Advancements in Nano-Mandoor Bhasma: Unravelling the Particle Size-Ascorbic Acid Synergy for Enhanced Iron Bioavailability for Anemia Treatment.

Mandoor Bhasma (MB) medicine, based on classical Indian Ayurveda, was size- and surface-modified to improve its therapeutic efficiency for treating iron-deficient anemia. Physical grinding reduced the size of MB to the nanoparticle (nano-MB) range without changing its chemical composition, as measured by particle size distribution. The surface of nano-MB was modified with ascorbic acid (nano-AA-MB) and confirmed using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Enhanced iron dissolution from the surface-modified nano-AA-MB under neutral-to-alkaline pH conditions, and in the intestinal region of the simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) digestion model was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. GIT digestae of MB microparticles and nano-AA-MB were found to be biocompatible in human colon epithelial (Caco-2) cells, with the latter showing threefold higher iron uptake. Subsequently, a dose-dependent increase in cellular ferritin protein was observed in the nano-AA-MB digestae-treated Caco-2 cells, indicating the enhanced bioavailability and storage of dissolved iron. Overall, the study showed that reducing the size of centuries-old traditional Mandoor Bhasma medicine to nanoscale, and its surface-modification with ascorbic acid would help in enhancing its therapeutic abilities for treating iron-deficient anemia.

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.

Characterization of lead sulfide obtained from Naga Bhasma.

BACKGROUND: Lead sulfide nanoparticles were manufactured from lead oxide using a procedure described in the Ayurveda formulary of India, which involved using a quantum of the heat of up to 60 puta, which is officially known as the Shasti puta Naga Bhasma. OBJECTIVE: The study shows sulfurization of nanoparticles decreased their toxicity due to the lower solubility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present work used the arsenic sulfide media and traditional puta for processing and the characterization of the same has been conducted. Different analytical techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-Ray (EDX) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermo-gravimetry analysis (TGA) were used. RESULTS: Powder x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, and differential thermal analysis all showed that the produced nanoparticles are lead sulfide nanoparticles with a particle size of an average of 84.60 and the crystalline average size of 69.06 nm. CONCLUSION: The rounded, rod, oval, cubic, and circular morphology of the produced lead sulfide nanoparticles can be seen in the SEM image. The stretching and bending functional groups in the sample were alkanes, alkenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, carboxylic acids, alkyl carboxylic acids, alkyl alpha, beta-unsaturated, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acid, aliphatic amines, primary amines, secondary amines, alkyl halides, are studied through the FTIR spectrum.

Swarna Bhasma Induces Antigen-Presenting Abilities of Macrophages and Helps Antigen Experienced CD4+ T Cells to Acquire Th1 Phenotypes Against Leishmania donovani Antigens.

In leishmaniasis, the protective immunity is largely mediated by proinflammatory cytokine producing abilities of T cells and an efficient parasite killing by phagocytic cells. Notwithstanding a substantial progress that has been made during last decades, the mechanisms or factors involved in establishing protective immunity against Leishmania are not identified. In ancient Indian literature, metallic "bhasma," particularly that of "swarna" or gold (fine gold particles), is indicated as one of the most prominent metal-based therapeutic medicine, which is known to impart protective and curative properties in various health issues. In this work, we elucidated the potential of swarna bhasma (SB) on the effector properties of phagocytes and antigen-activated CD4+ T cells in augmenting the immunogenicity of L. donovani antigens. The characterization of SB revealing its shape, size, composition, and measurement of cytotoxicity established the physiochemical potential for its utilization as an immunomodulator. The activation of macrophages with SB enhanced their capacity to produce nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokines, which eventually resulted in reduced uptake of parasites and their proliferation in infected cells. Further, in Leishmania-infected animals, SB administration reduced the generation of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, and enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine generation by antigen activated CD4+ T cells with increased frequency of double (IFNγ+/TNFα+) and triple (IFNγ+TNFα+IL-2+) positive cells and abrogated disease pathogeneses at the early days of infection. Our results also suggested that cow-ghee (A2) emulsified preparation of SB, either alone or with yashtimadhu, a known natural immune modulator which enhances the SB's potential in enhancing the immunogenicity of parasitic antigens. These findings suggested a definite potential of SB in enhancing the effector functions of phagocytes and CD4+ T cells against L. donovani antigens. Therefore, more studies are needed to elucidate the mechanistic details of SB and its potential in enhancing vaccine-induced immunity.

