Pancha bhasma siddhi lakshana- Dr. Saroja M Patil

according to RRS

1. PANCHA BHASMA SIDDHI LAKSHANAS FOR DHATUS (as per RRS) By Dr Saroja M P atil Final yr. PG Scholar TGAMC Ballari Guide Dr Ravi.R.Chavan Asst. professor TGAMC Ballari PROFESSOR &HOD Dr M.S.Doddamani Dept. of RS & BK TGAMC Ballari

2. Contents Derivation Introduction General Method of preparation of bhasma Changes during bhasma preparation Bhasma pariksha Pancha bhasma siddhi lakshana Analytical tests to validate bhasma Related Research works Discussion Conlusion

3. Derivation BHASMA - “ Bhas ”: shine/ lusture , “ Sma ”: indicates Past tense. ‘ bhasma’ means ‘Shining in the past’ or “one which has lost the luster”. pÉxqÉ - SakÉaÉÉåqÉrÉÉÌS ÌuÉMüÉU | ( Amarkosha ) --calcined by fine ashes. Marana – Root- ‘ qÉÔlÉç ’ – means-- Himsayam , to kill. qÉÉrÉïiÉå lÉzrÉiÉå pÉÎxqÉÌ¢ürÉiÉå CÌiÉ | pÉxqÉ SakÉ MüɹÉÌS xÉÉU | ( Shabdakalpadruma ) Marayate , Nasyate , and Bhasmikriyate . i.e. Killing, Ruining and converting into ashes

4. I ntroduction Bhasmas are unique preparation of Ayurveda. They are commonly used in the treatment of diseases. They have great therapeutic value because they get absorbed easily in the body even in very small doses. This is due to there micro fineness. Preparation of bhasma, is an elaborate process involving Shodhana & Marana . Bhasma literally means anything inorganic or organic matter which is burnt into an ash.

5. Our acharyas have given a set of siddhi laxanas to access properly formed bhasmas. These tests contribute much to the standardization of bhasma. 1st reference of bhasma pareeksha is found in R asendra M angala , and first reference for niruttha bhasma lakshana is in RRS Bhasma pareekshas are carried out during or after the marana procedure to confirm the completion of a rasa dravya into a suitable consumable medicine. It is the confirmatory of the completion of marana procedure. It is the signal to stop the bhasmikarana process.

6. General method of bhasma preparation Raw material Shodhana( nirvapa ) Shodhita vanga Jarana Jarita vanga Bhavana with kumari swarasa Chakrika nirmana Subjecting to puta Igniting puta Final bhasma

7. Purpose behind preparation of Bhasma To make metals and other mineral substances useful for mankind therapeutically. To reduce or destroy their toxic effect if any. To convert them into organo – metallic compounds which are acceptable by the body. The fineness of final product ensures easy absorption. To plot or enhance required virtues in the substance, in the specific action on human system To make stabilized form of the material.

8. Changes during bhasma preparation During Shodhana , tension is increased in matter by application of heat, causing linear expansion . After heating , immediate cooling in liquid media leads to decrease in tension and increase in compression force . Repetition in heating and cooling causes disruption in compression tension equilibrium leads to increased brittleness , reduction in hardness and finally reduction in particle size. Some metals and minerals during red hot state react with atmospheric oxygen or steam and form chemical compound. Iron, when heated to red hot, reacts with atmospheric oxygen or steam to form ferrosol-ferric oxide (Fe 3 O4 ). Copper in moist air is converted to basic copper sulphate, which on red hot state is completely decomposed to cupric oxide.

9. In Bhavana process , materials with liquid media are rubbed between surface of pestle and mortar. This process involves breaking down of material by rubbing action between two surfaces, when stress in the form of attrition is applied; particle surfaces chip and produce small particles. Wet grinding eliminates hazards of dust. Finer size can be achieved by wet grinding than by dry grinding. Oxidation of metals occurs during heating at open air in Jarana procedure. The melting point of metals also increases due to oxidation. Inorganic part of plant material supplies trace elements to materials. During incineration ( Putapaka ), generally compounds are formed on metal surface. Repetition of this process leads to reduction in particle size. After Marana, metals generally convert to their compound forms, which are biologically favourable to the body.

