Ayurvedic Herbo-mineral Formulation Research Articles

A Prospective Observational Case Series of Liver Injury in Paediatric Patients Secondary to Consumption of Ayurvedic Herbomineral Formulations.

A Prospective Observational Case Series of Liver Injury in Paediatric Patients Secondary to Consumption of Ayurvedic Herbomineral Formulations.

Vasant Kusmakar Ras, an ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation prevents the development of diabetic retinopathy in rats

BackgroundDiabetic retinopathy is a slow progressing complication of diabetes mellitus with multifactorial aetiology affecting approximately 80% of diabetics worldwide. Chronic hyperglycemic milieu of Diabetes induces biochemical changes which contribute to the pathogenesis of Diabetic retinopathy. ObjectiveThe present study examined the protective effect of Vasant Kusumakar Ras, an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation, in diabetic retinopathy. Materials and MethodsDiabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg). Rats were kept without any treatment for period of three weeks for induction of Diabetic retinopathy followed by treatment with Vasant Kusumakar Ras (11.25 mg/kg, p.o) for further 5 weeks. Fasting blood glucose levels, lipid profile and HbA1c were determined. Eye tissue homogenates were subjected to biochemical analysis to determine the levels of oxidative stress parameters (superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation), vascular endothelial growth factor and aldose reductase activity. Histopathological analysis of retinal tissue was conducted using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. ResultsVasant Kusumakar Ras treatment restored serum lipid profile which was altered in diabetic rats. Treatment with Vasant Kusumakar Ras significantly ameliorated the oxidative stress in eye tissue resulting in decreased lipid peroxidation and increase in endogenous antioxidant levels. Levels of aldose reductase and vascular endothelial growth factor in eye tissue were significantly decreased in Vasant Kusumakar Ras treated rats. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining indicated that the Vasant Kusumakar Ras treatment significantly restored the normal architecture of the retinal tissue. ConclusionVasant Kusumakar Ras exhibits protective effect and prevents the development of Diabetic retinopathy through its effects on multiple biochemical pathways implicated in pathogenesis of Diabetic retinopathy.

Chemical Fingerprint by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS, GC-MS Analysis and Anti-Oxidant Activity of Manasamitra Vatakam: A Herbomineral Formulation

Background: Manasamitra Vatakam is a classical ayurvedic herbo mineral formulation used for the treatment of neurodegerative properties and epileptic disorders. The wide range mixture of herbal extracts and minerals were used in the formulation. Aim: The aim of the study implies in performing the chemo-profiling, chromatographic fingerprint analysis by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS for the selected formulations of Manasamitra Vatakam followed by the identification of bioactive compounds by Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis, to evaluate the diffusion and dilution methods for the determination of anti-bacterial activity in the methanolic extracts of Manasamitra Vatakam (MMV). Materials and Methods: The antibacterial activity was performed by both diffusion and dilution methods whereas the antioxidant activity was performed by free radical scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay method. Results: The estimation of bioactive constituents showed positive results by qualitative analysis. Antibacterial activity of MMV was evaluated against two-gram positive Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, two gram negative Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia by disk diffusion (0.078-10μg mL-1), broth dilution (0.078-10μg mL-1) and broth micro dilution method (0.39-50μg mL-1) respectively. The bioactive constituents were analysed by GC-MS analysis for the methanolic extract of the formulation. Conclusion: To conclude, the formulation was found abundant with phenolic and flavonoid compounds by HPLC-ESI-MS analysis, the bioactive compounds identified are responsible for the anti-bacterial activity. The broth microdilution method performed by resazurin method was observed as the fast screening, sensitive and accurate method for the quantitative determination of antibacterial activity.