Neuroprotective effects of nanogold-based Ayurveda medicine Suvarna Bhasma against rotenone-induced Parkinson's-like model.

BACKGROUND: Neurodegenerative diseases have been one of the major concerns for human health. Genetic and environmental factors are believed to be responsible for neuronal diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Huntington's disease. It is difficult to restore normal nervous function after neurodegeneration; hence, prevention could be the best strategy against these diseases. Ayurved medicines such as Suvarna Bhasma (SB) have enormous potential to treat these neurological diseases. AIM: The aim of this study is to examine the protective effect of SB against rotenone-induced Parkinson's-like model in zebrafish. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we induced Parkinson's-like disease model in zebrafish by inducing it with rotenone (7 µg/L). We examined the behavioural, proteomics and dopamine alterations of rotenone induced zebrafish of SB pre-treated group as compared to the control group. RESULTS: The behavioural experiments showed that due to rotenone exposure, Parkinson's-like behavioural abnormality was induced in zebrafish. However, because of SB treatment, this behavioural abnormality was reduced. The proteomics study of zebrafish brains clearly showed that the SB-treated group was not significantly affected due to rotenone exposure. However, in the SB non-treated group, expression of nine proteins that are linked to Parkinson's disease (gene name: sncgb, ywhae1, ywhah, uchl1, ywhaba, psma6a, ywhabl, ywhaqb, and ywhabb) were differentially expressed after rotenone exposure. Finally, prevention of dopamine alteration in SB-treated fish brains confirmed the protective action of SB against rotenone-induced Parkinson's-like model in zebrafish. CONCLUSIONS: This study finds that Suvarna Bhasma has neuroprotective effects against Parkinson's-like disease model.

Preliminary investigation of temperature and pressure profile of pudam in the preparation of Siddha medicine Padigara parpam.

BACKGROUND: Pudam is one of the manufacturing processes used extensively in preparing parpam and chenduram in the Siddha healthcare system. The scientific understanding of the process is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: In this work, our objective was to investigate the temperature and pressure profile of the pudam process and also to understand the porous nature and low thermal conductivity of the sealed agal (Earthen vessel) used by replicating the traditional manufacturing process of Padigara parpam medicine in a pit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The temperature and pressure profiles were recorded. The size and mass of the cow dung cakes required to conduct the pudam process were discussed. The agal's porosity, thermal conductivity, and thermal diffusivity were experimentally determined. The pressure test of an empty agal was performed in an electric kiln and a pit to find the pressure development inside it and understand the sealed agal's role. RESULTS: The maximum temperature of the pudam process was recorded as 807 °C, and the maximum heating and maximum cooling rate were calculated to be 30 °C/min and 8 °C/min, respectively. The holding time was found to be 66 min above 600 °C and 51 min above 700 °C. The maximum pressure built during the pudam process was 8.2 mbar. CONCLUSION: The test results indicate that the bottom location of the sealed agal is the optimum place to record the temperature of a pudam process. The sealed agal does not allow pressure to build inside, and the pudam process can be considered a heating process that occurs at atmospheric pressure. Increasing the quantity of cow dung cakes for the exact size of the sealed agal and pit increases the raw material's temperature and holding time and reduces the maximum heating rate.

Testosterone propionate and Swarna Bhasma treatment modulated D-galactose induced reproductive alterations in male Wistar rats: An experimental study.

