Abstract

CONCEPT OF NANO PARTICLE FORMULATION IN AYURVEDA – BHASMA: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Dr. Tanuja Bharti*, Dr. Pratibha Sharma and Dr. Pankaj Sharma

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Abstract

The ancient treatises of Indian System of Medicine, Ayurveda books, are rich with various drug delivery methods. Since the dawn of time, patients have had access to a vast choice of pharmaceutical preparations. The initial specifics of various medicinal presentations can be found in the Caraka Samhita[1], however the majority of them are drawn from herbal materials. With the invention of Rasa Shastra in mediaeval times, a fresh drug delivery technique emerged. Rasashastra is an Ayurvedic branch in which metals and minerals are transformed into usable forms, known as Rasaushadhis (which include Bhasma, Kupakva rasayana, Parpati kalpana, and others) for internal use. Bhasmas are one of the earliest examples of nanoparticles being used to treat disease. Bhasmas are claimed to be biologically produced nanoparticles, as Bhasma preparations are the concept of reducing the particle size of metal and mineral particles by treating them with herbal juices or decoctions and exposing them to a certain amount of heat as per puta mentioned in Ayurvedic classical text. Because of their small doses, tastelessness, quick action, and easy absorption, as well as their prolonged shelf life, wide spectrum of therapeutic efficacy, and greater Rasayana[2] (Rejuvenating activity) benefits, Bhasmas receive the most attention and hold a special place. This review article included process of bhasma prepration as per ayurveda literature and its pariksha or examination in terms of modern and Ayurvedic parameters.

Keywords: Rasashastra, Bhasma, Nano particles, Ayurveda.