Characterization of Tarakeshwara Rasa: An Ayurvedic herbomineral formulation

Abstract

Tarakeshwara Rasa (TR) is an Ayurvedic herbomineral compound formulation used in the intervention of Prameha vis-à-vis diabetes mellitus. The present study was executed to establish a fingerprint for this unique formulation, which can be adopted by the Ayurvedic pharmacies for drug standardization. TR is a formulation prepared by the trituration of four ingredients Abhraka Bhasma (AB), Loha Bhasma (LB), Vanga Bhasma (VB) and Rasa Sindhura (RS) in equal quantities with honey for one day. Each of the ingredients were prepared according to the norms of Ayurvedic classical texts and by employing Electric Muffle Furnace as heating device for incineration. To ensure the proper preparation of Bhasmas, standard tests (Bhasma Pariksha) were employed. After Bhasma complies these tests, TR was prepared and subjected for qualitative analysis, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies. LB, AB, VB, RS and TR were also studied for free metal presence by employing phosphomolybdic acid. Chemical analysis of TR reveals that it contains Fe, Sn, Hg, Al, Mn, Ca and Mg. XRD study indicates that TR contains Fe2O3 (maghamite) in major phase and SnO2 (cassiterite), HgS, SiO2, HgO in minor phases. SEM study revealed that the compound is an agglomeration of particles. The particle size was in between 0.5 and 2 μ. Free metal detection by phosphomolybdic acid revealed the absence of free metals in the final Bhasmas. This is the first study establishing the characterization of Tarakeshwara Rasa.

Chemical Compositions of Metals in Bhasmas and Tibetan Zuotai Are a Major Determinant of Their Therapeutic Effects and Toxicity

“…The processing procedures for iron formulations (Lauha) are important for iron efficacy and safety [ 23 ]. The Ayurvedic medicine Tarakeswara Rasa is a metal mixture, and XRD analysis revealed that it contains Fe 2 O 3 (maghemite) in major phase, and SnO 2 (cassiterite), HgS, SiO 2 , and HgO in minor phases [ 24 ]. The preparation of Trivanga Bhasma (Sn, Zn and Pb), examined by XRD analysis, shows crystalline nature and nanosized particles by Scherrer's equation, and by SEM analysis, lead, zinc and tin oxides show well-defined plate-like structures [ 25 ].…”

Characterization of an Ayurvedic Drug (Shilajatwadi Lauha): An Approach to Standardization

“…Smaller particles may be because of presence of large quantity of Lauha bhasma and also due to presence of Swarna Makshika bhasma. The earlier SEM studies on Swarna Makshika bhasma reported that 1-2 μm and the particle size distribution of Lauha bhasma in a range of 2.5-40.9 μm 1 . Particle size depends on the nature of drug and calcination cycles.…”

“…Ancient scholars of Rasa Shastra have explained some tests (Bhasma parikshas) to identify the bhasmas. They may be classified into nondestructive (Nischandratvam, Rekhapurnata, Varitara, and Unama) and destructive (Apunarbhava and Niruttha) 1 . The prepared bhasma and purified Shilajit passed all the physio-chemical parameters of ancient classics.…”

“…In earlier days, the quality of a medicine was not subjected for critique, but it was based on the sacred trust which existed between the physician and the patient. The technological development and apprehensions of modern science obligated the patients and physicians to be watchful about the quality assurance, safety and efficacy of the medicine 1 . Ayurvedic medicines have no exception in this regard.…”

Anticancer activity of Arkeshwara Rasa - A herbo-metallic preparation

“…Tarakeshwara Rasa contains calcined forms of tin, biotite and iron, as well as mercury in the form of mercuric sulfide or black sulfide of mercury along with other plant products. [ 6 ] Although scientists have expressed concerns on the use of heavy metals in the formulations and possible resultant toxicity, Ayurvedic practitioners insist that calcinations or use of metals such as mercury in particularly their sulfide form abolishes metal toxicity. [ 7 ]…”