Background: The male reproductive system undergoes several adverse age-related changes like decreased hormone synthesis, sperm count, and testicular alteration that can impact on fertility. Objective: The study aims to investigate the effects of testosterone propionate (TP), and ayurvedic formulation Swarna Bhasma (SB) on D-galactose (D-gal) induced reproductive aging in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: 60 male Wistar rats were divided into 10 groups of 6 animals. Reproductive aging was induced by D-gal (150 mg/kg Bwt) exposure for 60 days. The rats were then treated by post and combination treatment with TP (2 mg/kg Bwt) and SB (6.75 mg/kg Bwt). Then sperm parameters, reproductive hormones, inflammatory markers, testicular antioxidant enzymes, steroidogenic enzymes, and histological manifestation of testis were evaluated. Results: Exposure of D-gal caused significant (p < 0.001) decrease in serum testosterone (T), testicular steroidogenic, and antioxidant enzymes. Administration of TP increased the serum T level, testicular antioxidant enzymes, and spermatogenic profile at a significant level of (p < 0.001) compared to D-gal. Further, the SB treatment significantly (p < 0.001) elevated the serum T level, sperm count, testicular antioxidant enzymes, steroidogenic enzymes, when compared to D-gal. Conclusion: Both the treatment of TP and SB treatments recovered the reproductive impairments caused by D-gal. However, exogenous T supplementation via TP administration is associated with various side effects during long-term use. SB is an Ayurvedic formulation having a long history of usage in India. The current findings suggest that the SB may be used as a good alternative for potentiating reproductive function in aging males.

Structural investigation of Ayurveda Lauha (Iron) Bhasma.

In Ayurveda, 'Lauha' (Iron) Bhasma is primarily used to cure diseases related to iron deficiency in humans. It is produced from purified raw metallic iron using a combination of multi-step traditional preparation processes described in the Ayurveda literature. Here, we present the results of structural investigation performed on the medicinal grade 'Lauha' Bhasma using various X-ray based techniques. Our results indicate that after several rounds of heating and cooling in specific conditions following the Ayurvedic preparation procedure, metallic iron eventually converts to a natural iron-oxide mineral belonging to the magnetite group. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray standing wave assisted fluorescence measurements carried out on powdered Bhasma specimen reveal that the magnetite micro-particles in the Bhasma specimen are usually present in the form of agglomerates of nano-particles. We anticipate that the Ayurvedic Lauha Bhasma has great potential for noninvasive localized target killing of cancer cells, particularly in sensitive parts of the human body such as the brain, spinal cord, and lungs, via necrosis by application of an alternating external magnetic field or photo electron generation through X-rays.

Understanding the effects of Abhraka Bhasma on genotoxicity and its DNA repair potential in mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Metal toxicity is of major concern to human health. The metals may modulate molecular mechanisms of various pathways. Rasashastra, the branch of Ayurveda, narrates the properties, unique preparation, processing techniques, and therapeutic uses of minerals. The use of herbal metallic preparations has evoked concern for their potential to produce toxicity, interest in efficacy as therapeutic agents and safety related issues. Abhraka Bhasma, is one such incinerated herbo-metallic preparation of mica, widely used by traditional medicine practitioners. Although there are reports of Abhraka Bhasma on beneficial effects, clear evidence is lacking on the effect of Abhraka Bhasma on genotoxicity and DNA repair. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to understand the effects of Abhraka Bhasma on geno toxicity, DNA repair, and other mechanisms in the mice test model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experiments were conducted in in vivo Swiss albino mice. The acute oral toxicity was performed as per the OECD guidelines. The mice were treated with Abhraka Bhasma (120 or 360 mg/kg body weight) for 7 days. They were then challenged with ethyl methanesulfonate and the DNA repair was analyzed. RESULTS: The data obtained indicated that the Abhraka Bhasma is not a genotoxic and reproductive toxic formulation. The selected higher concentration of Abhraka Bhasma showed a protective role against ethyl methanesulfonate induced chromosomal damages and enhanced constitutive DNA base excision repair in mice. CONCLUSION: The anti-oxidant, potentiation of DNA repair and hematinic properties of Abhraka Bhasma may be attributed to the synergistic actions of its bioactive components.

Nanoscale Diamond-Based Formulation as an Immunomodulator and Potential Therapeutic for Lymphoma.

