BHASMA THERAPY: BRIDGING AYURVEDA’S RASA SHASTRA WITH MODERN NANOMEDICINE
Dr. Vandana N. Hirudkar* and Dr. Varsha P. Wanjari
ABSTRACT
Ayurveda, practiced in India and neighboring regions, is an ancient healing system that incorporates the use of metals for therapeutic purpose. Under the umbrella of Rasa-Shastra Ayurveda utilizes many herbo-metallic preparations for treating various health issues. Bhasma is one such preparation of Ayurveda made from metals, minerals and other natural substances. These preparations undergo unique purification and size reduction processes to yield fine particles that may enhance absorption and bioavailability of drug. Bhasma as nano-medicine offers unique therapeutic potency with minimal dosing. The preparation methods include metals like iron, copper and mercury, etc. which play vital roles in the property of final formulation. Standardizing Bhasma is essential to ensure their safety, quality and efficacy. Techniques such as X-ray diffraction and TEM have confirmed nano-scale size of Bhasma, thus can be classified as nano-medicine. This article explores qualities of Bhasma as traditional formulation as well as nano-medicine.
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