The most ancient application of Nanomedicine of reduction in particle size was mentioned in Charaka Samhita(1500 B.C) in context of Louhadi rasayana.
HISTORY OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
Concept of Bhasma preparation was found in the 7th century. Their use is also amply described in Chinese and Egyptian civilization in 2500 B.C.
The ancient application of nanomedicine in the form of Ayurvedic Bhasma throws a light on the safer usage of present nanomedicine for a living being and the environment.[3,4,5]
Although human exposure to nanoparticles has occurred throughout human history, it increased exceptionally during the industrial revolution. The theory of a “nanometer‘‘ was first proposed by Richard Zsigmondy.
The use of nanoparticulate metals in therapeutics has been a common practice in Ayurveda. The present attempt is to revisit the Ayurvedic Bhasma concept as or organometallic ethno-nanomedicine in the surging area of nanomedicine.[6]
With growing importance of nanotechnology in medicine and healthcare,[1] the advent of engineered nanoparticles in therapeutics is alarming for their possible harmful effects.[2]
NANOTECHNOLOGY IN HEALTH AND MEDICINE
Nanomedicine is an application of nanotechnology which works in the field of health and medicine. Nano-medicine makes use of nano materials and nano electronic biosensors. In the future, nano medicine will benefit molecular nanotechnology. The medical area of nano science use has many benefits and is potentially valuable for all human races.
Up till now various diseases like diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular diseases and multiple sclerosis as well as different kinds of serious inflammatory or infectious diseases (e.g. HIV) constitute a high number of complex illnesses which are posing a great problem for humanity. [#, 10, 11, 12, 13] [14]. Nano medicine helps in early detection and prevention, improved diagnosis and proper treatment of diseases.
Gene sequencing has become more accurate with the discovery of nanodevices like gold nanoparticles, which when tagged with short segments of DNA can be used for detection of genetic sequence in a sample.
Nanotechnology is becoming a critical driving force behind innovation in medicine and healthcare, with a wide range of advances including nanoscale therapeutics, biosensors, implantable devices, drug delivery systems, and imaging technologies.
In medicine, it promises to revolutionize targeted drug delivery, gene therapy, diagnostics, and many areas of research, development and clinical application.
WHAT IS BHASMA?
Bhasma are the products of classical Indian alchemy, the “Ayurveda Rasa Shastra,” used for treating diverse chronic ailments. The development of Rasashastra has revolutionized the Ayurvedic system of medicine.
Bhasma, which precisely means “Ash”, is a unique Ayurvedic herbo-mineral-metallic compound in the size of nano dimensions (usually 5–50 nm, as established by modern microscopic and spectroscopic techniques).
Bhasma nanoparticles are organo-metallic/organo-mineral complexes as they are integrated with biological molecules (of organic liquid media), having improved stability, functionality, absorption, assimilation, bioavailability, biocompatibility, targeted delivery of ingredient, and effectiveness.
The manufacturing process is very organized, systematic and elaborate, called “Bhasmikarana'', which converts the metal to a form with higher oxidation state.This eliminates the toxic nature of metal and imparts high medicinal value to it [23]
During Bhasmikarana, metals/minerals are subjected to various processes of purification and incineration before internal administration, aimed to reduce the particle size (for instance, the particle size of Swarna Bhasma [gold calx] was found between 1 and 2 µ)[9] and thus, converting them into biocompatible, bio-assimilable, absorbable, and suitable form for the human body.
Bhasma is biologically produced nanoparticles with quick and targeted action e.g., gold nanoparticles in Swarna Bhasma at 27 ± 3 nm size have been found effective in ameliorating symptoms of arthritis and at 4 nm size helped in increased apoptosis in B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia.[6] [7]
The essence of metal/mineral based drugs is that they function best when converted from their original metal/mineral state to oxide state.