10. Bhasma P ariksha The knowledge of various methods of examination of these Bhasmas is absolutely necessary because one single method may not be suitable to be applied for examining different bhasmas on account of their natural structural composition . It differs according to the type of metal/mineral used. The tests may be divided in to Physical tests and Chemical tests.

11. Physical tests Color ( varna ) A specific colour is mentioned for each Bhasma. Alteration in specific colour suggests that Bhasma is not prepared properly. Because a particular metallic compound is formed during Bhasma preparation and every chemical compound possesses specific colour .

12. Varitara Jalaplava is the synonym of this test. It should be present in all the prepared Bhasmas. The meaning of this term is float over the surface of water. If the bhasma floats over the water it can be regarded as a standard one. Unnama Or Uttama This is the reassessment test of the floating character of bhasma. A grain is to be kept carefully on the film formed in the pervious test in water. The bhasma should not sink in water. Then the bhasma can be considered good. Through these two tests lightness of the bhasma may be proved . Gatarasatva The properly prepared bhasma attains tastelessness. The presence of taste in Bhasma indicates the imperfectness of Bhasma. This may be due to less heat and the presence of inorganic compounds.

13. Rekapurnata This is another test which again indicates the fineness of a bhasma. Here the bhasma is rubbed in between the thumb and the index finger. The particles of bhasma such a state that the bhasma could enter the furrows of the fingers. The test is known as Rekhapurnata. If the bhasma does not attain this stage some more putas are required to complete the Marana process . Anjana Sadrusha Sukshmatva The Bhasma on application to eyes as Kajal , which does not cause any irritation proves the maximum fineness and softness, only the micro fine preparation can give such a results.

14. Nischandratva This is not a common test applicable to all the bhasmas.It is prescribed only for the bhasmas of certain drugs like Swarna , Abhraka etc. A portion of bhasma should be rubbed in between the fingers and thumb and the rubbed portion is examined in sun’s rays. If any shining particle is seen over the finger the bhasma cannot be Nischandra and should be subjected to further putas to make it completely lusterless . Mridutva And Slakshnatva A Bhasma should be Mridu and Slakshna to touch. The softness and smoothness of the bhasma is also due to its fineness . If the bhasma does not acquire the required stage of fineness it cannot be soft and smooth and so it needs more putas .

15. AVAMI: (This pareeksha is specifically performed for tamra , tuttha and swarnamakshika bhasma.) When the bhasma is consumed , a nauseating or vomitting feeling should not occur. Ex: Metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, repeated vomiting seen when apakwa tamra bhasma is consumed which is similar to acute & chronic cu poisoning SIGNIFICANCE;- Indicates the acceptability of the bhasma into the system.

16. Chemical tests Nirdhoomatva This is also not a common test applicable for all bhasmas . This is for Haratala and drugs containing Gandhaka . Some portion of bhasma is put on the fire to see whether fumes are coming out. If there is presence of fumes it indicates that the Marana process is incomplete and some more putas are needed to complete the process Ex: haratala marana arsenic trisulphide arsenic oxide if sulphur present in the bhasma it burns producing fumes when heated Apunarbhava This test is applicable to Metallic bhasmas only. If the bhasma is mixed the Mitra panchaka drugs i.e. Guda , Gunja , Tankana , Madhu and Gritha and put in to fire and if it is not converted into original metal, it is known as Apunarbhava .

17. Nirutha This test is also meant for detection of the regaining character of metallic bhasma. Silver which melts at a lower temperature is mixed with the bhasma to test its Niruthatva with a view to detect any unreduced or metallic portion remaining in the bhasma is attracted towards the melted silver and will mix with it. The weight of silver increases and proves the bhasma as Anirutha . Amla pariksha / dadhi pariksha (Specific for tamra,swarna makshika , tuttha bhasma) PROCEDURE: Droping on nimbu swarasa or any other amla rasa, if bhasma not properly incinerated it forms haridra varna SIGNIFICANCE: If metallic content is present it might react with acidic nature and form some salts due to displacement reaction.The salt formed has specific colour . Ex :Cu + 4HCl + O2 = 2CuCl2 + 2H2O