Integrative medicine practices, such as Ayurveda, are popular in India and many South Asian countries, yet basic research to investigate the concepts, procedures, and medical benefits of ayurvedic products has received little attention and is not fully understood. Here, we report a functional nanodiamond-based traditional Ayurvedic herbomineral formulation, Heerak Bhasma (Ayu_ND), for the treatment of solid tumors called Dalton's lymphoma generated in CD1 mice. Ayu_ND-mediated immunostimulation significantly reduces tumor cell proliferation and induces apoptosis aided by the active participation of dendritic cells. Immunomodulatory Ayu_ND treatment is highly immunostimulatory and drives dendritic cells to produce TNF-α. Treatment with Ayu_ND significantly reduces the tumor volume, inhibits metastasis in distant vascularized organs, and increases the life span of tumor-bearing animals compared with untreated littermates. These events were associated with elevated serum levels of the protective cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α and downregulated the disease, exacerbating TGF-ß. Ayu_ND-mediated therapeutic success was also accompanied by the depletion of regulatory T cells and enhanced vaccine-induced T-cell immunity, guided by the restoration of the memory CD8+ T-cell pool and prevention of PD-1-mediated T cell exhaustion. The results provide a basis for further evaluation of ayurvedic formulations and drug efficacy in treating cancers.

Antimicrobial potential of four mica drugs and their chemical and mineralogical properties.

BACKGROUND: Mica drugs, a group of herbo-metallic traditional preparations comprising biotite mica as the major mineral ingredient, are prescribed for skin disorders and respiratory ailments and other chronic conditions in South Asian countries, particularly India and Sri Lanka. Mica-based drugs (Abhrak drugs) are subjected to unique and varied preparation procedures and the bioactivity of the drugs can be affected by drug-processing conditions, the ingredients used and the mica composition. The current study aimed to evaluate and compare, on the basis of their physical and chemical characteristics, the antimicrobial potential of two commercial mica drugs AbBb (Abhrak bhashma) and AbCh (Abhrak Chenhuram) and two mica drugs ABL1 (Abhrak Bhasma Laboratory Prepared 1) and ABL2 (Abhrak Bhasma Laboratory Prepared 2) prepared in the laboratory under different conditions. METHODS: Antimicrobial activity of all four drugs was assessed at 10 mg/ml concentration against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherischia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans using well diffusion assay, agar dilution assay and Miles and Misra method. Major and trace metal constituents of the drug samples were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. Mineralogical properties, bacteria-mineral interactions, morphological changes in microbes and the surface characteristics of the drugs were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: The drugs ABL1, ABL2 and AbBh exhibited antimicrobial activity against only Gram-positive organisms (S. aureus and MRSA) when tested with Miles and Misra method (broth method). Mineralogical studies (XRD) revealed that biotite mica was altered into secondary clay minerals and iron oxides in the commercial drug AbCh while the other three drugs had altered mica and iron oxide phases. The essential elements (Na, K, Ca and Mg) required for microbial functions were present in varying extents in all four drugs while they were present in exceedingly high amounts in AbCh having comparatively high cation-exchange capacity, consistent with the observation that AbCh was inactive against all the microbes tested. The three drugs (ABL1, ABL2 and AbBh) showing antimicrobial activity contained comparatively high amounts of Fe, Zn and Cu that are known to display antimicrobial properties at high concentrations. SEM studies revealed that the drug particles adhered and entrapped the bacterial species, presumably modifying the physiochemical characteristics of the bacteria and eventually causing lethality. CONCLUSION: Three of the four mica drugs inhibited the tested Gram-negative bacteria and the antibacterial activity of the mica drugs depends on their constituents and the methods of preparation.

Swarna Prashana - faith in the embrace of research.

Childhood needs diverse nutritional requirements. Poor appetite, lifestyle changes, and poor digestion affects child immunity and make them prone to diseases. Kaumarabhritya, a branch of Ayurveda which deals in child and adolescent health care, has a unique concept of Swarna Prashana (SP) to promote generalized immunity and intellect. SP is commonly recommended to children between 0 and 12 years of age and given as a general health promoter to improve intellect, digestion, strength, immunity, longevity, and complexion. Multiple benefits of SP are mentioned in different Samhitas which needs to be explored on scientific background. Authors have highlighted content variabilities, plausible mechanisms, research tasks and potentials, lacunae, and future prospects about SP. This manuscript is a spotlight on current social, clinical, marketing, and scientific information of Swarna Prashana. SP can be a cost-effective, safe, infrastructure compatible, and prevention-centric approach to improve children's overall health status and has the potential to serve as a positive health care program for children.

