Metallic Bhasmas: A Review on Chemical Characterization, Particle Size and Toxicity

Abstract

Bhasmas are unique metallic-herbal preparations of Indian origin, widely recommended for the treatment of chronic ailments. These intriguing formulations of metals are associated with organic macromolecules derived from the medicinal herbs. Bhasmas are often prepared by repeated incineration of metals with herbs and its extracts by alchemic processes and are taken along with honey, milk, butter, or ghee. Besides primary constituent of metals, bhasmas also contain other metals as minor constituent or in traces. Commercially available seventeen bhasmas based on Ca, Fe, Zn, Hg, Cu, As, Ag and Sn were characterized by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) for up to 20 elements. The technique involves irradiation of the sample with thermal neutrons in a nuclear reactor followed by assay of gamma activity by high-resolution gamma ray spectrometry. Concentrations of major, minor, and trace elements vary in a wide range even in bhasmas of the same primary element depending on its preparation method. C, H, and S were also found in significant amounts suggesting the possible presence of organic macromolecules that may act as ligands. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies have shown that the bhasmas as available in the market are not really nano particles contrary to claims of some literature reports. Westerners think bhasmas to be highly toxic especially those of As, Hg, and Pb, highly toxic elements. Still bhaasms of these elements are widely recommended. Clinical evidences suggest that the bhasmas taken in small doses are highly beneficial to the body system and do not cause any adverse effects. It is essential to follow quality control in the preparation of bhasmas. A review of our earlier work is also presented.