Abstract

Vaishnavi Srivatsa A. N.*, Sorubini Loganathan, Vikram S.

ABSTRACT

Rasashastra is the specialized branch of Ayurveda which deals with metals, minerals and herbo-minerals. Bhasma is a unique Ayurvedic formulation derived from metals through a process of incineration, resulting in fine calcined particles. Among the metals classified in Dhatu Varga, Naga (Lead) is categorized under the Putiloha group. The safe and effective transformation of Naga into non-toxic Bhasma demands thorough preparatory and processing steps highlighted in the classics. The present study describes a systematic pharmaceutical preparation of Naga Bhasma involving three stages- Shodhana (Purification) of Naga using Churnodaka. Jarana with Shodita Manashila and Marana (Incineration) with Shodita Gandhaka and Nimbu Swarasa. Marana was performed for 10 cycles in muffle furnace maintaining 4500C to 5000C temperature. Gandhaka plays a dual role as a detoxifying agent and critical reactant enabling sulphide bond formation with lead, converting toxic metallic lead into pharmaceutically acceptable lead sulphide complexes. Nimbu Swarasa, rich in citric acid and ascorbic acid, acts as a Bhavana Dravya facilitating uniform trituration, particle size reduction, and enhancement of bioavailability. The resultant Naga Bhasma exhibited a characteristic jet-black colour resembling Kajjali, and satisfactorily passed classical Bhasma Pareeksha including Varitaratva, Rekhapurnatva, Slakshnatva, and Unnama Pareeksha. This study underscores the indispensable pharmaceutical significance of Gandhaka and Nimbu Swarasa in rendering Naga safe and therapeutically effective.