The chemical role of natural substances used in Lauha Bhasma preparation.

Lauha Bhasma (LB) is a prominent Ayurveda medicine and is used as an ingredient to prepare other indigenous medicines in Ayurveda. The outcomes of this study on chemical and physical changes during the preparation process of LB become significant to explore ancient knowledge of east within the modern context. The preparation process of LB was carried out under laboratory conditions; starting from the elemental form of the Iron sample to identify the chemical and physical changes. The metallic composition of the starting material and intermediate products formed during the LB preparation process was determined using the AAS technique. The variation of the amount of Fe2+ and Fe3+ throughout the process and formation of nanoparticles was identified using quantitative analysis. Even though the amount of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Mn) present in the starting material is low, the trace level of heavy metals in the iron sample significantly reduces during the LB preparation process. Irregular-shaped, agglomerated, blackish red (Pakvajambuphala varna) fine LB powder formed at the end of the Putapaka step. The value of ancient knowledge can be revealed using the chemical and physical changes identified throughout the study on the LB preparation process.

Nanostructured gold in ancient Ayurvedic calcined drug 'swarnabhasma'.

BACKGROUND: Swarnabhasma (calcined gold) is a famous ancient Ayurvedic medicine. However, its detail characteristic investigations are very limited. OBJECTIVE: Herein, investigation of swarnabhasma is demonstrated using ancient and ultramodern techniques to understand the physicochemical nature of this drug, and to understand whether the mercury [Parada] used during preparation method marks its presence in swarnabhasma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigated swarnabhasma was prepared by repeated incinerations of Au-Hg-Lemon juice amalgamation and sulphur. The bhasma was tested by all traditional tests of rasashastra. It was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), Field Emission Transmission Electron Microscopy (FE-TEM), Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES), Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and gravimetric analysis. RESULTS: Traditional tests of rasashastra were complied by the sample. XRD confirms that swarnabhasma consists of principally pure gold at nanoscale. FE-SEM showed agglomerated particles. FE-TEM showed that swarnabhasma contains highly crystalline nanostructured gold comprised with spherical gold nanoparticles of size, 5-20 nm. ICP-AES exhibited absolute absence of Hg and presence of Au, Si, Ag, Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Sr, Ti, and Zn. EDXRF confirmed the absence of mercury and confirmed the presence of Au, Si, Zr, Nb, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, and Ni. FTIR confirmed presence of water molecules adsorbed over surface of bhasma. Gravimetric analysis confirmed presence of 95% gold. CONCLUSION: Nano-structuring of gold enhances the surface area as well as activity. The present investigation shows that the entire process from rasashastra confers the unique nanostructure to gold and same is responsible for its medicinal potential. This nanomedicine is highly stable, which is specified as niruttha and apunarbhava in rasashastra.

Biotite-Calx Based Traditional Indian Medicine Sahastraputi-Abhrak-Bhasma Prophylactically Mitigates Allergic Airway Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Asthma by Amending Cytokine Responses.

