Swarna Bhasma Research Articles

Origin, occurrence, pharmaceutical, analytical, and various pharmacological studies on Swarna bhasma (~incinerated gold ash): A synoptic review

Swarna (~gold) is categorized under the Sara loha varga (~noble metals) and is said to be superior to all other metals. Almost all ancient Ayurveda classics have indicated the therapeutic utilities of Swarna. However, compiled information on various aspects of this metal is not available, considering which, an attempt has been made to screen and compile information from available literature. The data have been compiled from different Ayurveda classical texts. Research articles published on Swarna bhasma (~incinerated gold ash) have also been referred for information. This precious metal is advocated to be used in therapeutics after converting it into fine powders through processing specified classical pharmaceutical procedures. The published information reiterated the therapeutic applications of Swarna bhasma referred in the classical literature. Swarna bhasma exhibited anticataleptic, antidepressant, antianxiety, antioxidant, antiarthritic, and antiangiogenic properties. It has shown significant effects on memory enhancing and improving learning abilities too.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SWARNAPRASHAN PREPARED FROM BRAHMI GHRITA AND PANCHGAVYA GHRITA ON IMMUNOMODULATION & PHYSICAL GROWTH IN CHILDREN

Introduction: Ayurveda, the comprehensive Indian system of medicine, has devised a novel approach for boosting overall immunity and thereby assisting the child in resisting and fighting sickness. Administration of processed gold to children is unique practice described as Swarnaprashan in the Kashyap Samhita for improving intellect, digestion, metabolism, physical strength, and immunity. The study was aimed to compare the effect of Swarnaprashan prepared from Brahmi Ghrita and Panchgavya Ghrita on immunomodulation and physical growth in children. Materials and Methods: In total 46 children seeking prevention from recurrent seasonal disorders of 0 to 8 years age of both sexes were randomly selected from OPD & IPD of Hospital of University Postgraduate Institute of Ayurveda Studies & Research, Dr. S.R. Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. Out of them, six children were drop out during study. Therefore, study was completed on 40 children. They were divided into two groups of 20 each. Group A: Swarnaprashan prepared from Brahmi Ghrita was given to 20 patients. Group B: Swarnaprashan prepared from Panchgavya Ghrita was given to 20 patients. Dose of Swarna Bhasma and Swarnaprashan in children were calculated according to young formula and administered in drops form for a duration of 45 days. Results: The percentage relief for study group A subjects were 66.65% and the relief for group B was 55.67%. The statistical analysis of the same showed that the improvements in both groups were highly significant. Discussion Swarnaprashan used in the above study was in a modified form that contained Swarna Bhasma, ghrita, and honey, along with some herbs showing nootropic, immune-modulatory, adaptogenic and rejuvenator activity. Conclusion: Swarnaprashan prepared from Brahmi ghrita showed a significant result over Swarnaprashan prepared from Panchgavya ghrita on various assessment parameters. However, Swarnaprashan did not elicit any remarkable changes on anthropometry parameters.

Application of Ayurvedic Bhasma for the Treatment of Cancer

ABSTRACT The application of Ayurvedic Bhasma in cancer treatment has garnered increasing interest due to its potential as an alternative therapeutic approach. Bhasma, a herbo-mineral formulation that consists of bioactive nanoparticles used in traditional Indian medicine, has shown promising preclinical evidence for its anticancer properties. Ayurveda, an ancient medicine system practiced in the Indian subcontinent, has successfully used various formulations to prevent or treat arbuda, which can be correlated with cancer. These formulations include Swarna Bhasma, Heerak Bhasma, Abhrak Bhasma, Manikya Bhasma, Yashada Bhasma, and many more. Using Ayurvedic medicines, the side effects of chemotherapy can be minimized, thereby increasing the life span of patients. With the advent of nanotechnology, traditional drug design and delivery are being looked upon in a completely new perspective. The anticancer activity of certain Bhasma is attributed to the presence of metallic nanoparticle content, enhancing its bioavailability and targeted action on cancer cells. In preclinical studies, some Bhasmas have demonstrated potential in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing tumor growth. However, at the same time, limitations in the use of Bhasma for cancer treatment, such as the lack of standardized synthesis processes and documented scientific validation, have also been acknowledged. The multifaceted analysis presented underscores the need for rigorous research, including clinical trials, to validate the safety, efficacy, and specific applications of Bhasma in different cancer types and stages. Although the health-beneficial effects of these Bhasmas have been known for a long time, their mechanism of action is not clearly understood yet at least for some Bhasmas that have shown potential in clinical trials. Therefore, further detailed studies are needed to understand the therapeutic mode of action for different Bhasma. However, despite these limitations, the integration of Ayurvedic Bhasma into cancer treatment regimens emerges as a compelling prospect, potentially yielding synergistic effects.

