Abstract

SINGLE DOSE TOXICITY STUDY OF AN AYURVEDIC MEDICINE: VAIKRANTA BHASMA (BLACK TOURMALINE ASH)

*Tripathi R.¹, Rathore A.S.¹, Mehra B.L.², Raghubeer R.³

¹Deptt. Of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, R.G.G.P.G. Ayuvedic College and Hospital, Paprola (H.P.)
²Deptt. of Kaya Chikitsa, R.G.G.P.G. Ayuvedic College and Hospital, Paprola (H.P.) Central Drug Research Institutue, Lucknow

ABSTRACT

In ayurveda metals and minerals are therapeutically used only in the form of bhasma. Vaikranta (black tourmaline) bhasma is a herbo-mineral preparation used in ayurvedic medicine as rejuvenator and aphrodisiac. In order to assess and evaluate the toxicity profile of vaikranta bhasma and to determine its adverse effects, a Single dose toxicity study in CF rats was performed. The test protocol for this purpose was designed to obtain information on possible health hazards likely to arise in the test species from a single exposure of the test material by oral route. The animals were observed for fourteen days after single exposure to vaikranta bhasma, and various parameters indicative of systemic toxic effects were examined and evaluated. The study was intended to provide an estimate of the dose which was likely to be free of toxic effects on single exposure through oral route.

Keywords: Vaikranta, Bhasma, Toxicity, Tourmaline.