Bhasma

Metals like iron, copper are being used by humans since the prehistoric period. Tamra (copper) is used in the form of vessels, medicine in day to day life since centuries. During
the medieval period, with the advent of Rasashastra, Tamra Bhasma (calcined ash) occupied a
significant role in the Ayurvedic therapeutics. It is the drug of choice in the treatment of many diseases like Udara (ascitis), Yakritvikara (hepatic disorders), Kushtha (skin diseases) etc. Recently many research works have been carried out on it. The present paper is a simple compilation focusing on the historic review, modern review, types, Grahyaagrahyatva, harmacodynamic properties, Shodhana, Marana and Amritikarana procedures, dose and formulations of Tamra
Bhasma. This review is expected to refurnish the existing knowledge and give an insight to the researchers in this area of education and research.

Nanorobots are tiny devices programmed by man for a particular function. Similarly, bhasmas are programmed by man to work with particular precision. Through the processes of mardana and bhavana, herbs with affinities to specific parts of the body with specific known actions are added to a metal as its therapeutic properties are released. Since ancient times, bhasmas of minerals and metals have played an important role in alleviating severe diseases as per specific needs of the body. As raw materials, metals have no particular therapeutic property. In fact, they are toxic. But after shodhana, jarana and marana, the large mass of rock can be converted to macroparticles, microparticles and nanoparticles as seen using SEM. The use of mercury facilitates the marana process, separating molecules of metals to allow organic compounds to penetrate between layers and create the microparticles that can absorb into the cellular level. These fine particles appear to be easily incorporated into the body and bioavailable (rasibhavana). But bhasmas are not only natural nanorobots due to size. They are brilliant technology developed by man as they also introduce herbal compounds functioning as carriers and compasses to guide the metal to a particular location. Compounding of individual metal bhasmas into rasa-aushadhi shuttles all components of that formulation to the prescribed location. Arogyavardinivati is one example of an effective rasa-aushadhi with several components focusing toward the liver, oriented by the affinity of neem and kutki, shown clinically to provide hepatoprotection and relieve skin issues.

Shilajit Gold is a unique combination of Shilajeet and Gold ash. Gold is a powerful rejuvenator that helps increase stamina, vigour and vitality.Shilajit gold  mainly contains mono atomic gold or gold bhasma and shilajeet. Swarna Bhasma rejuvenates the five basic elements of the body, nourishes the body and cures psychic disorders, epilepsy and impotency

The aim of this study was to develop a controlled release system targeting antibiotic delivery to the stomach. The
hydrogels were synthesized by using chitosan, poly (acrylic acid) and poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) polymers crosslinked
with glutaraldehyde and N,N’-methylenebisacrylamide. Interpenetrating polymeric network (IPN) hydrogels were prepared
by varying the concentration of crosslinking agent (glutaraldehyde). The amount of chitosan, poly (acrylic acid), poly
(vinyl pyrrolidone) and N,N’-methylenebisacrylamide were kept constant in all formulations. The effect of glutaraldehyde
concentration on the swelling and release characteristics were evaluated. Modalities used to assess the most optimal hydrogel
formulation included high liquid chromatography, FTIR analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, swelling studies, in vitro
drug release study, mucoadhesive study and scanning electron microscopy. The result showed that IPN hydrogels were
greater in swelling, more mucoadhesive and released more drug at lower pH values. Thus, it is believed that the antibiotic
concentration in the stomach might be sustained through this formulation.