Pharmaceutico-Analytical Study of Rajata Bhasma: An Ayurvedic and Modern Perspective

Abstract

Background: Rajata Bhasma is an important Ayurvedic metallic preparation made from Rajata, Parada, Gandhaka, and Haratala, processed with Nimbu Swarasa and subjected to Laghu Puta. It is attributed with properties such as Hridya, Balya, Rasayana, and Ojovardhaka. Objective: To prepare Rajata Bhasma as per classical methods and evaluate its pharmaceutico-analytical characteristics. Methodology: Parada was extracted from Hingula by Urdhwa Patana method. Rajata underwent Samanya and Vishesha Shodhana, while Gandhaka and Haratala were purified using standard classical procedures. Rajata Bhasma was prepared through Bhavana with Nimbu Swarasa, Chakrika formation, and repeated Laghu Puta until attainment of Bhasma Siddhi Lakshanas.Analytical evaluation included physical and chemical analysis of Ashodhita Rajata, Shodhita Rajata, and Rajata Bhasma. Advanced instrumental analyses such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDAX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were carried out. Results: XRD analysis showed transformation from crystalline elemental silver to predominantly Ag?O with reduced crystallinity in the final product. SEM-EDAX revealed reduction in silver content along with the presence of sulphur and oxygen. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of functional groups such as phenols, amines, aromatics, and carboxylic acids, suggesting incorporation of herbal constituents during processing. The mean particle size of Rajata Bhasma was found to be 433 nm, indicating nanoscale reduction. Conclusion: Rajata Bhasma prepared as per classical methods shows significant physicochemical transformation, reduction in particle size, and incorporation of herbal functional groups. These changes may enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic potential.

Introduction

The study focuses on Ayurvedic Bhasma preparations, particularly Rajata Bhasma (silver-based herbo-metallic ash), which are organometallic formulations used therapeutically in small doses. Bhasmas are prepared through meticulous purification (Shodhana) and incineration (Marana) processes to remove toxic elements and achieve desired physicochemical properties. Rajata Bhasma is prepared using purified silver (Rajata), mercury (Parada), sulfur (Gandhaka), and arsenic compounds (Haratala) through repeated trituration and controlled heating (Puta), yielding a fine, reddish-brown, odorless, and therapeutically potent product.

The study combines classical Ayurvedic evaluation (color, texture, taste, odor, Varitaratva, Rekhapurnatva, Unnama, etc.) with modern analytical techniques including XRD, SEM-EDAX, FTIR, and particle size analysis to validate the structural, chemical, and morphological characteristics of the Bhasma. Results confirm proper transformation of metals into a safe, bioavailable, and effective Ayurvedic formulation suitable for clinical use.

Conclusion

The present study highlights that Bhasma Kalpana is a unique pharmaceutical process in Rasashastra that transforms metals into safe, stable, and therapeutically potent forms with enhanced bioavailability. Rajata Bhasma was successfully prepared as per classical guidelines using purified Rajata, following systematic Shodhana and Marana procedures involving herbal and mineral media. Shodhana through Nirvapa in various media and Vishesha Shodhana with Nimbu Swarasa effectively removed impurities and prepared the metal for further processing. Marana carried out with Parada, Gandhaka, and Haratala through four Laghu Putas resulted in the attainment of classical Bhasma Siddhi Lak?a?as, confirming complete transformation. Analytical studies validated these findings, where XRD showed conversion from metallic silver to oxide and sulphide forms, and EDX confirmed reduction in elemental silver with incorporation of other elements. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of organic functional groups derived from processing media. The mean particle size of 433 nm demonstrated formation of submicron particles, contributing to enhanced surface area, absorption, and therapeutic efficacy. Overall, the study confirms the successful preparation of Rajata Bhasma with desired classical and modern analytical characteristics, ensuring its safety, stability, and potential clinical utility.

Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Dr. Jija Ashok Lade, Dr. Ravi R Chavan , Dr. Lalitha . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.