Evidence for safety of Ayurvedic herbal, herbo-metallic and Bhasma preparations on neurobehavioral activity and oxidative stress in rats

Sub-chronic oral toxicity evaluation of herbo-metallic formulation Arshakuthar rasa in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Arshakuthar rasa (AR) is a mercury based Ayurvedic herbo-metallic formulation. The concerns are being raised about the probable toxicity of mercury after prolonged use of AR. Hence, there is need for a long-term repeated in vivo toxicity study. The study will provide data with scientific evidence to enable safe use of the drug. Moreover, lack of toxicity study with AR incited us to perform sub-chronic study on rats.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study is to generate data by performing a sub-chronic study to assess the toxicity of AR after its prolonged oral intake.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The female and male rats were administered with 30 (low), 300 (medium) and 600 mg/kg BW/day (high) dose of AR for 90 consecutive days. The body weight, feed consumption and water intake were monitored weekly. On 91^st day, blood was collected from retro-orbital plexus of rats and then sacrificed to harvest the vital organs for biochemical, haematological, histopathological, genotoxicity along with the expression study of oxidative stress related genes and the biodistribution of elements in the blood.

RESULTS

Significant alterations in serum biochemical parameters were observed at the medium and high doses. The histopathological changes were in corroboration with biochemical changes at high dose in liver. There was no detectable level of mercury in blood, less to moderate biochemical changes, no haematological changes, moderate regulation of stress-related genes, and low genotoxicity. These results indicated that AR can be considered as moderately toxic above 600 mg/kg BW and mildly toxic at 300 mg/kg BW.

CONCLUSIONS

It may be interpreted that AR may not induce grave toxic response in human after long-duration of oral administration at therapeutic doses.

Understanding the effects of Abhraka Bhasma on genotoxicity and its DNA repair potential in mouse model

BACKGROUND

Metal toxicity is of major concern to human health. The metals may modulate molecular mechanisms of various pathways. Rasashastra, the branch of Ayurveda, narrates the properties, unique preparation, processing techniques, and therapeutic uses of minerals. The use of herbal metallic preparations has evoked concern for their potential to produce toxicity, interest in efficacy as therapeutic agents and safety related issues. Abhraka Bhasma, is one such incinerated herbo-metallic preparation of mica, widely used by traditional medicine practitioners. Although there are reports of Abhraka Bhasma on beneficial effects, clear evidence is lacking on the effect of Abhraka Bhasma on genotoxicity and DNA repair.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to understand the effects of Abhraka Bhasma on geno toxicity, DNA repair, and other mechanisms in the mice test model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The experiments were conducted in in vivo Swiss albino mice. The acute oral toxicity was performed as per the OECD guidelines. The mice were treated with Abhraka Bhasma (120 or 360 mg/kg body weight) for 7 days. They were then challenged with ethyl methanesulfonate and the DNA repair was analyzed.

RESULTS

The data obtained indicated that the Abhraka Bhasma is not a genotoxic and reproductive toxic formulation. The selected higher concentration of Abhraka Bhasma showed a protective role against ethyl methanesulfonate induced chromosomal damages and enhanced constitutive DNA base excision repair in mice.

CONCLUSION

The anti-oxidant, potentiation of DNA repair and hematinic properties of Abhraka Bhasma may be attributed to the synergistic actions of its bioactive components.

Are Ayurvedic medications store house of heavy metals?

Ayurvedic formulations are widely used and perceived as safer medicine and subjected to be self-prescribed. However, recent reports have demonstrated adulterating these drugs with toxic quantities of heavy metals. To study the magnitude of the problem in Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic medications, we randomly collected common over-the-counter Ayurvedic preparations from the licensed Ayurvedic shops in the local markets of Chandigarh in 2017. The samples were analyzed to identify and quantify eight metal ions, including mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, zinc, iron, copper, and chromium, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh. The permissible limit set by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) for herbal medicines was followed to define the high metal concentrations. Out of 43 Ayurvedic preparations, 42 were analyzed. Heavy metals were detected in all formulations. The median (range) concentrations (in μg/g or mg/kg) of the metals were quantified as follows- mercury, 13.52 (0.00-61 095.99); arsenic, 0.00 (0.00-1038.83); lead, 1.40 (0.00-57.09); zinc, 84.2200 (26.48-22 519.03); iron, 1356.21 (128.24-136 835.25); copper, 17.1450 (0.00-12 756.86) and chromium, 20.9050 (0.00-2717.58). The metal contents above the FAO/WHO-mandated limit for zinc, mercury, arsenic, and lead were detected in 35, 29, 6, and 2 formulations, respectively. All medications contained detectable quantities of zinc and iron. Copper was detected in all except one. Cadmium was not found in any sample. Ayurvedic medications have a high prevalence of heavy metals. An evaluation of the sources of contamination and the necessary drug safety regulations are required.