18. Pancha bhasma siddhi lakshana मृतं तरति यत्तोये लोहं वारितरं हि तत् । अंगुष्टतर्जनीस्पृष्टं यत्तद्रेखान्तरे विशेत् ॥ मृतलोहं तदुद्दिष्टं रेखापूर्णा भिधानतः । गुडगुंजासुखस्पर्शमध्वाज्यैः सह योजितम् ॥ नायाति प्रकृतिं ध्माना दपुनर्भव मुच्यते । तस्योपरि गुरु द्रव्यं धान्यं चोपनयेद्धॄवम् ॥ हंसवत्तीर्यते वारि ण्युत्तमं परिकीर्तितं । रौप्येण सह संयुक्तं ध्मातं रौप्येण नो लगेत् ॥ तदा निरूत्थ मित्युक्तं लोहं तदपुनर्भवम् ॥ (र र स 8/ २६-३० )

19. The following are the 5 prime bhasma siddhi lakshana’s mentioned in Rasa Ratna Samuchaya for metals and minerals: Varitara Rekhapurnata Apunarbhava Unama/ uttama Niruttha

20. Varitara मृतं तरति यत्तोये लोहं वारितरं हि तत् । (RRS) PROCEDURE : Clear pure water is to be taken into a transparent glass beaker and a little amount of Bhasma is to be sprinkled over the stagnant surface of water. The floating character of bhasma indicates that the incineration process adopted was proper. [RRS 8/26]   SIGNIFICANCE;- Rationale behind this test may be that smaller the particle size larger will be its surface area. Particle with larger surface area will float on water. This test ndicates the lightness of bhasma. Floating of bhasma over the surface of water indicates micro fineness and lightness of particles . Bhasma becomes so fine that it cannot break the surface tension of water. Here, Bulk density of bhasma can be standardized which is a factor for floating of any object in a liquid.

21. Rekhapurnata अंगुष्टतर्जनीस्पृष्टं यत्तद्रेखान्तरे विशेत् ॥ मृतलोहं तदुद्दिष्टं रेखापूर्णाभिधानतः । (RRS) PROCEDURE : A small amount of incinerated metal is to be rubbed in between the index finger and the thumb. If the bhasma particle enters in to the creases of these fingers, it indicates that the metal is incinerated properly. [RRS 8/27] SIGNIFICANCE Indicates the minuteness and fineness of bhasma . Its bioavailability may be influenced by this factor . Particle size of 35 u is capable of lodging in furrows of finger.

22. Apunarbhava गुडगुंजासुखस्पर्शमध्वाज्यैः सह योजितम् ॥ नायाति प्रकृतिं ध्मानादपुनर्भवमुच्यते । (RRS 8) PROCEDURE : Dhatu bhasma + mitrapanchaka gana in musha. Dhatu bhasma is mixed with guda,gunja , tankana , honey and ajya , all in equal quantity & subjected it to heat in a musha, there should not be reoccurrence of the metallic form of the bhasma . Commentry : in rrs it is mentioned a s dhmaanat which means heat is given in increased intensity which may prove the test negative, acharya yadavaji trikamji amentiones word- putanat which means heat given for apunarbhava should be equal to the puta given during preparation of bhasma Subjected to heat

23. SIGNIFICANCE An unstable metallic compound can reduce to metallic state during this test by carbon reduction process. Test is designed to detect any loose bondage in the compound formed after marana. Absence of reduction denotes a good quality bhasma When bhasma heated with Mitrapanchaka gana should not regain its metallic state. Here, similar grades of heat should be given at which particular bhasma is formed. Mitrapanchaka gana dravyas used may act as source of carbon on that particular temperature. An unstable metallic compound can reduce to metallic state during this test by carbon reduction process.

