Study of loha bhasma in Rasa Ratna Samuchchaya.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Pharmaceutico-analytical study of loha bhasma as described in rasa ratna samuchchaya
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study conducted by Vikram et al. focuses on the pharmaceutico-analytical analysis of Loha Bhasma, a traditional Ayurvedic preparation known for its efficacy in treating various conditions such as Kaamala and Pandu. Loha Bhasma is created through meticulous processes including Shodana (purification) and Marana (calcination), transforming raw iron from a toxic state into a highly bio-available nanoparticle form suitable for medicinal use. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these methods and analyze the resultant Bhasma to ensure its safety and efficacy.
Importance of Shodana in Preparation
A crucial step in the preparation of Loha Bhasma is the Shodana process, which is meticulously divided into two stages: Samanya Shodana and Vishesha Shodana. During Samanya Shodana, iron fillings are sequentially heated and quenched in various media such as Kanji and Takra to facilitate the detoxification and alteration of their physical properties. Each medium induces observable changes in the iron’s characteristics, particularly in color, brittleness, and appearance. Vishesha Shodana further refines the preparation by quenching the Shodita Lohachurna (purified iron powder) in Triphala Kashaya, enhancing its bioavailability for therapeutic purposes. These processes ensure that the iron undergoes sufficient transformation to eliminate toxicity and prepare it for the subsequent Marana process.
Marana: The Calcination Process
The Marana process involves subjecting the purified iron (Shodita Loha) to a series of heating cycles known as Putas, wherein it is combined with Shudda Gandhaka (purified sulfur) and Kumari Swarasa (aloe vera juice) to create Chakrikas or pills. This stage is critical as it leads to significant physical and chemical transformations in the Loha, including changes in color and texture, indicating it has reached the desired state of a Bhasma. The study highlights that successful completion of this process results in a product that passes various quality tests (Bhasmapareeksha), confirming its readiness for medicinal application. The analysis revealed reductions in heavy metals and an increase in oxygen content, suggesting that the final product is safe for consumption and biologically accessible.
Conclusion
The comprehensive study on Loha Bhasma emphasizes that the Ayurvedic procedures of Shodana and Marana are vital for converting iron into a therapeutic form. By transforming raw iron into a fine, bio-available powder, these traditional practices ensure not only the safety and efficacy of the end product but also its effectiveness in clinical applications. With successful completion validated through analytical techniques, Loha Bhasma can be viewed as a valuable medicinal preparation, reflecting the intricate knowledge and methodologies inherent in Ayurveda. This research underscores the importance of adhering to classical methods to produce high-quality, therapeutic formulations that meet contemporary health standards.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Vikram. S
Professor and Head, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research, Karnataka
Smrithi Valsan*
Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research, Karnataka
Deepika. S
Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research, Karnataka
Swathi. R
Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research, Karnataka
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Pharmaceutico-analytical study of loha bhasma as described in rasa ratna samuchchaya
Year: 2018
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of Loha Bhasma in Ayurveda?
Loha Bhasma is significant in Ayurveda for managing conditions like Kaamala and Pandu. It is bioavailable, acting rapidly to streamline treatment and aid faster recovery in various ailments.
What processes are involved in preparing Loha Bhasma?
The preparation of Loha Bhasma involves two primary processes: Shodana, which is cleansing, and Marana, which is calcination. These processes ensure the transformation of toxic iron into a safe, fine powder, enhancing its medicinal properties.
How do researchers analyze the properties of Loha Bhasma?
Researchers analyze Loha Bhasma by conducting SEM-EDX analysis, measuring particle size and elemental composition. The findings indicate the presence of iron, oxygen, and other elements, confirming the transformation and purity of the final product.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Study of loha bhasma in Rasa Ratna Samuchchaya.”. 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) Loha:
Loha refers to iron in its raw and unrefined form. In the context of the study, Loha undergoes various processes like Shodhana and Marana to transform it into Loha Bhasma, a medicinal form that is bioavailable and used in Ayurveda.
2) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Bhasma is a fine powder obtained from metals and minerals after subjecting them to specialized procedures in Rasashastra. This form is highly bioavailable. Loha Bhasma is an end product used to treat diseases like Kaamala and Pandu due to its therapeutic properties.
3) Puta:
Puta refers to the heating process used in the preparation of Bhasmas. In this study, Loha was subjected to 20 successive Putas as part of the Marana process to obtain Loha Bhasma. The number of Putas helps determine the quality and effectiveness of the final product.
4) Marana:
Marana is a process in Rasashastra involving the repeated heating and cooling of a substance to transform it into a fine, bioavailable powder known as Bhasma. Loha Bhasma was obtained by subjecting Loha to Marana, which included 20 cycles of heating (Putas) and other steps.
