HEAVY METALS IN

AYURVEDIC
FORMULATIONS
VAIDYA ANIRUDDHA S. KULKARNI
SHREE ATMARAJ AYURVEDEEYA CHIKITSALAYA,
GANESH MARG, SHANIWAR PETH, MIRAJ

INTRODUCTION
Ayurveda, the age-old medical system of India is

attracting attention as one of the leading

complementary and alternative medical science.
The major use of herbal ingredients proves to be
effective and minimally toxic to the patients.
The benefits of Ayurvedic medicines often result
from synergistic action of multiple active chemicals.
Ayurvedic medicines are not only derived from plant
but also have mineral, metal and animal origin
drugs.

HEAVY METAL TOXICITY CONCERNS

The use of metallic preparations as single drugs or as

ingredients in many Ayurvedic medicines has evoked

concern and debate in the scientific and public
forums in the recent times.
Some studies has warned that users of Ayurvedic
medicines may be at risk for heavy metal toxicity and
suggested that testing of Ayurvedic medicines for
toxic heavy metals should be mandatory.

SORRY! BUT ITS NOT TRUE!!

This observation is unacceptable to many Ayurvedic

physicians and Rasavaidyas (Those who prepare

metallic preparations).
Their contention is that so called heavy metals
were not heavy on the human body and that
Ayurvedic medicines containing heavy metals
(used in the form of Bhasmas) were
completely safe to use.

RASASHASTRA (INDIAN ALCHEMY)

The Rasashastra evolved from Alchemy which aimed

at finding magic substance that would transmute

base metals like lead, tin, mercury and copper into
the noble ones(gold and silver).
The invention of mercury was the turning point in
the development of Rasashastra. Mercury is known
as Rasa and the whole Rasashastra is based on its
wonderful and miraculous properties. Rasashastra
was enriched by additions of metals, alloys, materials
obtained from minerals and ores.

METALS FROM CLASSIC TEXTS

Charaka (1200BC) primarily used plants as medicines.

The idea of making metals absorbable and effective to

humans, he described simple procedure of heating and
quenching the metals in cow urine.
In Sushruta samhita(10BC), we can find the first mention
of mercury.
In Ashtanga sangraha the method of preparing bhasma is
described.
The main advance of Rasashastra was seen from 9 th to
18th century. Nagarjuna is credited as the foremost
authority in the development of Rasashastra.

IMPORTANCE OF BHASMA

BENEFITS OF METALLIC
FORMULATIONS
Quick action
Lesser dose
Tastelessness
Prolonged shelf life
Better palatability

HEAVY METALS
A heavy metal is one with a specific gravity of 5gm

cm-3 or more.
They are stable elements and cannot be metabolized
by the body.
Some heavy metals such as zinc, copper, cobalt,
chromium, iron and manganese are required by body
in small measures.
These same elements can be toxic in larger quantities.
Heavy metals may enter the body in food, water, air,
or by absorption through skin.

BHASMAS OF METALS
The heavy or toxic metals in elemental

form are toxic but those in compound form

i.e. bhasma are safe for humans.
Bhasmas are made from various metals,
metal mixtures and alloys.
The way they are prepared, evaluated and
therapeutically used leaves no doubt about
their safety to the humans.

PREPARATION OF BHASMAS

SHODHANA
It is a process of purification and

detoxification by which physical and

chemical impurities along with toxic
materials are eliminated.
Different procedures like sprinkling,
absorption, frying, lavigation, melting and
quenching, trituration, dipping are used
according to the selected substance.

VANGA (TIN) SHODHANA

SHODHANA-TAMRA AND
GANDHAKA

BHAVANA
Wet bhavana is the process of

grinding in which materials are

ground with specific liquid media for a
particular period.
The process leads to unique and
suitable physicochemical changes and
potentiate the efficacy of material.

MARANA (CALCINATION)
The process which

converts the
purified metals and
minerals into
bhasma (Ash) after
subjecting them to
lavigation and
incineration is
called as marana.

PROCESS OF MARANA

CHANGES DUE TO MARANA

Reduction in particle size.
Conjugation of trace elements.
Elimination of unwanted

elements.
Formation of desirable
compound.