24. In this test i.e. Apunarbhava if Bhasma is not properly formed, then it will be in the form of small particles of dhatus . Mitrapanchaka gana Mixing with bhasma Chakrika nirmana Apunarbhava positive

25. Rationality behind using mitrapanchaka Mitrapanchaka varga told in the classics include Gunja , Madhu , Guda , Grutha , and Tankana . They help in displacing the metals from the source. Guda and Gunja : They have low melting point Act as a source of Carbon at that temperature . Tankana : It helps in reducing the melting point of the mineral concentrate permitting the easy liquification Madhu and ghruta : Madhu and ghruta also melts at very low temperature and turns to carbonized form. That formed carbon will help to segregate dhatu from dhatu bhasma

26. Contd.. Flux : During reduction, substance called flux is added to the ore. It combines with impurities to form easily fusible product known as SLAG. This is not soluble in the molten metal. Borax ( tankana ) is well known flux which acts either way i.e. reducing the melting point of the metal and by helping in the formation of slag . Reducing nature of Carbon: Carbon is effectively used in different extractive metallurgy as reducing agents. Carbon reacts with oxygen in two ways- C + O2 → CO2 ------ (1) @ 9380K. 2C + O2→ 2CO ----------(2) @ >9830K. With the laws of thermodynamics it can be concluded that below 9830K carbon monoxide is energetically a better reducing agent than carbon. Above this temperature, the reduction with carbon becomes more favourable- The organic compounds like guda , certain organic acids of gunja are turned to carbon in its purest form which further acts as a reducing agents as explained above.

27. Auto reduction: Some reduction reaction does not require the reducing agents. The cations of the least electropositive metals may be reduced without the use of any additional reducing agents. This is also called AIR REDUCTION e.g. extraction of mercury, lead, Cu etc. in the manufacture of mercury the sulphide ore (cinnabar) is heated in a current of air when following reaction occur- 2HgS + 3 O2→2HgO + 2 SO2 2HgO→2Hg + O2 2HgO + HgS → 3Hg + SO2 Similarly, Copper where the sulphide and the oxide act together at an elevated temperature to give the metal. Cu2S + 2Cu2O→ SO2 + 6Cu Catalyst : The organic acids of a plant source like that of Gunja might act as catalyst? As extracts of gunja are thermostable .

28. Uttama / unama तस्योपरि गुरु द्रव्यं धान्यं चोपनयेद्धॄवम् ॥ हंसवत्तीर्यते वारि ण्युत्तमं परिकीर्तितं । PROCEDURE: A rice grain is to be placed gently over floating Bhasma. If the rice grain floats over the layer of Bhasma, it indicates that the process of incineration is proper. [RRS 8/29 ] It can even load a grain of rice while floating on water indicating that its particle size is very less and surface area very high able to stand on surface of water without breaking its surface tension even when it is loaded. SIGNIFICANCE Indicates the lightness of bhasma. Revalidates Varitara pariksha .

29. Niruttha रौप्येण सह संयुक्तं ध्मातं रौप्येण नो लगेत् ॥ तदा निरूत्थ मित्युक्तं लोहं तदपुनर्भवम् ॥ PROCEDURE : Incinerated metal is to be added with little quantity of silver and this complex is to be heated in a crucible until the silver melts completely. After self cooling, the silver is to be examined for changes in weight and colour. If the metal is properly incinerated, there won’t be any change in the weight of silver. [RRS 8/30 ] If there is Increase in weight, it may be because of two reasons 1 ) free metal present in the Bhasma may get melted, get mixed(adhered) to the silver or 2 ) silver may utilize the oxygen present in the Bhasma and get oxidized to form silver oxide resulting in increase in weight. No change in weight may mean prepared Bhasma does not contain free metal.  

30. SIGNIFICANCE Complete conversion of metal into bhasma form. Can be considered as the chemical analytical test Specially meant for dhatu & indicates stability of bhasma. When any Dhatu bhasma is heated with Rajata, no physical and chemical change should be noticed. Silver which melts at lower temperature is mixed with bhasma to test its Niruthatva with a view to detect any unreduced or metallic portion remaining in bhasma is attracted towards the melted silver and will mix with it. The weight of silver increases and proves the bhasma as Anirutha . Rationality behind using Rajata ? It has affinity towards other metals Among metals, pure silver has the highest thermal conductivity. Silver is the best conductor of heat and electricity of any metal on the periodic table

