Synthesis and characterization of Abhraka (mica) bhasma by two different methods

BACKGROUND: Bhasmas are traditional Ayurvedic medicines prepared from minerals and metals by tedious process which removes toxic properties of metals and minerals and enhances medicinal properties. We have synthesized abhraka bhasma by two traditional methods and were analyzed during each stage of preparation. OBJECTIVE: The present study deals with the synthesis and characterization of abhraka bhasma by two different methods, method-1 is commonly used for treating anemia and tropical sprue and method-2 for treating chronic cough. Hence attempts have been made to see the physico-chemical differences between these methods by using different analytical techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Different steps in preparation of abhraka bhasma includes shodhana (purification), dhanyabhraka, marana (incineration) and amritikarana. The prepared bhasma were analyzed by classical ayurvedic tests and modern analytical techniques like XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, EDX, BET, DLS and TGA/DTA. RESULTS: The morphological characterization revealed that as-prepared abhraka bhasma products were nano crystalline in nature. Elemental analysis confirms presence of various elements along with carbon suggesting bhasma as herbo-mineral compound. The XRD studies revealed the presence of KMg(3)(Si(3)Al)O(10)(OH)(2) in bhasmas. CONCLUSION: Characterization study revealed presence of various bonds of different functional groups and formation of nano particles. Abhraka bhasma prepared by method-2 has more proportion of nano particles than that prepared by method-1 and hence will be more effective in its use.