Comparative safety and study of Shadguna Makaradhwaja prepared from thin foils of gold and residue with Guduchi Ghana (aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia Miers.) in management of Madhumeha (type 2 diabetes): A double-blind, randomized, clinical trial

Abstract Background: Diabetes turns out to be an intense worldwide public health problem. Makaradhwaja is in practice for the treatment of Madhumeha (diabetes mellitus) due to its Pramehaghna (antidiabetic) and Rasayana (immunomodulatory and rejuvenating) properties with the number of preclinical and clinical trials in diabetes. The present study was carried out to compare the efficacy of Shadguna Makaradhwaja prepared from (Varkha) thin foils of gold (SM-V) and Shadguna Makaradhwaja prepared from Apakwa Talastha Swarna Bhasma (residue of gold remained at the bottom of glass bottle during Kupipakwa) (SM-R) with Guduchi Ghana (GG) (aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia Miers) in type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 82 patients of type 2 diabetes were treated with SM-V with GG (250 mg) and SM-R with GG (250 mg) twice daily before food with honey for 28 days. The assessment of changes observed in hemogram, blood glucose, lipid profile, hepatic, renal profile, and clinical symptoms was carried out. Results: After 28 days of medication, fasting blood glucose level decreased significantly in SM-R, whereas postprandial blood glucose level significantly decreased in SM-V treated group. A significant improvement in subjective parameters and reduction in blood and urine sugar was noted with baseline. Hemogram and hepatic and renal function profiles (safety parameters) in both groups were not significantly different from the baseline. No adverse events were reported during the study period. Conclusion: SM-V, along with GG, is more effective in comparison with SM-R, thereby improving the quality of life of patients along with significant glycemic control and free from any untoward effect. Makaradhwaja can be used as an effective drug for diabetes.

AN OPEN-LABELLED CLINICAL TRIAL ON SWARNA PRASHAN AT SPARSH HOSPITAL, PATTANKODOLI

In Ayurveda administration of the gold particles in children’s is considered to be a unique practice termed as Swarna Prashana (SP). The main ingredients include Swarna Bhasma, Goghrita, Honey and other herbal drugs which are useful in enhancing intellectual property. For the past several decades, clinical practices proved that SP has better Immunomodulatory effect by activating both cellular and humeral immunity. Aim: The Present trial was conducted to evaluate and document the effect of Swarna Prashana on children with respect to improvement in general health status and immunity at Swarna Hospital, Pattankodoli. Methodology: The trial was Open label, Prospective and Observational study in 23 children between the age group of 4 months to 60 months, regular follow-ups were taken on 0th, 180th day and 360th day and assessed on the basis of specially prepared Immune status questionnaires and illness dairy. Result: As parameters were ordinal in nature, “Wilcoxon Signed Rank test” is used for intra-group comparison and results were analysed and on 0th, 180th day and 360th day it has shown significant reduction in Illness Dairy. In same way it has also shown significant results in immune status of the child. Conclusion: Swarna Prashana has a unique immune enhancing property along with improvement in general health status and intellectual health.

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

The male reproductive system undergoes several adverse age-related changes like decreased hormone synthesis, sperm count, and testicular alteration that can impact on fertility. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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.

A Critical Review on Hemagarbha Pottali : An Effective Ayurveda Formulation

One of the most significant branches of Ayurveda is Rasa Sastra, which deals with pharmaceutical preparations made from minerals and plants, such as Kharliya rasayana, Parpati rasayana, Kupipakva rasayana, and Pottali rasayana. One form of Rasa aushadhi, commonly referred to as emergency medicine, is Pottali Rasayana. There are various ways to prepare Pottali Rasayana. Pottali Kalpana is made in a way that is extremely different from other dosage forms, and it offers advantages including a tiny dose, a high potency, ease of handling, and a long shelf life. The specific technique is developed for potentiating the constituents and forming a complex with high therapeutic efficacy. The primary ingredients used in Hemagarbha Pottali Rasa are Suddha Parad, Suddha Gandhak, Tamra Bhasma, and Swarna Bhasma, which is combined with Kumari Swarasa to produce a compact form.

