Characterization of Swarna Bhasma and Swarnaprash and Determination of Antimicrobial Properties Against Gut-Pathobiont and Symbiont.

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda has a long-standing tradition of healthcare in Southeast Asia. Swarnaprash, a classical Ayurveda preparation, is commonly given as the pre-lacteal feed to neonates to prevent labor-related complications and infections. It comprises incinerated gold particles (InAuP/Swarna Bhasma), honey (Madhu), and clarified butter oil (CBO/Cow Ghrita). This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of the individual ingredients and combinations of Swarnaprash against selected neonatal gut pathobionts and symbionts. The study employed sophisticated instruments, including SEM with EDAX and X-ray diffraction analysis, to investigate the shape and structural disparities in the ingredients of Swarnaprash. The reported size of gold particles in Swarnaprash ranges from 0.6 to 9.5 µm. These particles are relatively smaller than those in Swarna Bhasma but larger than synthetic gold particles. Swarnaprash demonstrated both bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity against selected neonatal gut pathobionts, with the largest inhibition zones observed for P. aeruginosa and S. Typhi. It surpassed the individual efficacy of its components-Prash, InAuPs, honey, or CBO alone. Notably, Swarnaprash did not affect the selected beneficial gut bacteria. The results warrant further in vivo and clinical studies to explore the effects of Swarnaprash on neonatal gut flora, which would provide vital information for research in neonatal healthcare.