31. Nirutha for RAJATA & NAGA Bhasma LuÉÇ ÂmrÉÇ xÉlÉÉaÉÇ cÉåSè kqÉÉiÉÇ iÉÉqÉëå sÉaÉ³É ÌWû | iÉSÉ ÌlÉÂjÉÇ qÉliÉurÉÇ UleÉlÉÇ cÉ ÍpÉwÉauÉUæÈ || U.cÉÔ . 4/34. F or Rajata & Naga bhasmas Nirutha pareeksha - Tamra patra is used . Vanga bhasma Equal Qty. of Rajata Heating in musha Red hot musha

32. NIRUTTHA Test for LOHA Bhasma Ref : R.Sa.Sang 1/358 . xÉuÉïqÉåuÉ qÉ×iÉÇ sÉÉåWÇû kqÉÉiÉurÉÇ ÍqɧÉmÉgcÉMæüÈ | rɱåuÉÇxrÉÉͳÉÂijÉÇ cÉ xÉåurÉÇ ŲÉcÉiÉѹrÉqÉç || ( U.xÉÉ.xÉÇ1/344) Prepared Loha bhasma should be tested for there Nirutthatava by mixing the same with the Materials of Mitrapanchaka . ( madhu , ghrutha , gunja , tankana and guggulu ) And apply heat with same puta as was given while preparing bhasma. If bhasma is found Niruttha then the same may be used internally in 4 ratti . Commentry : as said earlier when the metallic bhasma is heated strongly along with this mitrapanchaka , it would act as catalyst and if the bhasma contains un- oxidised part, mitrapanchaka would help to gather the metallic portion.

33. aÉÉåbÉ×iÉÇ aÉlkÉMÇü sÉÉåWÇû iÉmiÉZÉsuÉå ÌuÉqÉSïrÉåiÉç | ÌSlÉæMÇü MülrÉMüÉSìÉuÉå ÂSèkuÉÉ aÉeÉmÉÑOåû mÉcÉåiÉç || CirÉåuÉÇ xÉuÉïsÉÉåWûÉlÉÉÇ Mü¨ÉïurÉÇ xrÉÉͳÉÂÎijÉiÉqÉç | ( U.xÉÉ.xÉÇ 1/346) If Loha bhasma not found Nirutha , than it should be mixed with equal part of Goghirta , Gandhaka, and apply bhavana with Ghrita Kumari and Grind in Tapta khalwa for one day and apply Gajaputa . In this way all Loha -bhasmas may be made Niruttha . This test can be considered for general nurythhikarana test for all lohadi dhatus .

34. Specific bhasma siddhi lakshana

35. ANALYTICAL TESTS Sl no Analysis Parameters 1 Physico Chemical Analysis Color, LOD, Total Ash, Acid Insoluble Ash, Water soluble Ash, Solubility, Particle size, NPST 2 EDX-SEM Chemical nature, size and morphology of particles 3 TEM, Particle size, size distribution 4 XRD Phase Analysis 5 XRF Bulk Chemical Analysis, detecting metal as element 6 ESCA Electronic nature & oxidation state of metal 7 Extraction & chromatography To extract out organic matter if any

36. Related articles 1 ) Ayurvedic Bhasma: the most ancient application of nanomedicine - Prasanta Kumar Sarkar. Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi Bhasmas are claimed to be biologically produced nanoparticles (NPs), prescribed with several other medicines of Ayurveda. This study reviews Ayurvedic Bhasma as most ancient application of nanomedicine . Preparation of Bhasma Bhasmas are being prepared by Putapaka method and Kupipakwa method.

37. Conclusions Herbo -mineral formulations of Ayurveda constituting Bhasma as an ingredients are as superior as it is even today. Manufacturing methods of Bhasma are in tune of nanotechnology of contemporary era and proved advancement of Rasashastra, a branch of Ayurveda, which may cover scientific validation of today. These medicines are safe in therapeutics.