Prospective Application of Nanoparticles Green Synthesized Using Medicinal Plant Extracts as Novel Nanomedicines

The use of medicinal plants in green synthesis of metal nanoparticles is increasing day by day. A simple search for the keywords "green synthesis" and "nanoparticles" yields more than 33,000 articles in Scopus. As of August 10, 2021, more than 4000 articles have been published in 2021 alone. Besides demonstrating the ease and environmental-friendly route of synthesizing nanomaterials, many studies report the superior pharmacological properties of green synthesized nanoparticles compared to those synthesized by other methods. This is probably due to the fact that bioactive molecules are entrapped on the surface of these nanoparticles. On the other hand, recent studies have confirmed the nano-dimension and biocompatibility of metal ash (Bhasma) preparations, which are commonly macerated with biological products and administered for the treatment of various diseases in Indian medicine since ancient times. This perspective article argues for the prospective medical application of green nanoparticles in the light of Bhasma.

A study on toxicity and anti-hyperglycemic effects of Abhrak Bhasma in rats

Background

Abhrak bhasma (AB) is widely used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM); however, no scientific study is reported till date on its efficacy and safety to prove it's pharmacological effects. Streptozotocin (STZ) is a gulcosamine–nitrosourea complex produced by Streptomyces achromogenes, which particularly induces DNA strand breakage in pancreatic β-cells causing DM. The damage caused by STZ to pancreatic β-cells is coupled with insulin release in the initial stage, subsequently leading to hyperglycemia owing to insulin deficiency.

Objective(s)

In the present study, the safety and effectiveness of AB was evaluated by invivo acute and sub-acute toxicity study and STZ-induced hyperglycemic activity in rats.

Materials and methods

Acute oral toxicity assessed as per OECD 425 guidelines by employing up-down procedure (UDP), sub-acute toxicity as per OECD-407 guidelines and anti-hyperglycemic activity using STZ method. The anti-hyperglycemic potential of AB in rats (40, 80, and 160 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) was evaluated by determining the body weight, blood glucose, organ weight, lipid profile, and histo-morphological and histo-pathological investigations.

Results

The highest tolerated dose of AB was 2000 mg/kg b.w., and sub-acute toxicity of different AB doses showed no significant variation, when compared with the control. Interestingly, a noteworthy reduction in blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides levels were observed in AB-treated diabetic rats, along with a considerable increase in body weight, when compared with those noted in the disease control and normal control.

Conclusion

Effectiveness of AB as a potential safe and potent candidate for the treatment of diabetes was revealed as compared to the standard drug Metformin by STZ-induced method.

Heavy Metals in Indian Traditional Systems of Medicine: A Systematic Scoping Review and Recommendations for Integrative Medicine Practice

Introduction: Ayurveda and Siddha are two important components of the traditional Indian medicine (TIM). The regulatory mechanisms have been insufficient, and heavy metal toxicity with TIM preparations continues to be a public health nuisance, putting integrated medicine practice in jeopardy. The current study was undertaken to review the potential health hazards of the heavy metal content in the TIM and formulate patient-safety recommendations for integrative medical practice. Materials and Methods: Systematic MEDLINE searches were performed using a combination of relevant MeSH terms and keywords, and case report/series of Ayurveda or Siddha-induced heavy metal toxicity, published in the previous two decades, were included. Risk of bias was assessed with the tool by Murad et al. Results: A total of 220 cases (51 case reports and 14 case series) were found (lead, n = 156; arsenic, n = 11; mercury, n = 47; thallium, n = 1; gold, n = 1; combination of heavy metals, n = 4) after screening for the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among them, 169 (76.8%) had a low risk of bias, 113 (out of 135 [83.7%] analyzed) contained higher-than-permissible heavy metal content in the drug samples, and the majority showed elevated biological levels of the heavy metals in the body. Conclusion: The heavy metals in TIM are often the result of adulteration or improper manufacturing and prescribing practices, despite national and international guidelines recommending quality standards and protocols for preparing and dispensing TIM. We thus propose multipronged approaches and provide recommendations at various levels, including individual, institutional, national policy decisions essential to establish patient safety of TIM.

