Swarna makshika bhasma and use

CuFeS2, copper-iron sulfide

Fe2O3, iron(III) oxide, ferric oxide

Iron sulfide (FeS2), iron pyrite, "fool's gold" It is a shiny, golden-colored solid

The article "Physicochemical characterization of Ayurvedic bhasma (Swarna makshika bhasma): An approach to standardization" by Sudhaldev Mohaptra and C B Jha, published in the International Journal of Ayurveda Research, delves into the standardization of Swarna makshika bhasma, a traditional Ayurvedic preparation made from a mineral compound called Swarna makshika. The study primarily aims to characterize the raw and processed Swarna makshika (SM) through modern analytical techniques to ensure the quality and reproducibility of the product used in Ayurvedic treatments.

Key Points:

1. Preparation Process:

   • The preparation of SM bhasma involves two main steps: Shodhana (purification) and Marana (incineration). In the study, SM was first purified by heating it with lemon juice until the liberation of sulfur fumes ceased, indicating the purification was complete.
   • For Marana, the purified SM was triturated with shuddha gandhaka (pure sulfur) and lemon juice, followed by heating in a sealed container (samputa) with cow dung cakes in a process called puta.

2. Ayurvedic Quality Control Tests:

   • The bhasma underwent several traditional Ayurvedic quality control tests, including:
     • Nischandratva (loss of luster, indicating proper completion of the process).
     • Varitara (floating on water, confirming lightness of the bhasma).
     • Amla Pariksha (no color change in acid tests, ensuring the absence of free metallic components).
     • Nisvadutvam (tastelessness, ensuring that the bhasma is safe for consumption).

3. Modern Analytical Techniques:

   • X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed significant changes in the mineral composition from the raw SM to the final bhasma. The raw SM contained copper iron sulfide (CuFeS2), while the bhasma exhibited iron oxide (Fe2O3), iron sulfide (FeS2), copper sulfide (CuS), and silicon oxide (SiO2), indicating a transformation during processing.
   • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed that the particle size of raw SM was between 6-8 microns, while the bhasma had particles reduced to 1-2 microns. This reduction in particle size is significant for the bioavailability of the bhasma when used in therapeutic doses.

4. Discussion:

   • The study highlights that the bhasma preparation process not only changes the chemical composition but also significantly reduces the particle size, which is crucial for its effectiveness in Ayurvedic treatments. Smaller particle sizes allow better absorption and assimilation by the body.
   • The final bhasma conforms to traditional Ayurvedic standards, ensuring its safety and efficacy when used in clinical practice.

5. Conclusion:

   • The study successfully demonstrated the transformation of raw Swarna makshika into a therapeutically effective bhasma with altered chemical composition and reduced particle size. The findings emphasize the importance of standardization in Ayurvedic medicines, which is crucial for ensuring the quality, reproducibility, and safety of traditional Ayurvedic preparations.

This article represents a significant contribution to modernizing the understanding and standardization of Ayurvedic bhasmas using advanced analytical tools while respecting traditional preparation techniques.

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2924988/

SM contains CuFeS2, and SM bhasma contains Fe2O3, FeS2, CuS and SiO2.

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The study also revealed peaks of CuFeS2 in the raw material and Fe2O3, Iron sulphide (FeS2), CuS and silicon oxide (SiO2) in the final product. The formation of some different compounds in the final product may be due to oxidation and reduction reaction of Cu, Fe with sulfur in the presence of oxygen. It is likely that the lack of change of colour in an acidic medium (amla pariksha) in the final product is due to the absence of free metallic groups as free copper reacts with lemon juice to give a blue color. Sulfides and oxides of iron and copper present in makshika bhasma do not show any unwanted effect in experimental study,[11] and the bhasma has been used over a long period of time in clinical practice and no toxic effect has been recorded so far. Presence of SiO2 may be due to the use of earthen casseroles, which may have a reaction with oxygen. Scanning electron microscopy study showed that the particle size reduced from 6-8 µ to 1-2 µ after bhasma process. It is this significant reduction of size and that allows the phenomenon of rekhapurna and varitara to develop.

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CuFeS2 is the chemical formula for chalcopyrite, a copper-iron sulfide mineral that's the most abundant copper ore. It's a brassy to golden yellow mineral that's used to extract copper metal.

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Fe2O3 is the chemical formula for iron(III) oxide, also known as ferric oxide. It's an inorganic compound that occurs naturally as the mineral hematite 

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Iron sulfide (FeS2) is a mineral that is also known as pyrite or iron pyrite. It is a shiny, golden-colored solid that is sometimes called "fool's gold". 

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Silicon dioxide (SiO2), also known as silica, is a chemical compound made of silicon and oxygen. It's a common, naturally occurring substance found in sand, rocks, and other materials. 

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3215311/

There are so many formulations of this mineral is mentioned in texts of Ayurveda in context of treatment of diseases like Jwara, Shwasa, Kasa, Kshaya, Prameha, Pandu, Anidra, Apasmara, Vatavyadhi and other chronic and dreadful diseases. Many formulations of this mineral are mentioned in Ayurvedic texts in the context of treating diseases such as fever (Jwara), asthma (Shwasa), cough (Kasa), wasting (Kshaya), diabetes (Prameha), anemia (Pandu), insomnia (Anidra), seizures (Apasmara), joint disorders (Vatavyadhi), and other chronic and serious diseases.