Scientific validation of the different purification steps involved in the preparation of an Indian Ayurvedic medicine, Lauha bhasma.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lauha bhasma (iron ash) is one of the iron-based herbo-metallic preparations used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating various ailments due to iron deficiency.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The preparation of Lauha bhasma (iron ash) requires normal purification (heat treatment in vegetable and animal products), special purification (treatment with herbal constituents) and calcination steps aimed at converting the raw material to a suitable therapeutic form. In this study, we have systematically and scientifically evaluated through a series of qualitative tests and modern analytical tools the importance of the treating media.

RESULTS

Our data demonstrates that these steps are necessary to remove the grease and scales in the raw material. While heating, microcracks appeared on the surface of the iron, which improved the reactivity with the herbal constituents in addition to incorporating nanostructured features. Further, the use of plant products facilitated the removal of Fe³⁺ present in the raw material by forming soluble complexes. The Fe²⁺ present in the raw materials also forms an insoluble complex with the herbal constituents in the presence of UV radiation.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our data summarily suggest that the purification steps involved in the preparation of Lauha bhasma (iron ash) are critical.