Immunomodulator Effect of Swarna Prashana(Oral Administration of Gold as Electuary) -A Conceptual Study

Swarna Prashana(the oral administration of gold as an electuary) is a unique Ayurvedic treatment in the field of children. The canonical textbook of Kaumarabhritya(paediatrics), Kashyapa Samhita, illustrates this unusual formulation in the setting of Lehana (licking procedure by electuary). It has been explained that gold should be triturated with water, honey, and Ghrita on a pre-washed and clean stone facing east, and the semisolid concoction should be presented to the Shishu/infant. Swarna has been used in a variety of forms and doses throughout history, including raw gold, pure metal, gold foils, red colloidal solution, Swarna Patra, Swarna Parpati, and Bhasma,to name a few.Swarnaprashana is a practise in which Swarna and herbs are given to children orally in the form of a liquid, semi-solid, or paste. Madhu + Ghrita + Abharak bhasma + Swarna Bhasma + Swarnamakshik bhasma + Brahmi Churna + Kantakari +Shankhpushpi +Haritaki +Haridra + Kootha are the constituents of Swarna prashana. In Present Conceptual study describe the Immunomodulator effect of Swarna Prashanain detail according to Ayurveda.

A comparative study on anti-microbial efficacies of biologically synthesized nano gold using Bos taurus indicus urine with pharmaceutical drug sample

Gold nanoparticles are synthesized by reducing Au ions using the liquid metabolic waste of Indian Gir cow (A-2) urine. Various bio-molecules present in cow urine are effectively used to reduce gold ions to gold nanoparticles in a single step. The synthesized nanomaterials were characterized using advanced characterizations which ensures the formation of gold in nano form. We characterized the commercially available Ayurvedic medicine Swarna Bhasma which contains nano-gold synthesized according to ancient Indian literature. The synthesized bio-inspired AuNPs show potential antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Then the biological activity of these two samples was comparatively studied.

Studying the Ethno-Pharmacological Basis of Antiepileptic Activity of Medhya Rasayanas- A Nootropic Package From Ayurveda

: Ayurveda prescribes the use of Medhya Rasayanas for the prevention and management of brain disorders like Epilepsy, Schizophrenia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s diseases. Medhya Rasayanas are a group of nootropic herbs which improves cognition, memory, intelligence, creativity, learning skills and executive functions. Additionally, these supplements also boost immunity. These herbs have intrinsic nature to exert these effects on the human brain. This review is an attempt to study and correlate the ethno-pharmacological basis of Medhya Rasayanas with their Antiepileptic potential. In epilepsy, Medhya Rasayanas either alone or in combination are prescribed to manage epileptic patients in Ayurveda. These herbs are time tested and also possess scientifically proven pharmacological effects. In this review, detailed pharmacognostical, phytochemical and pharmacological investigation on Medhya Rasayanas like Centella asiatica, Convolvulous pluricaulis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Tinospora cordifolia, Acorus calamus, Bacopa monnieri, Celastrus paniculatus, Benincasa hispida, Nardostachys jatamansi, mineral like Swarna Bhasma (Gold Calyx) and few herbal formulations like Panchgavyaghrita, Brahmi Ghrita, Mentat, Asthamangal Ghrita, Sarasvata Churna, Sarasvata Arishta, and Samvardhan ghrita which contains Medhya Rasayanas was performed using various search engines like Google Scholar, Scopus, SciFinder, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Bentham Sciences and other online and print journals and scientific databases on medicinal plants. The rigorous review of the literature proves that each Medhya Rasayana is acting with different mechanisms of action to offer neuroprotection. The review strengthens the ethno-pharmacological claim of Medhya Rasayanas for their use in the treatment and management of Epilepsy and other brain disorders.

Classical View on Bhasma as Chief Formulation of Rasashastra: An Ayurveda Review

Minerals and metals based drugs possess important therapeutic potential and preparation of such medicines described in Rasashastra which deals with minerals and metals based formulations. The processing techniques related to the preparation of these medicines are very specific to make these drugs nontoxic and efficacious. Shodhana means purification and Marana means incineration/calcinations are main procedures associated with the preparation of Rasa- Aushdhis. Bhasmas are important preparation of this category which is considered as herbo-metallic preparation and description of Bhasma Kalpana is found in Ayurveda Samhitas during Arsha Sampradaya. These herbo-mineral/metallic formulations (Bhasma) mainly prepared by various steps of purification, grinding, mixing, heating, incineration and size reduction, etc. These drugs possess advantages of palatability, low dosing frequency, high potency, good bioavailability, optimum absorption and wide range of therapeutic spectrum. Bhasma not only used for therapeutic purpose but also advised for promoting general health and rejuvenating effects. Makshika bhasma, Swarna bhasma, Abhrak bhasma, Louha bhasma and Tamra bhasma, etc. are commonly used Bhasma preparation indicated for many pathological conditions including skin diseases, digestive ailments, sexual disorders, asthma and infections, etc.