5) Powder:
Powder in this context refers to the fine form of metals and minerals achieved after Marana. Loha Bhasma is a type of powder, specifically treated to be highly bioavailable. Bhasma like Loha Bhasma undergoes significant changes in particle size during production.
6) Samanya:
Samanya refers to the general process or initial stage of purification in the preparation of Bhasmas. In this study, Samanya Shodana of Loha involves repeated heating and cooling in liquid media like Kanji and Takra to remove impurities before Marana.
7) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Sodhana means purification. It is a crucial step in preparing Bhasmas. Loha underwent Samanya Shodhana and Vishesha Shodhana to remove impurities before it could be transformed into a bioavailable medicinal form, Loha Bhasma.
8) Kanji (Kamji):
Kanji is a fermented rice gruel used as a liquid medium during the Samanya Shodhana of Loha. It helps remove impurities from the iron. During Shodhana, Loha was heated and quenched in Kanji multiple times, contributing to its purification.
9) Rasashastra (Rasa-shastra, Rasasastra):
Rasashastra is a branch of Ayurveda dealing with the alchemical processes of preparing medicinal formulations using metals and minerals. It includes procedures like Shodhana and Marana to convert substances like Loha into bioavailable forms like Loha Bhasma.
10) Discussion:
Discussion in the context of this study involves analyzing the effects and observations made during the preparation of Loha Bhasma, including the changes in Loha during Shodhana and Marana and the results of analytical tests like SEM-EDX and Bhasma Pareeksha.
11) Gandhaka (Gamdhaka):
Gandhaka is sulfur, often used in combination with metals during the Marana process. In this study, equal parts of Shuddha Loha (purified iron) and Shuddha Gandhaka were triturated with Kumari swarasa and subjected to Putas to prepare Loha Bhasma.
12) Nirvapa:
Nirvapa is the quenching process used during Shodhana, where heated metals like Loha are immersed in liquid media such as Kanji or Triphala Kashaya to remove impurities. This repeated cycle enhances the purity and quality of the final Bhasma.
13) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya refers to a decoction used as a liquid medium during Shodhana. Triphala Kashaya was used in the Vishesha Shodhana of Loha. Loha was repeatedly heated and quenched in Triphala Kashaya, enhancing its purification before undergoing Marana.
14) Ratna:
Ratna in this text alludes to the Rasa Ratna Samuchchaya, an authoritative text in Rasashastra that prescribes the methods and guidelines for preparing Bhasmas. The study follows procedures described in this text for the preparation of Loha Bhasma.
15) Takra:
Takra, or buttermilk, is another liquid medium used in the Samanya Shodhana of Loha. It aids in breaking down and purifying the metal. Loha was heated and quenched in Takra, which helps remove impurities and make the metal brittle.
16) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa refers to mercury but in broader terms, it encompasses the essence of substances utilized in Rasashastra. Rasaushadis refer to medicinal formulations prepared through alchemical processes in Rasashastra, which are quick-acting and highly efficacious like Loha Bhasma.
17) Vishesha (Visesa):
Vishesha refers to a specific or secondary purification process in Bhasma preparation. After undergoing Samanya Shodhana, Loha was subjected to Vishesha Shodhana, which involved heating and quenching in Triphala Kashaya for seven cycles to further purify it.
18) Varitara:
Varitara is a Bhasma Pareeksha test to check the lightness and fineness of the Bhasma. If the Bhasma particles are light and fine enough, they float on water, indicating they are suitable for therapeutic use. Loha Bhasma passed this test after 20 Putas.
19) Sharava (Sarava):
Sharava refers to earthen saucers used during the Marana process in Bhasma preparation. Chakrikas made from triturated Loha with Gandhaka were placed in Sharavas and heated. The Sharavas help contain the material and regulate heat distribution.
20) Gomutra (Go-mutra):
Gomutra is cow urine, used as a liquid medium during Shodhana processes like Nirvapa. It helps purify metals like Loha by removing impurities. Loha was repeatedly heated and quenched in Gomutra to enhance its metallurgical properties before Marana.
21) Kumari:
Kumari or aloe vera juice was used during the Bhavana process in the Marana of Loha. Shuddha Loha and Shuddha Gandhaka were triturated with Kumari swarasa, formed into Chakrikas, and then subjected to Putas to create Loha Bhasma.
22) Triphala (Tri-phala):
Triphala is a herbal decoction made from three fruits. It is used in the Vishesha Shodhana of Loha. During this specific process, Loha is repeatedly heated and quenched in Triphala Kashaya to remove impurities and enhance its medicinal properties.
23) Medicine:
Medicine refers to therapeutic formulations and treatments derived from various substances. In Ayurveda, Bhasmas like Loha Bhasma are considered potent medicines for managing diseases due to their quick action and efficacy.
