 36.0% w/w and not more than 51.96% w/w Phosphate as PO4 — no more than 1.101% w/w Silica — no more than 3.8% w/w

Ash value between 92.10 and no more than 98.20% w/w [10]

Acid-insoluble ash value between 21.20 and 31.18% w/w. [10]

Dose is 100 to 250 mg. [10]

GOLD (SWARNA) BHASMABiologically Active Gold Compounds on the Market [9]

No. Generic Name Trade Name GoldConcentration

1 Gold sodium thiomalate Myochristin,Myocrisin, Tauredon

50.5

2 Gold thioglucose Solganal 50.5

3 Gold thioglycoanilid Lauron 54.2

4 Gold sodium thiosulphate Sanochrysine,Aurothion,Thiochrysine

402

5 Calcium aurothiothioglycolate Myoral 64.16 Sodium2-aurothiobenzidazole-4-

carboxylalteTripha 47.8

7 Sodium auroallylthiourea-m-benzoate Lapion 43.48 S-triethylphosphine gold 2,3,4,6-teta-O-

acetyl-1thio-b-D-glycopyranoside

Auranofin 29.1

9 Chloro (triethylphosphine) gold SK&F 36914 56.2

GOLD (SWARNA) BHASMA Indications anemia, dyspepsia, epilepsy, neurasthenia, loss of memory, bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, leucoderma, and rheumatoid arthritis.

[11,12]

Longevity, and combat the aging process in humans.

No. Investigation Model Ref.1 Analgesic activity Mouse, Rat 152 Immunomodulatory activity:

specific immunityMouse 16

3 Immunomodulatory activity: nonspecific immunity

Mouse 17

4 Evaluation of safety Human 135 Antioxidant effect Rat 187 Free radical scavenging activity Mouse 148 Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease Human

Fibrosarcoma cell line (HT1080)

15

Therapeutic Investigations

INTRODUCTIONName of bhasma

Source & Content Indication Activity

Abhrak bhasma

Contain several elements such as si, fe, al, mg and K

Hepatitis,Nervine tonic ,Widely used in respiratory tract infections and anemia

Hepatoprotective action

Mandur bhasma

Mandur bhasma is prepared by purifying and calcinating iron rust.

Anemia, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, chlorosis, and hepatic and splenic disorders

HepatoprotectiveActivity .[30]

INTRODUCTIONName of bhasma

Source & Content

Indication Activity

Muktashukti bhasma

Pearl (moti), shell (pearl-oyster)

Tuberculosis, cough, chronic fever, conjunctivitis, abdominal discomfort, antiulcer , antacid. Arthritis, rheumatism, musculoskeletal disorders, calcium deficiency.Etc.

Anti-inflammatory effect .[31]

Antiulcer activity[32]

Sankha bhasma

Calcinated conch shell.

Calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Digestive problems, hyperchlorhydria, sprue, colic, and hepatosplenomegaly.

Anti-peptic ulcer effect .[33]

Improving its secretory status[34]

INTRODUCTIONName of bhasma

Source & Content

Indication Activity

Jasad bhasma

ICP analysis of jasada bhasma 12 elements (na, mg, al, si, S, K, ca, mn, fe, cu, zn, and sn) with zn in the form of zno as the major element (78.82 wt %).

Such as diabetes, eye diseases, general tonic improve health and longevity.

Free radical control Delays DNA degradation and enables retention of higher amount of protein molecules in the cells.[35]

Arrest the progress of myopia.[36] On clinically –antidiabetic activity