Acute and subchronic toxicity study of Tamra bhasma (incinerated copper) prepared from Ashodhita (unpurified) and Shodhita (purified) tamra in rats

Abstract

The use of metals in traditional medicines is very often seen as matter of concern these days, especially the Bhasma preparations which are always under stringent observations for containing highly reactive inorganic elements such as lead, mercury, arsenic and others. One of the Bhasma extensively used in routine Ayurvedic practice is Tamra (copper) bhasma. If it is not prepared properly or Shodhana procedure is not done properly, it acts as a poison. To indicate its toxic potential, Ashtamahadoshas (eight major ill effects) have been quoted in classics and due emphasis have been given to its Shodhana procedure. In the present study, Tamra bhasma prepared from Shodhita and Ashodhita Tamra was subjected to oral toxicity study to ascertain the role of Shodhana process on safety profile of Tamra bhasma on subchronic administration to albino rats. Both the samples were administered to rats for 45 consecutive days at the doses of 5.5, 27.5, and 55 mg/kg. Animals were sacrificed on 46th day and parameters like hematological, serum biochemical, and histopathology of various organs were studied. Results showed that Tamra bhasma prepared from Ashodhita Tamra has pathological implications on different hematological, serum biochemical and cytoarchitecture of different organs even at therapeutic dose level (5.5 mg/kg). Whereas, Tamra bhasma prepared from Shodhita Tamra is safe even at five-fold to therapeutic equivalent doses (27.5 mg/kg). These observations emphasize the role of Shodhana and importance of dose in expression of toxicity of the medicinal preparations.

Acute and subchronic toxicity study of Tamra Bhasma (incinerated copper) prepared with and without Amritikarana

“…Previous studies reported safety of TB in animal models [7] , [8] . Role of Shodhana in safety of TB was also reported in animals [9] . Though number of studies have been carried out in direction of safety of Bhasmas , concerns are always being raised on ayurvedic formulations for the presence of heavy metals [10] , [11] .…”

Ayurveda und Schwermetalle – Versuch einer Aufklärung

“…Man geht unter anderen davon aus, dass es sich bei dem toxischen Quecksilber vor allem um Methylquecksilber handelt, bei dem gereinigten dagegen um Quecksilbersulphat. Tatsächlich gibt es experimentelle Hinweise, dass bei korrekter "Entgiftung" der Schwermetalle die sonst zu erwartenden Zeichen einer Intoxikation auch bei hoher Dosis nicht entstehen [4,[11][12][13][14][15][16] Da man chemisch ein "gereinigtes" von einem "nicht gereinigten", detoxifizierten Metall nicht trennen kann, fehlen bis heute eindeutige Parameter, mit denen ein potenziell heilendes Schwermetall von einem giftigen unterschieden werden kann. Zudem sind die Toxizitätsstudien, auch aus präklinischer Forschung, bislang nicht hinreichend, um eine gefahrlose Verabreichung dieser Medikamente zu garantieren.…”

“…In Indien sind trotz geringerer Pharmakovigilanzmechanismen nur wenige Einzelfälle beschrieben, bei denen Gesundheitsschäden durch schwermetallhaltige Medikamente hervorgerufen wurden [17][18][19]. Stattdessen richtet sich die dortige Forschung auf die korrekte Herstellungsweise, Wirksamkeit und Ungiftigkeit der rasa-Medikamente [11][12][13][14][15][16].…”

Assessment of genotoxic potential of Hridayarnava Rasa (a herbo-mineralo-metallic ayurvedic formulation) using chromosomal aberration and sperm abnormality assays

“…To name a few, toxicity studies of Abhraka Bhasma , Tamra Bhasma , Trivanga Bhasma , Yashada Bhasma , Shilasindura , etc., and many more have concluded their safety at therapeutic dose levels. [ 4 5 6 7 8 ]…”