24) Bhaishajya (Bhaisajya):
Bhaishajya Kalpana is the Ayurvedic science of pharmaceutical formulation. This study was conducted in the Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, which focuses on creating medicinal formulations like Loha Bhasma through traditional methods.
25) Karnataka:
Karnataka is a state in India. The study was conducted at Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research in Karnataka, which specializes in research and education in Ayurveda and allied systems of medicine.
26) Tilataila (Tila-taila):
Tilataila is sesame oil, used as a liquid medium during the Samanya Shodhana of Loha. It helps in the purification process by removing impurities from the metal when it is repeatedly heated and quenched in the oil.
27) Kulattha:
Kulattha refers to horse gram, and its decoction, Kulattha Kwatha, was used as a liquid medium during the Shodhana of Loha. Heating and quenching Loha in Kulattha Kwatha helps in breaking down the metal and removing impurities.
28) Bhavana (Bha-vana):
Bhavana is the process of triturating substances with liquid media to facilitate a chemical reaction. During the Marana of Loha, it was triturated with Kumari swarasa for three hours before forming it into Chakrikas and subjecting it to Putas.
29) Kalpana:
Kalpana refers to the preparation methods and formulations in Ayurveda. In this study, Bhaishajya Kalpana focuses on creating effective medicinal preparations like Loha Bhasma through methods described in classical texts like the Rasa Ratna Samuchchaya.
30) Disease:
Disease refers to health conditions and ailments. Ayurveda aims to prevent and cure diseases using therapeutic formulations. Loha Bhasma, prepared through Shodhana and Marana, is used to treat conditions such as Kaamala and Pandu.
31) Laghu:
Laghu means light. In the context of this study, the Varitara Pareeksha test checks if the Bhasma particles are Laghu (light) enough to float on water, indicating their suitability for medicinal use. Loha Bhasma passed this test after Marana.
32) India:
India is the country where the study was conducted. The research took place at Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research in Karnataka, India, which specializes in Ayurvedic medicine and allied health systems.
33) Agni:
Agni means fire. It refers to the intense heat applied during Shodhana and Marana processes in Bhasma preparation. Loha was heated to red hot under Teevra Agni (intense fire) before being quenched multiple times in various liquid media.
34) Cow dung:
Cow dung cakes are traditionally used as a fuel source for heating and creating Putas during the Marana process. The size and thickness of these cakes can affect the efficacy and number of Putas applied to transform Loha into Loha Bhasma.
35) Khalvayantra (Khalva-yantra):
Khalva-yantra is a type of mortar and pestle used for triturating substances. In this study, Shuddha Loha and Shuddha Gandhaka were triturated using a Khalva-yantra with Kumari swarasa during the preparation of Loha Bhasma.
36) Shuddhaloha (Suddhaloha, Shuddha-loha):
Shuddha-loha refers to purified iron. This purified form of Loha is used in preparing Loha Bhasma. Shuddha Loha ensures that impurities are removed before it undergoes the Marana process involving repeated heating and cooling.
37) Substance:
Substance refers to the raw materials and ingredients used in Ayurvedic formulations. In this study, substances like Shuddha Loha (purified iron) and Shuddha Gandhaka (purified sulfur) were processed and transformed into Loha Bhasma.
38) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine from India that focuses on holistic health. It uses various substances, including Bhasmas like Loha Bhasma, which are prepared through intricate processes to treat and prevent diseases.
39) Shuddha (Suddha):
Shuddha means pure or purified. For preparing Loha Bhasma, Shuddha Loha (purified iron) and Shuddha Gandhaka (purified sulfur) were essential. These purified substances ensure the efficacy and safety of the final medicinal formulation.
40) Yantra (Yamtra):
Yantra refers to the tools and instruments used in Ayurveda for various processes. In this study, Khalva-yantra was used for triturating substances, and Sharavas were employed during the Marana process to prepare Loha Bhasma.
41) Pandu (Pamdu, Pamde):
Pandu refers to anemia. Loha Bhasma, due to its iron content and bioavailability, is popularly used in Ayurveda to treat conditions like Pandu (anemia) by replenishing iron levels in the body.
42) Varna:
Varna refers to color. In the context of Bhasma preparation, the color of the substance changes during processes like Shodhana and Marana, providing clues about the purification level and readiness of the Bhasma, like the dark brownish-grey color of Loha Bhasma.
43) Ayus (Ayush):
Ayush is short for Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. It refers to the traditional system of medicine in India. The journal 'AYUSHDHARA' publishes research in these fields, including the preparation and analysis of Loha Bhasma in Rasashastra.
44) House:
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45) Fire:
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46) Milk:
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47) Drug:
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