Tissue distribution of mercury and copper after Aarogyavardhini Vati treatment in rat model of CCl4 induced chronic hepatotoxicity

BackgroundAarogyavardhini Vati is a classical Ayurvedic herbomineral formulation. It contains mercury and copper compounds as principal minerals along with other minerals and herbal ingredients. Aarogyavardhini Vati is indicated in chronic liver ailments. However, safety concerns are often raised regarding the use of mercury containing ayurvedic drugs in disease conditions due to the risk of mercury and copper toxicity. ObjectiveThis study was performed to address the safety concerns regarding mercury and copper toxicity from Ayurvedic herbomineral formulations by investigating accumulation of these minerals in tissues and subsequent toxicity in chronic hepatotoxicity rat model. Materials and methodsQuantification of mercury and copper in Aarogyavardhini Vati was done. Chronic hepatotoxicity was induced in the Wistar rats by repeated administration of CCl4 for 8 weeks. Animals were treated with Aarogyavardhini Vati for various durations. Post treatment of 8 weeks, serum biochemical marker estimations was done. Estimation of mercury and copper from the liver, kidney and brain tissues was done after animal sacrifice. Histopathology evaluation of visceral organs was also performed. ResultsTreatment with Aarogyavardhini Vati exhibited significant accumulation of mercury in the kidney but not in the brain and liver. Similarly, no significant accumulation of copper was observed in liver, kidney, and brain due to the treatment of Aarogyavardhini Vati. Serum biochemical and histopathological changes were not affected by the treatment with Aarogyavardhini Vati. ConclusionAarogyavardhini Vati did not show any biologically significant potential to cause toxicity due to its mercury and copper content when administered for prolonged duration to rats with chronic hepatotoxicity.

Clinical evaluation of an Ayurvedic Formulation in the management of Avaranajanya Madhumeha (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus)

A research plan has been developed in the present study to address the problems associated with Avaranajanya Madhumeha (type 2 diabetes). This research plan is based on the treatment methods of Ayurveda (ancient Indian medicine) and utilization of modern scientific methods as research tools. A specific ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation has been prepared in Ghansatt (solid extract) form; the selected eight herbs and one herbo-mineral have anti-hyperglycemic (PRAMEHA HARA) and antihypercholestermic (MEDOHARA) properties with rejuvenative (RASAYANA) effects as described in classical ayurvedic methods. 15 diagnosed type II diabetes mellitus patients were selected through accidental sampling. Ayurvedic formulation was prescribed to type II diabetes patients for one year along with dietary restrictions. Diabetic diagnostic parameters of these patients like Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Post Patrum Blood Sugar (PPBS), Glycocylated Hemoglobin (HbA1C) and Urine Sugar Fasting were monitored every three months; these were measured before and after intervention. The obtained data were statistically analyzed through paired t-test. There was significant reduction in FBS level, PPBS level, HbA1C level and urine fasting sugar level in type 2 diabetes patients who completed the clinical trial successfully. Thus, ayurvedic formulation treatment lead to an overall significant reduction in blood sugar and urine sugar levels in type II diabetes patients. No side effects were noted during the study period. This study suggests that the ayurvedic formulation had very good hypoglycemic effects proved by clinical improvement and bio-chemical analysis of diabetes parameters in the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Arthritic Efficacies of an Indian Traditional Herbo-Mineral Medicine "Divya Amvatari Ras" in Collagen Antibody-Induced Arthritis (CAIA) Mouse Model Through Modulation of IL-6/IL-1β/TNF-α/NFκB Signaling.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is defined as a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that causes damage to limb joints and progressive injuries to secondary organs. Medical practitioners prescribe Methotrexate (MTX) as standard care medicine for treating RA. However, the long-term application of MTX has shown to have adverse health-related effects. Divya Amvatari Ras (DAR), an Indian Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation, has been described in ancient texts to provide relief from RA inflammation associated distress. Therefore, in the present study, we explored the biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic efficacy of DAR using in vivo and in vitro disease models. Using carrageenan (CA)-stimulated Wistar rat paw edema model, we showed a reduction in inflammation-induced paw edema at human equivalent dose of DAR. Anti-rheumatic efficacy of DAR was studied using collagen-antibody cocktail (C-Ab) Induced Arthritis (CAIA) mouse model. The onset of RA in the CAIA mice was determined using parameters such as the increase in arthritis score, and induction of disease associated lesions in the ankle and knee joints, and increase in mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Treatment of CAIA animals with a human equivalent dose of DAR significantly reversed the RA-associated pathogenesis. These effects were comparable with the standard of care RA drug, MTX. DAR acted at multiple levels of inflammation associated with RA to reduce progressive pathogenesis. Animal serum biochemistry showed DAR was capable of ameliorating RA induced increase in liver enzyme Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6). In the lipopolysaccharide stimulated THP-1 cells, DAR was found to inhibit the release of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and upstream inflammatory gene regulatory protein, NFκB. The study endorsed the anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activity of the Indian Traditional herbo-mineral medicine, DAR. These results also confirm that DAR was highly biocompatible and would show minimal health-related side effects than those associated with standard of care MTX. Taken together, we show that the DAR could be utilized as a promising alternative or complementary therapy for treating rheumatoid arthritis.

