Synthesis and characterization of Vanga bhasma.

BACKGROUND: Bhasmas are unique Ayurvedic organometallic preparations used for medicinal purpose. Quality of bhasma depends upon quality of starting materials, processing ingredients, meticulous trituration and heating cycle. In Ayurveda, Vanga bhasma is traditional Indian medicine which is an organometallic preparation treated with plant extract. It is especially used in the treatments of diseases related to gastrointestinal tract and genitor urinary system. However detailed characterization studies after synthesis are important which shows authenticity of product. OBJECTIVE: The present study deals with the preparation of Vanga bhasma according to the procedure mentioned in the Ayurvedic literature. Synthesized bhasma was characterized by various analytical techniques and also compared with commercial sample. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Different steps involved in synthesis of Vanga bhasma include shodhan (purification/detoxification), jaran (heating and stirring), bhavan (levigation) and maran (incineration). Bhasma was incinerated (maran process) by traditional method of heating as well as using muffle furnace. These two products obtained from Maran (incineration) and commercial sample were analyzed for quality control checks, on the parameters described in Ayurvedic texts as well as modern techniques such as TEM, SEM, EDX, XRD, DLS and FTIR were done to find out the nature and form of the drug prepared. The in vitro gastric and gastrointestinal (pancreatic) bioaccessibility of Bhasma were also determined. RESULTS: The study reveals that the synthesized Bhasma was converted into its nontoxic oxide form and had a highly reduced particle size observed from SEM images. These studies reveal that Vanga Bhasma prepared by traditional method of heating (Sn1) has 50% nanoparticles (150-300 nm range) that prepared by using electric muffle furnace (Sn2) has 100% nanoparticles (50-100 nm range) while commercial samples (Sn3) has 50% nanoparticles (100-300 nm range). CONCLUSION: The study confirmed the formation of organometallic compound (SnO2) at the end of the manufacturing process. The percentage bioaccessibility for gastrointestinal digestion is more than the gastric digestion. Hence, it is concluded that Vanga Bhasma can be useful nanomedicine.

Application of Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Methods for Chemical Characterization of an Ayurvedic Herbo-Mineral Preparation: Maha Yograja Guggulu.

Rasa Shastra is an exclusive branch of ayurveda that uses processed metals and minerals in various combinations. Though the formulations are time tested, safety and quality concerns are being raised since the past two decades. In view of this, it becomes mandatory to generate quality control profiles of such formulations by following available parameters. Considering this, we attempted to develop standard manufacturing procedures of Maha Yogaraja Guggulu and generate preliminary physicochemical profiles using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography. The results from high-performance thin-layer chromatography revealed presence of organic constituents from plant material. X-ray diffraction indicated that the prepared drug contained cinnabar (mercury sulfide; Rasa sindhura), cassiterite (tin oxide; Vanga bhasma), litharge (lead oxide; Naga bhasma), and iron dioxide and magnetite (di-iron oxide; Loha and Mandura bhasma). The observations of the present study are preliminary and first of its kind that may be considered as baseline data for future studies.

Repeated dose oral toxicity of Trivanga Bhasma in Swiss albino mice.

Trivanga Bhasma, a metallic preparation containing Bhasmas of Naga (lead), Vanga (tin) and Yashada (zinc), was studied for repeated dose toxicity in Swiss albino mice to estimate No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) or No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL). A total of 80 Swiss albino mice of either sex with an average body weight of 28-30 g were equally divided into four groups (Group I, II, III, and IV). Group I served as control and was given vehicle (honey: water in 2:3 ratio) Group II, III, and IV received Trivanga Bhasma @ 7.8, 39.5,and 78 mg/kg body weight for 90 consecutive days. The effect of drug was assessed on body weight, feed and water consumption changes, hematological, and histopathological parameters. At the end of the study, all animals were sacrificed and examined for gross pathological changes. Histopathological evaluation was performed for control and high dose group. Trivanga Bhasma was found to be safe. No significant clinical signs were noted in all groups studied. No major alterations were observed during histopathological evaluation. Hence, dose rate of 78 mg/kg body weight was established as NOAEL. It is suggested to carry out a toxicity study at possible higher doses and in a different species so as to establish target organ of toxicity.

Pharmaceutical standardization of Svarna vanga.

BACKGROUND: Kupipakva Rasayana is a category of Rasausadhis (herbomineral medicines) prepared by unique pharmaceutical process explained in Rasasastra. Svarna Vanga (SV) is one such medicament indicated mainly in diseases such as Madhumeha (diabetes mellitus), Svasa (respiratory disorders), Pradara (menorrhagia), and as a Vrsya (aphrodisiac). AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to establish the standard manufacturing process for SV and analyze its organoleptic and physicochemical properties. DESIGN: Pharmaceutical standardization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sodhita Vanga was melted and triturated with purified Parada (mercury) to form an amalgam. The amalgam so formed was mixed with Saindhava Lavana and levigated with Nimbu Svarasa (Citrus medica Var.) and washed until blackness of the mixture disappeared. On drying, suddha Gandhaka (Sulfur) and Navasadara (Ammonium chloride) were added and ground into a fine powder. The powder thus formed was filled in the Kupi and processed in an electrical muffle furnace for 18 h. On cooling, the product formed at the bottom of the Kupi was collected. Organoleptic and physicochemical parameters of SV were analyzed and tabulated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: SV is a Talastha Kupipakva Rasayana. It requires Mrdu (<250 C) and Madhyama Agni (250-500 C) for a period of 9 h each to prepare SV with 42.9% yield and having 63.2 and 34.4% tin and sulfur, respectively.

Vanga Bhasma and its XRD analysis.

Bhasmas are potent Ayurvedic medicaments, biologically active and powerful healing preparations in all aspects. Properly prepared Bhasmas have not reported any serious untoward effects in clinical practice. Vanga Bhasma is an effective Ayurvedic medicine among various Bhasmas which are classically explained and advised specially in genitourinary disorders. XRD peaks of Vanga Bhasma are identified to be as Tindioxide (SnO(2)).

Chemistry of kupipakwa rasayanas - a review.

Kupipakwa Rasayanas are very popular and commonly prescribed preparations among the Ayurvedic physicians, and are looked upon as panacea. These are prepared in a specially designed glass bottle by gradual heating immersion in sand bath (Valuka Yantra). Particular chemical processes are involved in these preparations which also bear testimony to the great chemical knowledge prevailing in ancient India. In the present review, the probable chemistry of Kupipakwa Rasayanas has been discussed.

Study on the vrsya property (testicular regenerative potential) of vanga bhasma.

Vanga bhasma, a popular Ayurvedic Medicine is prepared from Tin metal. This drug is claimed to have 'Sukrala' (Semenaugmentator), 'vrsya' (good for testis) properties in the literature and is widely in vogue for genito - urinary disorders in Ayurvedic practice. An experimental evaluation of the claim has been undertaken and the results have been presented in this paper. The drug in reference is found to have testicular regenerative potential on cadmium induced testicular degeneration in albino tats, when administered orally. This effect on 'Sukravaha Srotomula' (testis) appears to corroborate "Sukrala" and "Vrsya" properties attributed to the drug in Ayuredic literature.