Physico-chemical characterization of traditionally prepared Yashada bhasma

BACKGROUND

Yashada bhasma has been found to be very useful for the treatment of ailments like diabetes, eye disorder, urinary disorder etc. Since bhasma is a metallic preparation, so to prove its non-toxicity; modern standardization of the prepared samples is a must apart from other organoleptic tests as mentioned in the ancient text.

OBJECTIVES

The present study is aimed to synthesize bio-compatible Yashada bhasma from bio-incompatible zinc metal. Further, comparative study of their chemical and physical properties through some quality control tests, physico-chemical tests and modern tests like XRD, DLS, Zeta potential, SEM and EDAX are carried out.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Yashada bhasma is prepared by a three step process i.e. Shodhan, Jarana and Marana. The inclusion of plant extracts and herbs during calcination process enhances its medicinal qualities, and reduces it to a nano size.

RESULTS

The XRD analysis of Yashada bhasma shows hexagonal ZnO crystalline phase whereas the raw metal confirms the presence of crystallite Zinc metal. DLS shows reduction in particle size of Yashada Bhasma (339.8 nm) as compared to raw metal (2063 nm) and this reduction is further supported by SEM which shows the particle size of Yashada bhasma (324 nm) and raw metal (1-2μ). The zeta potential value confirms the stability of Yashada bhasma. EDAX revealed difference in concentration of Zinc and Oxygen in both the samples.

CONCLUSION

An effort has been made to characterize the preparation of Yashada bhasma using sophisticated analytical tools as a step towards standardization of the bhasma. The results help in scientifically establishing the findings in line with the principle of Ayurveda.

Chemical Compositions of Metals in Bhasmas and Tibetan Zuotai Are a Major Determinant of Their Therapeutic Effects and Toxicity

Minerals are alchemically processed as Bhasmas in Ayurvedic medicines or as Zuotai in Tibetan medicines. Ayurveda is a knowledge system of longevity and considers the mineral elixir made from “nature” capable of giving humans perpetual life. Herbo-metallic preparations have a long history in the treatment of various diseases in India, China, and around the world. Their disposition, pharmacology, efficacy, and safety require scientific evaluation. This review discusses the Bhasmas in Ayurvedic medicines and Zuotai in Tibetan medicines for their occurrence, bioaccessibility, therapeutic use, pharmacology, toxicity, and research perspectives. A literature search on Mineral, Bhasma, Ayurvedic medicine, Zuotai, Tibetan medicine, and Metals/metalloids from PubMed, Google and other sources was carried out, and the relevant papers on their traditional use, pharmacology, and toxicity were selected and analyzed. Minerals are processed to form Bhasma or Zuotai to alter their physiochemical properties distinguishing them from environmental metals. The metals found in Ayurveda are mainly from the intentional addition in the form of Bhasma or Zuotai. Bhasma and Zuotai are often used in combination with other herbals and/or animal-based products as mixtures. The advanced technologies are now utilized to characterize herbo-metallic preparations as Quality Assurance/Quality Control. The bioaccessibility, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of herbo-metallic preparations are different from environmental metals. The pharmacological basis of Bhasma in Ayurveda and Zuotai in Tibetan medicines and their interactions with drugs require scientific research. Although the toxic potentials of Bhasma and Zuotai differ from environmental metals, the metal poisoning case reports, especially lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As) from inappropriate use of traditional medicines, are increasing, and pharmacovigilance is desired. In risk assessment, chemical forms of metals in Bhasma and Zuotai should be considered for their disposition, efficacy, and toxicity.

Sources, distribution, bioavailability, toxicity, and risk assessment of heavy metal(loid)s in complementary medicines

The last few decades have seen the rise of alternative medical approaches including the use of herbal supplements, natural products, and traditional medicines, which are collectively known as 'Complementary medicines'. However, there are increasing concerns on the safety and health benefits of these medicines. One of the main hazards with the use of complementary medicines is the presence of heavy metal(loid)s such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg). This review deals with the characteristics of complementary medicines in terms of heavy metal(loid)s sources, distribution, bioavailability, toxicity, and human risk assessment. The heavy metal(loid)s in these medicines are derived from uptake by medicinal plants, cross-contamination during processing, and therapeutic input of metal(loid)s. This paper discusses the distribution of heavy metal(loid)s in these medicines, in terms of their nature, concentration, and speciation. The importance of determining bioavailability towards human health risk assessment was emphasized by the need to estimate daily intake of heavy metal(loid)s in complementary medicines. The review ends with selected case studies of heavy metal(loid) toxicity from complementary medicines with specific reference to As, Cd, Pb, and Hg. The future research opportunities mentioned in the conclusion of review will help researchers to explore new avenues, methodologies, and approaches to the issue of heavy metal(loid)s in complementary medicines, thereby generating new regulations and proposing fresh approach towards safe use of these medicines.