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

Purpose of reviewThe 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 findingsGold, 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.SummaryThe 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.

Swarna Bhasma: A Hypothetical Approach to Fight against Corona Virus

Swarna Bhasma: A Hypothetical Approach to Fight against Corona Virus

Immunological, biochemical, and infant-toddler quality of life parameter-based study of Swarna Prashana (a herbo-mineral ayurveda preparation) in infants

Background: Increasing rate of emergence of newer infection, resistance to antibiotics, reoccurrence of infections, and malnutrition have created a space for an effective and safe solution of above issues to mankind. Swana Prashana is a unique concept of Indian system of medicine for improving the generalized immunity consequently helping the child to resist and fight against various infection and diseases. Aims: Study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of Swarna Prashana and Swarna Vacha Prashana in infants. Materials and Methods: A randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical study was planned in healthy infants to study the effect of Swarna Prashana in anthropometry, hematological, biochemical, immunological, and infant-toddler quality of life (ITQOL) parameters in 3 differently categorized groups namely Group A: (n = 39, Ghrita and Madhu). Group B: (n = 42, Swarna Bhasma, Ghrita and Madhu) Group C: (n = 38, Swarna Bhasma, Ghrita, Madhu and Vacha Churna). Results: The present clinical study showed statistically highly significant (P < 0.001) increase in all the anthropometrical measurements of infants all three groups. The drugs did not hamper normal growth of the infants and they did not have any additional effect on enhancing the anthropometrical values. Hematological and biological parameters did not show significant difference in comparison in all groups. The results of Renal function and liver function tests were in normal limits after completion of treatment and post treatment follow-up suggestive of safe to be administered in infants. Immunological parameters also did not show significant difference of comparison in all groups except in Group C where immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, albumin, globulin levels were increased. Group C significantly improved all the ITQOL parameters while on comparison significant difference was observed in improving the physical abilities only. Conclusion: Current study suggests Swarna Prashana as infants health promotive and morbidity preventive. Author advocates a large scale randomized double blind clinical trial for further validation of impact of Swarna Prashan as mass health-care initiative.

Physico-chemical characterization of ayurvedic swarna bhasma by using SEM, EDAX, XRD and PSA

Introduction: Swarna Bhasma (SB) is a charismatic Ayurvedic drug known for its miraculous therapeutic functions for protecting human health. Consistency in the efficacy and safety of SB has largely been attributed to its manufacturing process. The quality assurance of SB has been based on the parameters listed in ancient texts of Ayurveda, however, there is a need for machine-based, reliable and repeatable characterization methods for estimation of gold content, particle shape and size, etc. Methods: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the physico-chemical characteristics of SB manufactured by Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Bhawan Pvt. Ltd. Jhansi, India. SB was characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive-ray analysis (EDX) and Particle Size Analyzer (PSA). Results: In XRD analysis, the diffraction pattern showed the presence of four major peaks at 2θ value of 37.170, 44.350, 64.530 and 77.500, which corresponds to gold as per the International Centre for Diffraction Database (ICDD) reference. The EDX results showed high purity of gold (97.40% w/w) in the sample along with Na, Fe, Al, K, Ag and Ca in trace amounts. The mean particle size of gold is found to be 2.633 μm by PSA. The particle size by SEM is in the range of 3-4 µm. The morphological characteristics of the gold particles were spherical and mostly irregular in shape and seen to be agglomerated. Conclusion: The physico-chemical analysis of each batch of samples of SB should be carried out by the manufacturing companies, to rule out variations during manufacturing practices for ensuring its therapeutic efficacy and safety.