PURPOSE: Asthma is a heterogeneous airway inflammatory disease with limited therapeutic options. Traditional medicine is extensively used for treating various ailments including asthma. Sahastraputi-Abhrak-Bhasma (SPAB) is a biotite-calx based Indian medicine. METHODS: We have tested for the anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic properties of SPAB, using a mouse model of ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma in-vivo and cell-based assays in-vitro. Histological analysis, qPCR and ELISA were performed to assess the pathology. SEM, EDX and XRD-analysis were performed to characterize the SPAB particles. RESULTS: SEM, EDX and XRD-analysis identified the presence of SPAB particle of 100 nm-~1µm diameter and contains annite-1M, aluminium silicate, kyanite, aluminium oxide, magnesium silicate, and maghemite in the samples. Ova-challenge resulted in severe inflammatory responses, airway remodelling and increased oxidative burden in lungs. Importantly, prophylactic treatment with SPAB significantly attenuated allergen induced leukocyte infiltration specifically eosinophils, lymphocytes, macrophages and neutrophils in BALF. Ova-induced mucus hypersecretion, peri-bronchial collagen deposition, inflammatory cell infiltration and bronchial epithelial thickening were significantly abrogated upon SPAB treatment. qPCR and ELISA analysis identified that allergen induced increases in IL-5, IL-13, IL-33, IFN-γ and IL-1ß cytokines mRNA in whole lungs and the levels of IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α proteins in BALF were significantly attenuated upon oral SPAB treatment. SPAB restored allergen induced decreases in anti-oxidant markers in lungs. In-vitro, SPAB attenuated the secretion of IL-6, and TNF-α from human bronchial epithelial cells and modestly inhibited NF-kB/AP-1 pathway in HEK cells. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results experimentally validated the prophylactic ameliorative potential of the Indian classical medicine Sahastraputi-Abhrak-Bhasma against asthma associated airway inflammation.

Prospective Application of Nanoparticles Green Synthesized Using Medicinal Plant Extracts as Novel Nanomedicines.

The use of medicinal plants in green synthesis of metal nanoparticles is increasing day by day. A simple search for the keywords "green synthesis" and "nanoparticles" yields more than 33,000 articles in Scopus. As of August 10, 2021, more than 4000 articles have been published in 2021 alone. Besides demonstrating the ease and environmental-friendly route of synthesizing nanomaterials, many studies report the superior pharmacological properties of green synthesized nanoparticles compared to those synthesized by other methods. This is probably due to the fact that bioactive molecules are entrapped on the surface of these nanoparticles. On the other hand, recent studies have confirmed the nano-dimension and biocompatibility of metal ash (Bhasma) preparations, which are commonly macerated with biological products and administered for the treatment of various diseases in Indian medicine since ancient times. This perspective article argues for the prospective medical application of green nanoparticles in the light of Bhasma.

A study on toxicity and anti-hyperglycemic effects of Abhrak Bhasma in rats.

BACKGROUND: Abhrak bhasma (AB) is widely used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM); however, no scientific study is reported till date on its efficacy and safety to prove it's pharmacological effects. Streptozotocin (STZ) is a gulcosamine-nitrosourea complex produced by Streptomyces achromogenes, which particularly induces DNA strand breakage in pancreatic ß-cells causing DM. The damage caused by STZ to pancreatic ß-cells is coupled with insulin release in the initial stage, subsequently leading to hyperglycemia owing to insulin deficiency. OBJECTIVE(S): In the present study, the safety and effectiveness of AB was evaluated by invivo acute and sub-acute toxicity study and STZ-induced hyperglycemic activity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acute oral toxicity assessed as per OECD 425 guidelines by employing up-down procedure (UDP), sub-acute toxicity as per OECD-407 guidelines and anti-hyperglycemic activity using STZ method. The anti-hyperglycemic potential of AB in rats (40, 80, and 160 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) was evaluated by determining the body weight, blood glucose, organ weight, lipid profile, and histo-morphological and histo-pathological investigations. RESULTS: The highest tolerated dose of AB was 2000 mg/kg b.w., and sub-acute toxicity of different AB doses showed no significant variation, when compared with the control. Interestingly, a noteworthy reduction in blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides levels were observed in AB-treated diabetic rats, along with a considerable increase in body weight, when compared with those noted in the disease control and normal control. CONCLUSION: Effectiveness of AB as a potential safe and potent candidate for the treatment of diabetes was revealed as compared to the standard drug Metformin by STZ-induced method.

Physicochemical Variation in Nanogold-Based Ayurved Medicine Suvarna Bhasma Produced by Various Manufacturers Lead to Different In Vivo Bioaccumulation Profiles.