Anticancer activity of Arkeshwara Rasa - A herbo-metallic preparation

INTRODUCTION

Though metal based drugs have been prescribed in Ayurveda for centuries to treat various diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and cancer, toxicity of these drugs containing heavy metal is a great drawback for practical application. So, proper scientific validation of herbo-metallic drugs like Arkeshwara Rasa (AR) have become one of the focused research arena of new drugs against cancers.

AIM

To investigate the in vitro anticancer effects of AR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anticancer activity of AR was investigated on two human cancer cell lines, which represent two different tissues (pancreas and skin). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay for enzyme activity and trypan blue assay for cell morphology were performed for further confirmation.

RESULTS

AR showed potent activity against pancreatic cancer cells (MIA-PaCa-2). LDH activity confirmed that AR was active against pancreatic cancer cells. Finally, it was observed that AR exhibited significant effects on cancer cells due to synergistic effects of different compounds of AR.

CONCLUSION

The study strongly suggests that AR has the potential to be an anticancer drug against pancreatic cancer.

Jacalin-capped silver nanoparticles minimize the dosage use of the anticancer drug, shikonin derivatives, against human chronic myeloid leukemia

Silver nanoparticles enhance the anticancer efficacy of shikonin derivatives.

Development and characterization of a novel Swarna-based herbo-metallic colloidal nano-formulation – inhibitor of Streptococcus mutans quorum sensing

Herbo-metallic preparations such as bhasmas (ash) are used traditionally in Indian and Chinese medicinal systems.

The role of herbometallic preparations in traditional medicine--a review on mica drug processing and pharmaceutical applications

ETHNOPHARMOCOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Biotite mica enriched with Fe(2+) ions are widely used as a major mineral ingredient in traditional pharmaceutical science of alchemy (Rasashastra). Abhrak bhasma (mica ash), a pharmaceutical product containing treated mica, is utilized, for example, in Ayurvedic treatments for ailments such as gastritis, renal disease, skin disease and mainly in rejuvenation formulations. However, the untreated mica minerals may be harmful when used directly, as they carry considerably high amounts of trace-elements that can cause undesirable effects in the human body. In order to remove toxic factors and produce readily absorbable materials having high nutrient capacity, specific thermal and chemical treatments (purification, detoxification, particle size reduction and incineration) are performed during the preparation of Rasashastra. This review evaluates the chemical and pharmacological aspects of mica ash as well as the technological aspects of mica ash production.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The detailed literature review on the chemistry and scientific basis of mica ash, its preparation techniques, mica alterations and pharmaceutical applications was carried out by using published Ayurvedic text books and research articles, available from Science Direct, on mica minerals, mica ash and their physico-chemical alteration processes and pharmacological applications.

RESULTS

During the purification and detoxification procedures, heating followed by quenching (in ionic medium) influences the structural distortion and the development of stress-induced cracks and spallations of the micaceous plates. Thus, the efficient diffusion of the external medium takes place at successive heating and quenching steps. Acidic organic liquids and animal byproducts can enhance the cation exchange capacity and solubility of mica. Further, these natural compounds facilitate the removal of toxic-elements in the structure. When treated-mica and paddy husks are tied up in a cloth and squeezed, particle size reduction and further detoxification takes place. Leaching out of oxidized iron coatings is accelerated when the mixtures are immersed in acidic media, by which the filtrate is enriched with oxidized iron-silicate particles. These nano-oxide particles are converted into a more favorable oxidation form for human consumption when the herbometallic mixture is incinerated in closed vessels. Recent analytical data reveals that major and minor elements in mica ash are within the limits of pharmacopoeial standards for Ayurvedic formulations. Further, recent studies show that mica ash has hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, anthelminthic and antimicrobial properties.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemical and structural modifications in mica occur during mica-based drug preparation in traditional medicine. Purification steps particularly influence the structural distortion while heating and quenching can form nano-size particles. Carboxylic acids and other organic molecules present in quenching media serve as chemical modifiers of mica. At the same time the toxic elements are leached out from mica to the quenching media through an ion exchange process. Mica ash has been successfully used for treating liver, kidney and skin related ailments in traditional medicine, and mica ash alone or its herbo-metallic formulations have different applications. Further, the recent toxicological and analytical studies validate the traditional uses of mica ash and mica ash bearing products. Further scientific studies are needed to fully establish that mica-based pharmaceuticals are safe and devoid of toxic and long term side effects.