Safety of Ayurvedic Metal Origin Bhasma (Dhatu varga) through Acute Toxicity Studies: A Review

Abstract

Bhasma possess broad-spectrum therapeutic utility but are blamed due to frequently raising toxicity concerns. Although their safety has been evident with practice since ancient times, scientifically proven through toxicity studies, clinical safety, still comprehensive conclusive documentation is needed. Online published research articles on in vivo, oral single dose, acute toxicity studies on Bhasma of Dhatu Varga were searched through search engines and observations on behavioural, ponderal, autopsy, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), LD₅₀ and safety were summarized. Total 11 published paper of acute toxicity study of Dhatu Bhasma (Rajata Bhasma (RB)-1, Tamra Bhasma (TB)-3, Vanga Bhasma (VB)-3, Naga Bhasma (NB)-1, Yashada Bhasma (YB)-1, Loha Bhasma (LB)-1, Trivanga Bhasma-1 were found in rat (Wistar Albino-2, Charles Foster albino-1, Albino-1 total-4) and mice (Swiss Albino-1, Albino-1 total-3) models, MTD and LD₅₀ of RB are 1500 and >2000 mg/kg, three out of eighteen mice died on day 11. LD₅₀ of LB and NB is >4160 mg/kg, with honey and also > than 40 and 100 time of TED, respectively. TB (Kajjali (black sulphide of mercury), Gandhaka marit-Shuddha, (purification) Ashuddha, with and without Amritikarana) has LD_{50 >}2000 mg/kg licked with honey and it is > 40 TED in Hingula, Gandhaka Marita TB. YB (30 Kukkuta Puta (calcination) up to 300 mg/kg (100 times TED) and YB (Parada pishti, Gandhaka Marit) > 40 TED) is safer. Vastraputi VB up to the 2000 mg/kg (40 TED) and VB (Parada Pishti, Hartala and Jarit Vanaspati Marit by 3, 4 and 7 Puta (calcination), respectively) at 400 mg/kg are safe. Bhasma of Rajat, Loha, Tamra, Yashada, Naga and Vanga are safe at behavioural and some at ponderal, autopsy level through per oral single dose, in vivo acute toxicity studies in rat and mice at 2000, 4160, 2000, 300, 4160 and 2000 mg/kg body weight of animals which are up to 100 times of TED.

Keyword: Safety, Ayurveda, Bhasma, acute toxicities, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), clinical safety

Cite this Article

Pravin Jawanjal, Prashant Bedarkar, Biswajit Patgiri, S.S. Savrikar. Safety of Ayurvedic Metal Origin Bhasma (Dhatu varga) through Acute Toxicity Studies: A Review. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology. 2019; 9(3): 43–50p.