Article: A CRITICAL REVIEW ON BHASMA AND NANOMEDICINE

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.1104116

Pages: 201-203

Author: Rahul Yashavanth *, Mrudula K. S

Abstract: The metals and minerals by the virtue of their nature are heavy, non-assimilable and toxic in their original form, though toxic in nature they were used in therapeutics since the time of Veda. After the development of shodhana (purifying process) and marana (process of making bhasma) techniques, the utility of metals and minerals in medicine increased to three folds as it converts them to micro fine and assimilable form i.e. bhasma, with no toxic effects when prepared and used judiciously. The bhasma when analysed for its particle size, mostly falls under the range of nanoparticles. Nano medicine is an offshoot of nanotechnology, the size of which falls in between 1 nm - 100 nm. Considerable amount of research has been conducted in this field to analyse the use of Nanomedicine in healthcare sector. Because of their minute size, they can easily target difficult to reach sites with improved solubility and bioavailability. They also pose potential risks for the human health and the environment. The Nano medicine possesses various pros and cons, whereas the bhasma when used judiciously can be superior to Nano medicine in the treatment of diseases due to its limited toxicity and high efficiency.

Keyword: Nanotechnology, Nanomedicine, Nanoparticle Bhasma, Shodhana, Marana.