QUALITY CONTROL OF
BHAMAS
PHYSICAL

PARAMETERS

CHEMICAL

PARAMETERS

Varitar
Varna
Unnama
Gatarasatvam
Rekhapoornatva
Nishchandratva
Shlakshnatvam
Apoonarbhavatva

PARAMETERS FOR BHASMA

PARADA (MERCURY)
PARADA IS OBTAINED

FROM HINGULA
(CINNABAR)
FROM HINGULA
PARADA IS DERIVED BY
URDHVAPATANA
CHEMICALLY PURE
PARADA IS NOT READY
FOR CONSUMPTION, IT
SHOULD BE TREATED
WITH EIGHT
SANSKARAS

EXTRACTING MERCURY
FROM CINNABAR

DETOXIFICATION OF PARADA
EMASCULATION WITH GARLIC

KAJJALI

KUPIPAKWA RASAYANA
THIS IS AN UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT PROCESS

OF PREPARING BHASMAS.
IN A SPECIALLY BUILT FURNACE, EARTHEN
VESSEL FILLED WITH SAND IS PLACED. IN THE
VESSEL, A COATED GLASS BOTTLE WITH A
MIXTURE IS KEPT.
HEAT IS GIVEN FROM BELOW IN ASCENDING
TEMPERATURES FOR 24 TO 72 HOURS.
THE DESIRED MEDICINE IS OBTAINED FROM
NECK AND BOTTOM OF THE BOTTLE.

CONSTRUCTING FURNACE

ASCENDING HEATING

RASASINDURA

BHASMA DISCUSSION
Many researchers and students are interested to know

about chemical nature of end product of the bhasma

process.
A metal is heated to high temperature in kiln below its
melting point in an inadequate supply of air when it
undergoes thermal decomposition or a phase transition
other than melting. As a result the metal becomes
friable and may undergo oxidation or reduction. The
entire process of bhasma is thus one of producing a
salt of metal, mostly an oxide. The bhasma process has
to be done several times over.

BHASMA (CONT..)
After successive calcinations much smaller

particle sizes are reached. Ultimately

particle sizes reach colloidal scales (from a
few microns to a few nanometers).
BHASMAS ARE REAL NANOPARTICLES.

These sizes help in better absorptivity and

so effective drug delivery.

BHASMA (CONT..)
In each cycle of calcinations the oxidation process

would progress in a different way and various

organometallic complexes are formed intermediately
before finally achieving desired pure metal oxide or
sulfide.
For nearly all the metals the methods of bhasma
preparation differ among the text themselves. The
differences are in accompaniments, peak
temperatures and exposure span in each cycle
leading to oxide variants.

TOXICITY ASPECT
The concerns raised are about metal content and not about

metal toxicities among populations resulting from use of

such medicines.
The chemical forms of metal can impact bioavailability and
toxicity as inorganic compounds and in prescribed dosages;
they are less likely to accumulate in the body.
With particle sizes in micron, the absorptivity of metal
bhasmas is undoubtedly better than an ordinary mineral
taken in powdered form. These preparations are in use for
more than thousand years; HENCE

ALL
BHASMAS ARE NON TOXIC.

RECOMMENDED
PRECAUTIONS
Metallic preparations can be harmful and toxic if they

are not prepared properly.

Ayurvedic medicines should not be allowed to be sold as
herbal medicines or supplements and should not be
available at grocery stores.
People should consume these herbo-mineral-metallic
preparations strictly only under medical supervision
with appropriate dosage, anupan (drug vehicle) and for
advised period only.
Patients should also observe prescribed diet and lifestyle
changes.

THE WAY AHEAD

AYUSH and FDA should try to take research projects for

evaluation of toxic effects of metallic formulations.

The labels on the containers of these medicines should clearly
mention the presence of metals and declare their quantity.
Research work regarding short term and long term toxicities of
these medicines should be supported and published according
to global standards.
Ayurveda is facing lot of hurdles to recognize itself as a global
medical system. Approach of individualized treatment and use
of heavy metals are the main deterrents. But, government
should try to persuade the western countries about the
recognition of ayurveda.

USES OF METAL BHASMAS

ABHRAKA (MICA) BHASMA

INDICATIONS

Chronic

Asthma
Pthisis
Old age
debility
Hematinic

LOHA (IRON) BHASMA

INDICATIONS

Anemia
Disorders of liver

and spleen
Jaundice
Edema
General debility

SUVARNA (GOLD) BHASMA

INDICATIONS

Nervine tonic
Aphrodisiac
Immunomodulator
Stimulates activity

of stomach, skin and

kidneys

TAMRA (COPPER) BHASMA

INDICATIONS

Cough
Tuberculosis
Asthma
Liver

disorders

VANGA (TIN) BHASMA

INDICATIONS

Urinary

disorders
General
debility

YASHAD (ZINC) BHASMA

INDICATIONS

Internal

hemorrhage
Diabetes
Urinary
disorders
Tuberculosis

NAG (LEAD) BHASMA

INDICATIONS

Diabetes
Urinary disorders
Ulcers
Piles
Bowel disorder
Impotency
Neurological diseases

RAJAT (SILVER) BHASMA

INDICATIONS

Diabetes
Urinary disorders
Debility
Ascites
Anemia
Neurological disorders
Cough
Asthma
Psychological diseases
Hemiplegia

WE WANT EVERYTHING!!!

THANK

YOU!!!