Review on anti-epileptic and anxiolytic plants used in Manasamitra Vatakam: an ayurvedic herbomineral formulation

Review on anti-epileptic and anxiolytic plants used in Manasamitra Vatakam: an ayurvedic herbomineral formulation

Subacute Oral Toxicity Assessment of a Herbomineral Formulation with Shilajit, Swarna Bhasma and other Ingredients

Background: An Ayurvedic herbomineral formulation containing Shilajit, Swarna bhasma, and other ingredients intended to be used as a rejuvenator for increasing strength stamina and endurance was investigated for its subacute oral toxicity in Wistar rats. Materials and methods: The study was conducted as per the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines. Test item (TI) was administered to three groups at three dose levels (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight BW) for 28 consecutive days. Animals in one group were taken as high-dose satellite reversal along with one control group and one satellite control group that received Milli-Q water (10 mL/kg BW). Any clinical sign of toxicity/mortality was observed. Signs of delayed onset of toxicity was observed in satellite groups for the next 14 days. Results: No mortality or clinical sign of toxicity was observed. All animals from the treated and satellite groups showed similar weight gain and feeding as of control group during dosing and recovery periods. Hematological and biochemical parameters were within the range of normalcy in treated and control groups. Necropsy examination did not reveal any significant gross pathology changes. Organ weights in treated group were comparable to control group. Histopathology of high-dose-treated animals and control animals was also comparable. Conclusion: Tested formulation containing Shilajit, Swarna bhasma, and other ingredients was found to be nontoxic at tested doses in both the sexes of Wistar rats on subacute administration. Results of the current study show that TI has no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 1000 mg/kg BW on subacute oral exposure to Wistar rats for 28 days.

Effect of Navayasa Lauha, an ayurvedic herbomineral formulation on experimentally-induced iron deficiency anemia

Effect of Navayasa Lauha, an ayurvedic herbomineral formulation on experimentally-induced iron deficiency anemia

Characterization of Sahaj Vati using Infrared and UV/Vis Spectroscopy

Sahaj Vati, an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation comprising of Suddha Shilajeet, Suddha Guggul, Haridra and Chitrak, has been used for treatment of obesity. Two types of Sahaj Vati was prepared namely I and II, Sahaj Vati I was prepared by bhavana of Agnimanth kwatha to the powder of Suddha Shilajeet, Suddha Guggul, Haridra and Chitrak whereas Sahaj Vati II was prepared by dissolving the Suddha Shilajeet, Suddha Guggul in Haridra and Chitrak kwatha followed by bhavana of Agnimanth kwatha. The characterization of Suddha Shilajeet, Suddha Guggul, Haridra, Chitrak and both Sahaj Vati was carried out using infrared spectroscopy and UV/Vis-infrared study. It was observed that IR absorption peaks of both Sahaj Vati did not absolutely match with its ingredients and some peaks of ingredients were totally absent in both Sahaj Vati. It was also observed that peaks of Sahaj Vati I and II differ significantly from each other. UV/Vis spectra of both Sahaj Vati showed absorption in region of 200-700 and 200-500 nm, respectively. Thus both Sahaj Vatis have different IR and UV/Vis spectra.