38. 2) CONCEPT OF BHASMIKARANA- Devanathan R* Centre for Advanced Research in Indian System of Medicine (CARISM), SASTRA University, Tamilnadu , India Effects Of Putas PUTA is an important part of Marana process. Any Metal or Mineral subjected to Marana process needs some kind of puta for its paka . The property of particular Metal or Mineral increases in proportion to the number of putas given during Marana process. It is mentioned in Rasa Prakasha Sudhakara that more number of putas makes the metal highly effective. According to Rasendra Chudamani4 , a greater number of putas help in making the bhasma more ruksha (rough), sukshma (fine ), jalaplava (floatable on water) and in producing vichitragunadeepti (wonderful properties) in the bhasma. Further according to Rasendra Sara Sangraha5, putas numbering 10 – 100 enhances vyadhihara property in bhasma , 100 – 500 putas produce Vajeekarana property and the putas numbering 100 – 1000 are claimed to have the Rasayana property. Puta Phala And Prayojana The bhasmas of Lohadi dhatus becomes apunarbhava . They float on water and become rekhapurna . The bhasma attains deepana guna and sheegravyapti . Doshavinasha occurs due to puta and new gunas are added to the bhasma prepared.

39. ANUKTHA PUTA MANA In the absence of any recommendation about the type of Puta to the applied it should be decided by considering the nature of the metal/mineral subjected to Puta paka . If it is Mrudu dravya then the Puta having low capacity should be chosen but if it is a Madhyama or Katina dravya then the Puta having moderate or high degree of heating capacity should be used . Rasa Tarangini also mentioned the same opinion about the Anukta Puta that if there is no indication in the text about specific Puta, the scholar should asses the type of Puta on the basis of the hardness or softness of the minerals and metals decide accordingly. Rasa Kamadhenu , Rasendra Sara Sangraha , Rasa Ratna Samuchhaya have also mentioned the same opinion about the Anukta Puta.

40. ARTICLE DISCUSSION Some vaidyas advise to use earthen pots instead of earthen lids ( Sarava Samputa) for closing the pillets . It is not desired as in case of pots fire contact with metal or mineral would not be to the desired extent and thus hampering the desired chemical reaction to set in properly . Hence the use of sarava samputa is highly specific and appreciable in this context. In Sarava Samputa also two layers of pillets may only be put and not more so as to allow the heat reaction to effect the metal or mineral as per requirement. For Abhraka , Loha , Mandura , Tamra and Makshika initially high temperature may be given followed by gradual tampering. If same temperature is given up to the end of the process the bhasma does not become smooth and soft. And its colour change is also not up to the standard level. In case of Swarna , Rajata and Naga initially low temperature is required followed by gradual increase. On completion of the process the bhasma should not contain specific taste and should be non - irritating to the tongue. And then the bhasma thus obtained is ground well, sieved or filtered through a silky cloth (at least 100 number mesh so that no bigger particles in the final product may remain present.

41. ARTICLE CONCLUSION As for as possible Vanyopalas should be used as fuel and if wooden charcoals are to be used as fuel then proper care should be taken for the maintenance of heat. Now – a –days electric furnaces are also used for preparing almost all the bhasmas. But before using electrical furnaces we should standardize the heating schedule and temperature range of different putas . And once that is done the heating through electric muffle furnace may be used to attain better heating results and superior quality finished products. As in this system controlled heat may yield best results and heat loss may also be avoided.

42. Discussion Bhasma pareekshas are parameters to check the quality of bhasma   Comparison of bhasma pareekshas with modern tests Varna,gatarasatwa,mrudutwa = Organoleptic tests Varitara,Unama,Rekhapurna = SEM,TEM (PARTICLE SIZE) Avami,Niruttha =XRF,FTIR(ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS) Apunarbhava = XRD,Gravimetry (form) To establish a specific criteria for different bhasma to indicate completeness of marana, specific tests are needed For Eg . Magnetic test for Loha containing bhasma.

43. Conclusion In Rasashastra, bhasmikarana is the process by which purified and detoxified materials are transformed into Absorbable, Adaptable, and Assimable form. Although the many procedures are mentioned in our classics to test bhasma, modern analytical technique are needed to standardize and also to reveal their action. Apart from bhasma pareeksha contemporary methods are to be understood to know the physico -chemical analysis of bhasma for global acceptance. No single instrumental source is best for all applications hence specific method is selected in accordance with the requirements of the desired analysis. Vaaritara , rekhapoornata and unama these three tests can be performed in all rasa bhasma. Where as Apunarbhava & Niruttha are the chemical tests specially mentioned for Dhatu Bhasma pareeksha .