Blood compatibility studies of Swarna bhasma (gold bhasma), an Ayurvedic drug

Abstract

Swarna bhasma (gold bhasma) preparations are widely utilized as therapeutic agents. However, in vitro biological evaluations of bhasma preparations are needed along with the physicochemical characterization for present day standardization of metallic bhasma preparations to meet the criteria that supports its use. Therefore, an attempt has been made to evaluate the protein adsorption, blood compatibility and complement activation potential of two batches of Swarna bhasma preparation, along with its physicochemical characterization. The particle size, morphology, elemental analysis, and in vitro cytotoxicity were evaluated initially. Red blood cell hemolysis, aggregation studies with blood cells, protein adsorption, complement C3 adsorption, platelet activation and tight junction permeability in Caco-2 cell line were investigated. The Swarna bhasma preparations with a crystallite size of 28–35 nm did not induce any blood cell aggregation or protein adsorption. Activation potential of these preparations towards complement system or platelets was negligible. These particles were also non-cytotoxic. Swarna bhasma particles opened the tight junctions in Caco-2 cell experiments. The results suggest the application of Swarna bhasma preparations as a therapeutic agent in clinical medicine from the biological safety point of view.

A critical appraisal on Swarnaprashana in children

“…[ 27 ] In blood compatibility study, it was found that Swarna Bhasma contained gold nanoparticles with crystallite size 28–35 nm and was 90% pure gold. [ 28 ] Another study found that colloidal gold uptake in gastrointestinal tract is dependent on particle size that is, smaller particles cross the gastrointestinal tract more readily. [ 29 ]…”

“…The particles of Swarna Bhasma were reported as non-cytotoxic. [ 28 ] In a study of chronic toxicity of Swarnabindu prashana no cytotoxicity was observed. [ 30 ]…”

Swarna Bhasma in cancer: A prospective clinical study

“…[3910] Few recent laboratory studies established the pharmacological effects of gold nanoparticle (main ingredient of SB). Gold-silica nanoshell has been used in Nanoshell-Assisted Photo-Tthermal therapy (NAPT) to kill tumor cells by near Infra Red (IR) light.…”

Characterization of Tarakeshwara Rasa: An Ayurvedic herbomineral formulation

“…Hence a conclusion can be drawn that all the Bhasmas were of the size less than 2 μ in TR. The earlier SEM studies on Swarna Makshika Bhasma - particle size 1-2 μm,[25] Swarna Bhasma -particle size 56-57 nm,[26]669-717 nm,[27] Naga Bhasma -particle size 60 nm[28] and Yashada Bhasma has identifiable fraction of particles in nano size. [29] Particle size distribution of LB - the particle size range of 2.55-40.9 μm was found in Sahastraputi Lauha Bhasma and 5.1-51.6 μm in Satputi Lauha Bhasma .…”