Chemical Characterization of an Ayurvedic Herbo-Mineral Formulation - Vasantakusumākara Rasa: A Potential Tool for Quality Assurance.

Background:Herbo-mineral formulations of Ayurveda contain specified metals or minerals as composition, which have their beneficial effects on biological systems. These metals or minerals are transformed into non-toxic forms through meticulous procedures explained in Ayurveda. Though literature is available on quality aspects of such herbo-mineral formulations; contemporary science is raising concerns at regular intervals on such formulations. Thus, it becomes mandate to develop quality profiles of all formulations that contain metals or minerals in their composition. Considering this, it is planned to evaluate analytical profile of Vasantakusumākara Rasa.Objective:To prepare Vasantakusumākara Rasa as per Standard operating Procedures (SoP) mentioned in classical text and to characterize it chemically using modern analytical techniques.Materials and Methods:The drug (Vasantakusumākara Rasa) in three batches was prepared in GMP certified pharmacy. Physico-chemical analysis, Assay of elements and HPTLC were carried out as per API. XRD was conducted using Rigaku Ultima-IV X-ray diffractometer.Results:The analysis shown the presence of Mercury, Tin, Gold, Silver, Iron, Zinc and Calcium etc., and HPTLC revealed presence of organic constituents from plant material. The XRD indicated the presence of cinnabar (mercury sulphide from Rasa Sindhura), cassiterite (tin oxide from Vaṅga Bhasma), massicot (lead oxide from Nāga bhasma) and Magnetite (di-iron oxide from Loha bhasma).Conclusion:The physico chemical analysis reveals that VKR prepared by following classical guidelines is very effective in converting the macro elements into therapeutically effective medicines in micro form. Well prepared herbo-mineral drugs offer many advantages over plant medicines due to their longer shelf life, lesser doses, easy storing facilities, better palatability etc. The inferences and the standards laid down in this study certainly can be utilized as baseline data of standardization and QC.

Hepatoprotective evaluation of Arogyavardhini Rasa against paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats

Introduction: Liver is termed as Yakrut in ayurvedic classical literature, is one of the major organs for maintaining homeostasis, and is involved more or less with all the biochemical pathways in the body. Arogyavardhini Rasa (AVR) is one of the widely practicing ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulations in liver disorders. It has been used for the management of diverse types of Jvara (fever), Kushtha (skin disorders), Medoroga (altered lipid profiles associated with obesity), and other Yakrit vikara (liver disorders). In this study, AVR was prepared as per the 13th-century classical text Rasaratna Samuchaya. On the other hand, heavy metals causing toxicity, especially mercury present in this formulation, are an issue of concern. Aim of the Study: Hepatoprotective effects of formulation were evaluated by paracetamol (PCM)-induced liver damage in rats to substantiate the role of metal mineral in the classical AVR formulation. Materials and Methods: Effects of formulation were assessed on serum and liver tissue biochemical parameters and histopathological studies. Results: PCM produced significantly impaired the liver and kidney functions as assessed through an increase in liver and kidney marker enzymes. Arogyavardhini-treated group significantly (P = 0.05) prevented this hepatotoxicity and strongly supported by histopathological examinations that revealed AVR shows the protection of liver tissue from PCM-induced hepatotoxicity. Conclusion: The observation of the present study has stalwartly supported the hepatoprotective action of AVR against PCM-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

