Article: TUTTHA BHASMA AS A LIPID-LOWERING AGENT: A PRECLINICAL STUDY ON WISTAR ALBINO RATS

Article Category: Original Research articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.16250

Pages: 90-95

Author: Harshitha SJ *, Sulochana L Rathod

Abstract: Background: Hyperlipidemia affects 25-30% of urban and 15-20% of rural Indians, primarily those aged 30-60 years. Conventional treatments often have adverse effects, whereas Ayurveda offers a cost-effective, complication-free alternative. Tuttha bhasma with its kashaya and madhura rasa, laghu guna, and kapha-pitta-hara properties, acts as rasayana, lekhana, medohara, and nadibalyakara. Traditionally indicated in medo roga, this study is aimed to evaluate Tuttha bhasma's efficacy in lowering lipid levels, preventing atherosclerosis, and reducing the risk of myocardial infarction. Materials and Methods: Shodhana (Purification & processing) of ingredients is an essential step before usage, transforming raw drugs into safe, bioactive, therapeutic forms. The test drug Tuttha bhasma (incinerated copper sulphate), was prepared by homogeneously mixing processed tuttha, gandhaka, and tankana, followed by triturating it with Lakucha swarasa and subjected to kukkuta puta (incineration by following specific temperature pattern). The antihyperlipidemic activity of Tuttha bhasma was investigated in Wistar albino rats with hyperlipidemia induced by a high-cholesterol diet, using atorvastatin as the standard drug. The study parameters included body weight, heart weight, serum lipid profile, and histopathology of the heart was studied. Results and Conclusion: This study yielded significant results in serum VLDL, LDL, cholesterol, triglycerides, SGPT, creatinine, and ultra-sensitivity CRP levels. Significant improvements were observed in serum HDL cholesterol. Tuttha bhasma has lekhana (scraping) and rasayana action, contributing to its nadibalyakara (cardiovascular strengthening) effects, particularly in the coronary arteries.

Keyword: Tuttha, Medoroga, Hypolipidemic, Anti-atherosclerotic, Antihyperlipidemic, Experimental study, Copper Sulphate, Atorvastatin.