Product development and characterization of the Ayurvedic herbo-mineral-metallic compound- Hridayarnava Rasa.

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.

Effectiveness of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. fruits in cancer and inflammatory diseases: A mini review.

BACKGROUND: Semecarpus anacardium Linn. (SCA) fruits are found in India's sub-Himalayan, tropical, and central regions and have been utilized for centuries in traditional Indian medicine to treat various ailments. In recent times, a growing body of research has emerged indicating that the extracts and active components found in SCA fruits possess qualities that can potentially inhibit the development of cancer and inflammatory markers. PURPOSE: This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effects of extracts and phytochemicals of SCA fruits in cellular, animal models, and clinical trials of cancer and inflammatory diseases. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted utilizing several databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, preprint platforms, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews using the keywords "Semecarpus anacardium", "Anti-inflammatory," and "cancer". The collection of articles started with establishing the database and continued until April 2024. RESULTS: Out of 1130 retrieved database records, 316 pertained to systematic reviews. The remaining 814 records focused on examining the anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties of SCA fruits. In the course of these investigations, the four primary cancer types linked to SCA fruits are identified as lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, and blood cancer. CONCLUSION: The findings will provide more support for investigating SCA fruits in cancer treatment and will furnish thorough reference data and recommendations for future studies on this botanical medication.

Critical Review of Rasaratna Samuccaya: A Comprehensive Treatise of Indian Alchemy.

Rasaratna Samuccaya (RRS) a 13th century C.E. alchemical treatise, authored by Vagbhata, is a useful compilation related to preparation and properties of drugs of mineral and metallic origin. This text throws light on the state of Indian expertise in the field of alchemy regarding the extraction, purification, conversion of metals/minerals into therapeutically suitable forms, various instruments developed for alchemical purposes and treatment of numerous diseases by using herbo-mineral preparations. The present work is an attempt to summarize the key features of RRS to highlight its utility and contribution in the development of Indian alchemy. To study and summarize the important, comprehensive and specific points mentioned in RRS and to elaborate the contribution of RRS in the field of Indian alchemy. A critical review of RRS from Suratnojjvala Hindi commentary by Ambikadatta Shastri was done and the collected information was compared with other available literature of Rasasastra. Research of modern science was also utilized to explore some facts mentioned by Vagbhata. RRS is a precise treatise among available ancient literature. It comprises of all eight branches of Ayurveda, although it mainly deals with therapeutic aspects of Rasasastra and emphasizes the use of metals and minerals in treating nearly 68 types of ailments. It contains 30 chapters, 3871 verses and detailed description of 960 formulations. Classification of metals and minerals; description of some new instruments, formulations and averting use of metals and minerals in pregnancy are the key features of RRS.

Assessment of genotoxic potential of hridayarnava rasa (a herbo-mineralo-metallic ayurvedic formulation) using chromosomal aberration and sperm abnormality assays.

OBJECTIVES: Herbo-mineral formulations are being successfully used in therapeutics since centuries. But recently, they came under the scanner for their metallic contents especially the presence of heavy metals. Hence it is the need of the hour to assess and establish the safety of these formulations through toxicity studies. In line with the various toxicity studies that are being carried out, Government of India expressed the need for conducting genotoxicity studies of different metal- or mineral-based drugs. Till date very few Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulations have been studied for their genotoxic potential. The present study is aimed to evaluate the genotoxic potential of Hridayarnava Rasa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was prepared as per classical guidelines and administered to Swiss albino mice for 14 consecutive days. Chromosomal aberration and sperm abnormality assay were done to evaluate the genotoxic potential of the test drugs. Cyclophosphamide (CP) was taken as positive group and results were compared. RESULTS: All treated groups exhibited significant body weight gain in comparison to CP group. Results revealed no structural deformity in the above parameters in comparison to the CP-treated group. CONCLUSION: Reported data showed that both tested samples of Hridayarnava Rasa does not possess genotoxic potential under the experimental conditions and can be safely used.

Review of research works done on Tamra Bhasma [Incinerated Copper] at Institute for Post-Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar.