An impact of Mardana- A comperative study on Arogyavardhini Rasa

Background: Arogyavardhini Rasa (AVR); a Kharaliya Rasakalpa containing rasavarga dravya (metallomineral ingredients) is widely used Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation having broad spectrum therapeutic indications. Current research is first effort to scientifically document quality control parameters of this important formulation. Aim: To establish a comparative pharmaceutico - analytical profile of AVR prepared with and without its metallomineral ingredients. Materials & Methods: Arogyavardhini Rasa (AVR) and modified Arogyavardhini Rasa (MAVR) without addition of its metallomineral ingredients were prepared and investigated for Physico-chemical parameters, qualitative tests for functional groups, Chromatography, quantitative elemental analysis by ICP-AES. Results & Discussion: An average of 2500ml Swarasa was required for optimum Mardana in both formulations. HPTLC study revealed a total of 11 and 8 bands at 254nm and 366nm in each AVR and MAVR with only two similar Rf values. Samples AVR, MAVR and MAVR with addition of Rasa Dhatukajjali showed 1.5226, 0.0117 and 1.703 % of mercury respectively. Conclusion: Mardana play significant role in development of Kharaliya Rasakalpa Both the formulations showed different through physicochemical profiles and ICP-AES analysis. Differences in chromatographic fingerprinting of AVR and MAVR are suggestive of changes in chemical constituents of the formulation due to addition of metallo minerals.

Quality Control Parameters of Arogyavardhini Rasa prepared by classical method

Background: Arogyavardhini Rasa (AVR) is a well-known An Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation, indicated for treatment of broad spectrum chronic diseased conditions commonly used by physicians whose details of pharmaceutical processing are yet to document. Current research is first effort to document quality control parameters of this important formulation. Aim: To study the Pharmaceutical and physicochemical Quality Control Parameters profiles of Arogyavardhini Rasa. Materials & Method: AVR was prepared in one pilot and 3 main batches as per classical reference of Rasaratnasamucchaya. Its Physico-chemical parameters, qualitative tests for functional groups, Chromatography and quantitative elemental estimation were investigated. Results & Discussion: An average of 2500ml Swarasa was required for optimum Mardana for preparation of AVR from Avg. 506 gms of powdered Raw drugs, leading to an average yield, % yield (as that of powdered drugs) % wt gain of 605gm, 119.56%, 99 gm and 19.56% respectively. Functional groups Cardiac Glycosides, Alkaloids, Tannins and Phenols, Proteins, carbohydrates, steroids, Flavanoids, Saponins, Amino acids, Starch and Sugar were present. HPTLC study revealed a total of 11 and 8 bands at 254 nm and 366 nm in AVR. Conclusion: There is uniformity among results of observed and test parameters, among 3 batches. Pharmaceutical process, Results of pharmaceutical study, Physico-chemical tests, Presence of functional groups and HPTLC profile in present study may be considered as Standard manufacturing process of Arogyavardhini Rasa.

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.

Pharmacological investigation of an Ayurvedic formulation on testosterone propionate-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia rats

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the potenital effect of an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation in a rat model of testosterone propionate-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: Male Wistar rats weighing 180-250 g were used. The selected animals were divided into six groups where each group consisted of six animals. Experimentally BPH was developed by subcutaneous administration of testosterone propionate (3 mg/kg) dissolved in corn oil for 28 days. The tested herbo-mineral formulation was administered orally for 28 consecutive days at 90 mg/kg, once or twice daily in different groups. On 29 th day, Blood samples were collected to evaluate different parameters like blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, serum total protein, serum total cholesterol, serum albumin, serum globulin and serum A/G ratio. Prostate glands were dissected out for different prostatic parameters and histopathological examination. Results: The herbo-mineral formulation showed significant effect on urine output and different prostatic parameters. Significant changes in urine volume, prostate weight, prostate weight index, prostate length and prostate width were observed. In addition, positive effects on different biochemical parameters like BUN, serum creatinine, serum total protein, etc were recorded. The used formulation, at both dose levels, also showed significant reversal in histology of prostate glands when compared with disease control group. On the other hand, no side effects were observed according to the administered herbo-mineral formulation. Conclusion: The findings of this study concludes that Herbo-mineral formulation has promising effect on testosterone propionate-induced BPH in male wistar rats. © 2014 GESDAV

