"Comparative bioavailability of standardized Ayurvedic Lauha Bhasma"
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Standardization and bioavailability of ayurvedic drug lauha bhasma- part –ii comparative bioavailability studies
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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P.R.P. Verma, C.M Prasad
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Standardization and bioavailability of ayurvedic drug lauha bhasma- part –ii comparative bioavailability studies
Year: 1995
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the standardization and bioavailability of the Ayurvedic iron preparation, Lauha Bhasma, comparing its efficacy in increasing hemoglobin content to that of the allopathic iron supplement, ferrous sulfate. After conducting qualitative and quantitative analyses, in vivo experiments were performed on healthy male rabbits with induced iron deficiency anemia. Different formulations of Lauha Bhasma and ferrous sulfate were administered to observe their effects on hemoglobin levels, monitored spectrophotometrically. The findings indicated that Ayurvedic formulations significantly enhanced hemoglobin content compared to ferrous sulfate.
Particle Size and Dissolution Rate
One crucial concept emerging from the study is the relationship between particle size, dissolution rate, and bioavailability of iron preparations. The research noted that the Sahastraputti variant of Lauha Bhasma, which had a finer particle size, displayed a significantly greater increase in hemoglobin content compared to the other formulations. This can be attributed to the higher specific surface area of finer particles, leading to faster dissolution rates and improved bioavailability. Conversely, the coarser particles in the ordinary and Satputti formulations resulted in lower bioavailability, corroborating earlier findings that support smaller particles' efficacy in iron absorption.
Conclusion
The results of the comparative bioavailability studies reveal that the Ayurvedic preparations, particularly Sahastraputti Lauha Bhasma, outperform ferrous sulfate in enhancing hemoglobin levels among the test subjects. While Lauha Bhasma offers a viable alternative to conventional iron supplements, the efficacy appears to be influenced significantly by the particle size and dissolution characteristics of the formulations. This study supports the assertion that Ayurvedic iron preparations can be considered effective therapeutic options, providing a promising perspective on integrating traditional medicine with modern scientific standards.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the purpose of the study on Lauha Bhasma?
The study aimed to compare the bioavailability and effectiveness of Ayurvedic iron preparation Lauha Bhasma with the allopathic iron supplement ferrous sulphate in increasing haemoglobin levels in anaemic rabbits.
How was anaemia induced in the study rabbits?
Anaemia was induced by feeding healthy adult male rabbits a synthetic diet and providing only double distilled iron-free water until their haemoglobin levels dropped to 6-9 g/dl.
What were the significant findings regarding Lauha Bhasma?
The study found that the Ayurvedic formulations, especially Lauha Bhasma Sahastraputti, significantly increased the haemoglobin content compared to the ferrous sulphate sample, suggesting better gastrointestinal absorption.
What methodology was employed to measure haemoglobin content?
The spectrophotometric cyanomethaemoglobin method was used to measure haemoglobin content accurately and reproducibly, ensuring complete conversion of haemoglobin before analysis.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “"Comparative bioavailability of standardized Ayurvedic Lauha Bhasma"”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Bhasma refers to the incinerated ash prepared from metals in Ayurvedic medicine. This traditional process is believed to enhance metal's medicinal properties, making it more bioavailable for absorption in the body. The study specifically examines Lauha Bhasma, an iron preparation, for its effectiveness in increasing haemoglobin levels compared to ferrous sulfate.
2) Lauha:
Lauha is the Sanskrit term for iron in Ayurvedic medical texts. In this study, Lauha is part of Lauha Bhasma, showcasing the historical and cultural significance of iron in ancient medicine. The focus is on its biochemical properties and health benefits, particularly concerning iron deficiency and related conditions.
3) Lauhabhasma (Lauha-bhasma):
Lauha-bhasma signifies iron prepared through a specific Ayurvedic process that ensures its safety and efficacy. It conveys a holistic approach, emphasizing both the preparation method and the intended therapeutic benefit. The study aims to evaluate its bioavailability and effectiveness in increasing haemoglobin content compared to conventional iron supplements.
4) Blood:
Blood serves as a vital fluid in the body, transporting nutrients and oxygen while removing waste products. The significance in this research lies in measuring haemoglobin levels within the blood, which directly reflects the effectiveness of the administered iron preparations, highlighting the biological response to dietary iron supplementation.
5) Diet:
The term 'diet' in this context refers to the controlled feeding regimen designed to induce iron deficiency anemia in the study's rabbit subjects. The diet's formulation, devoid of iron, was critical to establishing baseline conditions for comparing the efficacy of Lauha Bhasma and ferrous sulfate in restoring haemoglobin levels.
6) Drug:
In this context, 'drug' refers to the medicinal substances being studied, notably Lauha Bhasma and ferrous sulfate. The research aims to evaluate their pharmacological effects, bioavailability, and relative effectiveness in treating anemia, contributing to a broader understanding of Ayurvedic versus allopathic treatments.
7) Science (Scientific):
Science in this research context embodies the systematic study of the biochemical and physiological effects of iron preparations. It emphasizes the use of controlled experiments, statistical evaluations, and methodologies to draw conclusions about the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic drugs compared to their conventional counterparts.
8) Discussion:
The discussion section analyzes and interprets the data obtained. It connects experimental results to theoretical frameworks and prior research, elucidating the significance of findings, such as the superior effects of certain formulations of Lauha Bhasma over traditional ferrous sulfate, and explores the implications for future Ayurvedic research.
9) Water:
Water in the study is significant as the carrier medium for diluting blood samples for haemoglobin content analysis. Double distilled iron-free water was specifically used to eliminate extraneous variables, ensuring accurate measurements of iron absorption and subsequent effects on blood composition post-supplementation.
10) Pandu (Pāṇḍu, Paṇḍu, Pandū, Pamdu, Pamde):
Dr. H.C. Pande, mentioned in the acknowledgment section, played a pivotal role in providing financial assistance for the research. His involvement underscores the collaborative efforts within academic environments that support scientific studies, highlighting the importance of mentorship and institutional backing in advancing research efforts.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘"Comparative bioavailability of standardized Ayurvedic Lauha Bhasma"’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Lauhabhasma, Haemoglobin content, T-test, Iron Deficiency Anaemia, Ancient Science of life, Spectrophotometric method, Bioavailability studies, Specific surface area.