Common properties of Bhasmas
1. Rasayana (Immunomodulation and anti-aging quality)
2. Yogavahi (Target drug delivery)
3. Alpamatra (prescribed by Ayurvedic physician in minute doses i.e., 15–250 mg/day)
4. Rasibhava (readily absorbable, adaptable, assimilable, and nontoxic)
5. Shigravyapi (spreads quickly and fast acting)
6. Agni Deepana (increases metabolism at cellular level and acts as catalyst)
7. Non-antigenicity is one of the most important properties of Bhasma [28].
IMPORTANCE OF BHASMA
1. Alleviate insomnia, depression
2. Maintain optimum alkalinity for optimum health
3. Provide easily absorbed and usable calcium
4. Cleanse the kidneys, intestines and liver
5. Maintain stronger bones and healthier teeth
6. Keeps rhythmic heart beating
7. Keeps arrhythmias and minerals balance
8. Help metabolize iron in body
9. Aid nervous system
10. Breakdown heavy metals and drug residues in body
11. Neutralize harmful acids that lead to illness
12. Achieve a healthy alkaline level by neutralizing acid
13. Protect body from free radical damage.[9]
9. Sharm DC. India raises standards for traditional drugs. Lancet. 2000;356:231. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Bhasma are manufactured with a series of pharmaceutical methods like:
1. Shodana : helps either in the disintegration of molecules or particles to divide into finest divisions
2. Bhavana : Wet grinding of shodhita metals/minerals with specific liquid media for specific periods helps convert them into a finer form. Helps in conversion of coarse powder to finer state.
3. Jarana : It is the intermediate procedure for the metals having low melting point, between Shodhana and Marana. Facilitates reduction of particle size.
4. Marana : The process which converts purified metals and minerals into Bhasma after subjecting them to levigation and incineration is called Marana
Ayurvedic concept of Mardana (trituration) and Bhavana (levigation) to reduce particle size is an ultimate result of these processes of nanostructure Formation by Mechanical Activation, Bhasma are nearer to nanocrystalline materials, which are quite fine, absorbable, therapeutically most effective and least or non-toxic forms of medicines [15].
This gradual process of preparation may continue for a week to several years.
Frequently used Bhasmas
1. Mukta Shukti Bhasma (pearl-oyster calx) at 22.52 ± 0.45 µm size is administered in acidity, pyrexia, tuberculosis, cough, asthma, etc., and also to increase the bone mineral density
2. Mandura Bhasma (iron calx) is administered in microcytic anemia and hemolytic jaundice
3. Tamra Bhasma (copper calx) as hepatoprotective and antioxidant
4. Yashad Bhasma (Zinc calx) in myopia, diabetes, leucorrhea, etc.[16]
Classification of Bhasma
1. Metal-based Bhasma
2. Mineral-based Bhasma
3. Herbal Bhasma
Benefits & Side effects
With the increasing importance of nanotechnology in the medicine and healthcare sector the emergence of engineered nanoparticles in therapeutics is disturbing due to their possible harmful effects.
The early utilization of nanomedicine in the form of Ayurvedic Bhasma is comparatively safer for usage of humankind [19-21].
It is also noteworthy that Ayurvedic Bhasma is considered very safe and economical in comparison to contemporary metal based nanomedicines.[2,15]
Bhasma can be employed for selective/targeted/controlled drug delivery as they are biocompatible, nontoxic, and non antigenic in nature.[4,*]
The benefits of nanomedicines are indubitable and unstoppable, nevertheless safety-related studies should also be carried out rigorously and planned in order to provide guidelines for safer manufacturing practices, keeping care of ecology, and environment. Hence, Ayurvedic Bhasma may hold strong relevance in the emerging era of nanomedicine and can serve as an excellent template for the development of nanomedicine for an efficient therapeutic cure.
Quality control of Bhasma
Traditionally, the end points of incineration of a metal and its conversion to a Bhasma state are evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Nishchandratvam:: There should be no chandrika or metallic luster (nischandrika).
2. Rekhapurnatvam: When a Bhasma is spread between the index finger and thumb and rubbed, it should be so fine as to get easily into the lines and crevices of the fingers and should not be washed out from the lines of the fingers.
3. Varitaratavam: When a small quantity is spread on cold and still water, it should float on the surface.
4. Apurnabhava: The Bhasma should not revert to the original state.
5. Nirasa: Bhasma should be tasteless.
6. Avami: The Bhasma should not produce nausea on administration.
CONCLUSION
As a conclusion to this review, I would like to say that nanotechnology is a brand new technology that has just begun; it is a revolutionary science that will change all that we knew before.
Ayurveda constituting Herbo-mineral formulations of bhasma as ingredients are as superior to yesterday, in view of increasing demand for the use of bhasma, standardization of their raw material, preparation process, and the end product is need to be done.
In spite of being as complex materials, both ancient and advanced methods for standardization of bhasmas will assure in building confidence in the use of such products for medicinal purposes by ensuring safety, efficacy, and batch to batch uniformity of the product.
Additional requirements are needed to develop characterization and standardization of bhasmas by comparing them with nano preparations of powdered dosage forms to emphasis and enhance the usage of bhasmas.
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