OA01.22. Quality aspect and variability observed in physico-chemical characteristics and mineral content of ayurvedic herbo mineral formulations from Indian market

Purpose: Quality aspect and variability observed in physico-chemical characteristics and mineral content of ayurvedic herbomineral formulations from indian market w.r.t brihat vat chintamani rasa. Method : Each of the selected herbomineral formulation was thoroughly investigated for the variation in packaging material, label information, analytical parameters like moisture, pH, ash and mineral content such as Iron, Mercury, Gold, Copper and Zinc which play a crucial role in increasing the bioavailability of the drug to the cell. Result : Brand A has maximum iron content of about 8.93 % w/w; Brand B has iron content of about 8.37 % w/w; Brand C has iron content of about 6.86 % w/w and Brand D has low iron content of about 3.54 % w/w. Similar is the case with other parameters. Conclusion: There are variations in quality of the drug from one brand to other. This has to be addressed through development of adequate standards for drug content, process control, monitoring misuse of label requirements. A vast majority of our country population is using indigenous herbomineral drugs for treatment and cure. If we claim that these drugs relieve patients from pain and said indications, then manufacturing and marketing of ineffective medicines is a crime in disguise. It is therefore necessary that standardisation of Ayurvedic mineral medicines should be taken up as a priority programme.

Antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant effect of hyponidd, an ayurvedic herbomineral formulation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Hyponidd is a herbomineral formulation composed of the extracts of ten medicinal plants ( Momordica charantia, Melia azadirachta, Pterocarpus marsupium, Tinospora cordifolia , Gymnema sylvestre, Enicostemma littorale, Emblica officinalis, Eugenia jambolana, Cassia auriculata and Curcuma longa). We have investigated hyponidd for its possible antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant effect in diabetic rats. Rats were rendered diabetic by streptozotocin (STZ) (45 mg kg(-1) body weight). Oral administration of hyponidd (100 mg kg(-1) and 200 mg kg(-1)) for 45 days resulted in significant lowered levels of blood glucose and significant increased levels of hepatic glycogen and total haemoglobin. An oral glucose tolerance test was also performed in experimental diabetic rats in which there was a significant improvement in blood glucose tolerance in the rats treated with hyponidd. Hyponidd administration also decreased levels of glycosylated haemoglobin, plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydroperoxides, ceruloplasmin and alpha-tocopherol in diabetic rats. Plasma reduced glutathione and vitamin C were significantly elevated by oral administration of hyponidd. The effect of hyponidd at a dose of 200 mg kg(-1) was more effective than glibenclamide (600 microg kg(-1)) in restoring the values to near normal. The results showed that hyponidd exhibits antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Chemical and pharmacological evaluation of Karpura shilajit bhasma, an ayurvedic diuretic formulation

In this present study, Karpura shilajit bhasma, an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation, currently used in the Ayurvedic clinical practice as a diuretic drug, was investigated chemically and pharmacologically. Content of iron and nitrogen were determined by volumetric analysis and content of calcium, magnesium and aluminium by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). LD50, gross behavioral studies and diuretic activity were evaluated in experimental animals. Calcium was found to be the major element (24.6044% w/w). The LD50 was found to be 4.625 g/kg p.o. body weight in mice. Karpura shilajit bhasma produced mild reduction in motor coordination and mild sedation during the first 2 h after administration at the doses of 500-5000 mg/kg p.o. in mice. The diuretic activity was found to be significant (P < 0.01) at minimum dose of 200 mg/kg p.o. in rats and dose dependant up to 1000 mg/kg p.o. Furthermore, natriuretic effect was found to be significant (P < 0.01), while no significant change was observed on urinary potassium excretion. The present study justified the use of Karpura shilajit bhasma as a diuretic drug. The results of this study could be used as a model data in the standardization of Karpura shilajit bhasma. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines Vol. 3(2) 2006: 27-36