Using intracellular plasmonics to characterize nanomorphology in human cells

Determining the characteristics and localization of nanoparticles inside cells is crucial for nanomedicine design for cancer therapy. Hyperspectral imaging is a fast, straightforward, reliable, and accurate method to study the interactions of nanoparticles and intracellular components. With a hyperspectral image, we could collect spectral information consisting of thousands of pixels in a short time. Using hyperspectral images, in this work, we developed a label-free technique to detect nanoparticles in different regions of the cell. This technique is based on plasmonic shifts taking place during the interaction of nanoparticles with the surrounding medium. The unique optical properties of gold nanoparticles, localized surface plasmon resonance bands, are influenced by their microenvironment. The LSPR properties of nanoparticles, hence, could provide information on regions in which nanoparticles are distributed. To examine the potential of this technique for intracellular detection, we used three different types of gold nanoparticles: nanospheres, nanostars and Swarna Bhasma (SB), an Indian Ayurvedic/Sidha medicine, in A549 (human non-small cell lung cancer) and HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) cells. All three types of particles exhibited broader and longer bands once they were inside cells; however, their plasmonic shifts could change depending on the size and morphology of particles. This technique, along with dark-field images, revealed the uniform distribution of nanospheres in cells and could provide more accurate information on their intracellular microenvironment compared to the other particles. The region-dependent optical responses of nanoparticles in cells highlight the potential application of this technique for subcellular diagnosis when particles with proper size and morphology are chosen to reflect the microenvironment effects properly.

New Approaches in Breast Cancer Therapy Through Green Nanotechnology and Nano-Ayurvedic Medicine - Pre-Clinical and Pilot Human Clinical Investigations.

PurposeThe overarching objective of this investigation was to investigate the intervention of green nanotechnology to transform the ancient holistic Ayurvedic medicine scientifically credible through reproducible formulations and rigorous pre-clinical/clinical evaluations.MethodsWe provide, herein, full details: (i) on the discovery and full characterization of gold nanoparticles-based Nano Swarna Bhasma (henceforth referred to as NSB drug); (ii) In vitro anti-tumor properties of NSB drug in breast tumor cells; (iii) pre-clinical therapeutic efficacy studies of NSB drug in breast tumor bearing SCID mice through oral delivery protocols and (iv) first results of clinical translation, from mice to human breast cancer patients, through pilot human clinical trials, conducted according to the Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (abbreviated as AYUSH) regulatory guidelines of the Government of India in metastatic breast cancer patients.ResultsThe preclinical in vitro and in vivo investigations, in breast tumor bearing mice, established unequivocally that the NSB Nano-Ayurvedic medicine-gold nanoparticles-based drug is highly effective in controlling the growth of breast tumors in a dose dependent fashion in vivo. These encouraging pre-clinical results prompted us to seek permission from the Indian Government’s holistic medicine approval authority, AYUSH, for conducting clinical trials in human patients. Patients treated with the NSB drug capsules along with the “standard of care treatment” (Arm B) exhibited 100% clinical benefits when compared to patients in the treatment Arm A, thus indicating the tremendous clinical benefits of NSB drug in adjuvant therapy.ConclusionWe have succeeded in clinically translating, from mice to humans, in using proprietary combinations of gold nanoparticles and phytochemicals to develop the Nano-Ayurvedic drug: Nano Swarna Bhasma (NSB), through innovative green nanotechnology, for treating human metastatic breast cancer patients.

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.

Immunomodulatory activity of Swarna Prashana (oral administration of gold as electuary) in infants - A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background:Swarna Prashana (oral administration of gold as electuary) is a form of electuary depicted in the classics of Ayurveda under the ambit of pediatrics. A specific action on immune system has been highlighted in infants if gold is administered along with Ghrita and honey for a period of 28 days.Aim:The present trial was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of Swarna Bhasma (calcined powder), Madhu (honey) and Ghrita in infants with respect to anthropometrical, hematological and immunological parameters.Methodology:The trial was a randomized, controlled, single-blind study in 102 healthy infants allocated into trial and control groups. Trial group received a mixture of Swarna Bhasma, honey and Ghrita, while control group received a mixture of honey and Ghrita, both in drops form for a period of 4 weeks with 8 weeks follow-up. Safety was assessed on the basis of biochemical parameters and efficacy was based on the values of IgG before and after the treatment.Results:Anthropometrical and biochemical parameters did not showed any statistically significant difference between the effect of trial and control drugs, which suggested that the trial drugs did not hamper normal growth of the infants and were safe to be administered in infants. Both trial and control drugs showed statistically significant changes in IgG levels individually before and after the treatment; however, when compared between the groups, there was no significant differences. However, the number needed to treat (NNT) to assess the normalization of immunoglobulins, which is suggestive of its immunomodulatory activity, was 1 out of every 4.535 infants who received Swarna Prashana which was significant.Conclusion:Swarna Prashana did not interfere with normal growth of the infants. As evident by NNT, it showed immunomodulatory activity and was tolerated by the infants with no adverse effects during the trial or follow-up period.