Suvarna Bhasma (SB) is a gold particle-based medicine that is used in Ayurved to treat tuberculosis, arthritis and nervous diseases. Traditionally, the Ayurved preparation processes of SB do exist, but they are all long, tedious and involve several steps. Due to this, there is a possibility of bypassing the necessary Ayurved processes or non-adherence to all steps or use of synthetic gold particles. Our aim is to characterize 5 commercial SB preparations from 5 different manufacturers. A comparative physicochemical, pharmacokinetic (PK) and bioaccumulation study was carried out on all the 5 SB preparations. The general appearance such as color and texture of these 5 samples were different from each other. The size, shape and gold concentration (from 32-98 wt%) varied among all the 5 SBs. The accumulation of ionic gold in zebrafish and gold concentration profiles in rat blood were found to be significantly different for all the 5 SBs. Non-compartmental PK model obtained from the concentration-time profile showed significant differences in various PK parameters such as peak concentration (Cmax), half-life (t1/2) and terminal elimination slope (λz) for all the 5 SB preparations. SB-B showed the highest Cmax (8.55 µg/L), whereas SB-D showed the lowest Cmax (4.66 µg/L). The dissolution of ionic gold from SBs in zebrafish tissue after the oral dose had a 5.5-fold difference between the highest and lowest ionic gold concentrations. All the 5 samples showed distinct physicochemical and biological properties. Based on characteristic microscopic morphology, it was found that 2 preparations among them were suspected of being manufactured by non-adherence to the mentioned Ayurved references.

Ayurvedic metal nanoparticles could be novel antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The pandemic COVID-19 has affected more than seventy million people globally. The whole world is eagerly waiting for an effective antiviral therapy to combat COVID-19, but it is yet to get. The emergence of COVID-19 makes imperative the need for safe and potent antiviral drugs. Many metal nanoparticles exhibit significant antiviral potential against many viral diseases. The Ayurvedic system of medicine is the treasure of many metal nanoparticulate drugs termed as Bhasma. RECENT FINDINGS: Gold, silver, copper, zinc and iron oxide nanoparticles are effective against coronavirus. A possible mechanism of action of the metal nanoparticles against coronavirus is a disruption of outer layers of coronavirus. Swarna Bhasma, Rajata Bhasma, Tamra Bhasma and Yashada Bhasma are recommended for COVID-19 treatment due to the ability to reduce the plasma interleukins, interferons and TNFα levels. SUMMARY: The Ayurvedic Bhasma preparations are unique metal nanoparticles. These metal nanoparticles are safe, stable in solid state and are having excellent biological activities. Ayurvedic metal nanoparticles, Swarna Bhasma, Rajata Bhasma, Tamra Bhasma and Yashada Bhasma could be proved as novel antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2 for their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiviral and adjuvant activities.

Nanoparticles of biotite mica as KrishnaVajraAbhraka Bhasma: synthesis and characterization.

BACKGROUND: Bio-inorganic nanoparticles or metal nanoparticles are used in medicine for diagnostic and treatment purposes. The nanomedicines from traditional Ayurvedic system are termed as bhasma. Rasashastra, the branch of inorganic medicines of Ayurveda, has documented monographs of metal-mineral bhasmas as potent drugs. However there is lack of scientific analytical data of the end products. OBJECTIVES: Present study was aimed at finding out the morphological, structural, elemental and chemical composition of the Krishna vajra abhraka bhasma (KVB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bhasma of KVB (Biotite Mica) was prepared in our laboratory using biotite mica sheets befitting selection criteria and carrying out further processes with strict SOPs as per AFI. RESULTS: The bhasma complied with the confirmatory tests from Rasashastra. The physical and physicochemical tests correlate with the results obtained by instrumental analytical methods. SEM revealed square shaped nanoparticles of mean size of 92.3 nm. EDAX showed presence of Si, Mg, O, Fe, Ca, Na, C, K and Al. XRD revealed the crystalline nature of bhasma with mixture of various individual oxides and spinel shape of the crystal. DLS showed that the nanoparticles are unimodal in nature. FTIR and NMR showed the organic functional groups obtained from cow milk and selected herbs, indicating unique bio-inorganic nature of the KVB. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic potential imparted to the formulation could be due to the cow milk and specific herbs utilized during the manufacturing process.