The metal, Tamra though mentioned in Ayurveda with a wide range of therapeutic utilities; is attributed with Ashta Maha Dosha. Hence, one should be cautious while using Tamra Bhasma. Considering the significance of Tamra in therapeutics, many studies have been carried out at different centers of India. Aim of the present study was to compile such available research works done on Tamra in the Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana (RS and BK), IPGT and RA, Jamnagar and provide brief information about pharmaceutical, analytical, and pharmacological studies. Total eleven studies on Tamra Bhasma, which revalidated the impact of classical guidelines, safety issues, and therapeutic utilities, were screened from PG Department of RS and BK, Institute for Post-Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar. All studies revealed that Tamra Bhasma is safe clinically, experimentally at Therapeutic Equivalent Dose (TED) levels as no toxic hazards were reported during the treatment period. In all aspects (pharmaceutical, pharmacological, and clinical) Somnathi Tamra Bhasma has proven to be better than Tamra Bhasma. The clinical efficacy of Tamra Bhasma has been evaluated in Shvasa, Kasa, Yakrit Pliha Vriddhi, Grahani, etc. conditions. Satisfactory responses with a decrease in the intensity of signs and symptoms were reported in all the studies. Though certain limitations were observed in these researches, the results can be considered as a lead for further well stratified studies covering larger population. No adverse effects were reported in any of these studies.

Standard manufacturing procedure of Tamra Bhasma.

Tamra Bhasma (incinerated copper) is one of the main weapons in the archery of Ayurvedic practitioners. Though several methods of preparation of Tamra Bhasma (TB) are found in Rasashastra classics, several difficulties occur during the preparation of a good-quality Bhasma. In this study, TB was prepared and analyzed to develop the standard manufacturing procedure. Each unit operative procedure was considered as an independent processing and an attempt was made to validate each procedure. Wire used for the purpose of electrical earthing was taken for the preparation of Bhasma. Procedures of Shodhana, Marana, and Amritikarana were followed as per the classical references. Specific temperature pattern was adopted for Puta in the electrical muffle furnace. From 500 g of Tamra, 483.4 g of black colored TB was obtained after subjecting to three Putas. Final product was detected to be cupric sulfide in X-ray diffraction. In particle size distribution analysis 10% of the material was below the size of 2 µm, while in inductive coupled plasma - atomic absorption spectrometry 58.56 wt% copper and 22.48 wt% of sulfur were found present in the final product along with the elements such as arsenic, lead, zinc, mercury, and manganese in traces.

Quality control parameters for Tamra (copper) Bhasma.

BACKGROUND: Metallic Bhasmas are highly valued and have their own importance in Ayurvedic formulations. To testify the Bhasmas various parameters have been told in Rasashastra classics. Tamra Bhasma (TB) with its different properties is used in the treatment of various diseases is quiet famous among the Ayurvedic physicians (Vaidyas). OBJECTIVES: The present study was carried out to set up the quality control parameters for the TB by making the use of classical tests along with advanced analytical tools. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Copper wire taken for the preparation of Bhasma was first analyzed for its copper content and then subjected to Shodhana, Marana and Amrutikarana procedures as per the classical references. Final product complied with all the classical parameters like Rekhapurnatwa, Varitaratwa etc. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After complying with these tests TB was analyzed by advanced analytical techniques like particle size distribution (PSD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and inductive coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP). RESULTS: PSD analysis of TB showed volumetric mean diameter of 28.70 µm, 50% of the material was below 18.40 µm size. Particle size less than 2µm were seen in SEM. 56.24 wt % of copper and 23.06 wt % of sulphur was found in ICP-AES. Heavy metals like cadmium, selenium were not detected while others like arsenic, lead and mercury were present in traces. CONCLUSIONS: These observations could be specified as the quality control parameters conforming to all the classical tests under the Bhasma Pariksha.

Therapeutic potentials of metals in ancient India: A review through Charaka Samhita.

The Ayurvedic system of medicine has stood the test of time for four millennia or more. The ancient seers found that drugs of different origin (herbal, metal or animal) in addition to codes of conduct and dietary regulations are suitable tools to maintain health in healthy and eradicating diseases in diseased. Use of metallic preparations in healthcare is a unique feature in this system. Processed metals including Mercury, Gold, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Copper etc. were used very frequently by seers of the Indian tradition in different disease conditions with great authority. It is generally claimed, that these metals are detoxified during the highly complex manufacturing processes described in Ayurvedic, especially Rasashastra texts. Charaka Samhita, one of the scheduled books of Ayurveda also holds ample of references regarding the use of metals for different purposes, which are summarized in the current paper.