Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• Bimal Rajchal ^{1, 2, 3, 4}
• Yub Narayan Thapa ^{1, 3, 4, 5}
• Deepshikha Karki ^{1, 3, 4}
• Ramesh Puri ^{3, 4}
• Pramod Bhatta ⁶
• Motee Lal Sharma ^{1, 3}
• Vimal Katiyar ⁷
• Rameshwar Adhikari ^{1, 3, 4, 7}

¹ Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur 44618, Bagmati Province, Nepal

² Bhaktapur Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Bhaktapur 44800, Bagmati Province, Nepal

³ Nepal Polymer Institute (NPI), Kathmandu 44618, Bagmati Province, Nepal

⁴ Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology (RECAST), Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur 44618, Bagmati Province, Nepal

⁵ Tribhuvan Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Tansen, Palpa 32500, Lumbini Province, Nepal

⁶ Vidushi Yogamaya Himalayan Ayurveda University, Sankhuwasabha 56900, Koshi Province, Nepal

⁷ Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India

Abstract

Ayurvedic Bhasmas, the traditional metallic and mineral-based formulations with therapeutic properties, are used to manage various human ailments in Ayurveda. Despite their therapeutic applications, the scientific validation of their physicochemical properties remains limited. This study aims to characterize and better understand selected commercially available Bhasmas through optical microscopic and different spectroscopic techniques, providing insights into their structural and compositional attributes. Optical microscopy revealed their irregular morphology and powdery texture with heterogeneous particle sizes. Ultraviolet – visible (UV-visible) spectroscopy showed absorption peaks between 257 nm and 390 nm, and band gap energies between 1.94 eV and 5.36 eV, suggesting the presence of nanosized particles. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the presence of organic moieties and metal-oxygen bonds within the Bhasma samples, indicating possible herbal interactions with metallic or mineral components during their preparation. These findings support the notion that Bhasmas possess unique physicochemical features, potentially contributing to their therapeutic efficacy.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

• Ayurveda
• Vedic medicine
• Ayurvedic formulation
• Traditional nanomedicine
• Calx

Main Subjects

• Biomaterials & Biodevices