Pharmaceutical and physicochemical analysis of Mandura Bhasma

Abstract

Introduction: Mandura (Slag of Iron) is a metallic oxide-cum-silicate of iron with the general formula Fe₂SiO₄ and is also known as Slag. In the classical text, different types of methods are explained in different classical books for the preparation of Mandura bhasma based on its utility. Objective: To prepare and analyse Mandura bhasma by employing various Bhasma pariksha mentioned in Ayurvedic science and Modern parameters along with analysis as per tools available today. Materials and methods: To standardise the standard operating procedure (SOP), Mandura Bhasma according to the method mentioned in classical Alchemy (Rasatarangini and Rasamrita). Mandura, detoxification process was followed by heating it in charcoal and dipping it in cow urine and the incineration process by levigating with juice of Aloe vera and heating system generated by cow dung cakes. Result: Bhasma became brownish, very fine, very soft and smooth and passed all classical characteristics of Ayurvedic parameters like  Rekhapurnatva, Varitaratva, Sukshmatva, Shlakshnatva etc.,. All physic-chemical parameters are within the standard and presence of phytochemicals like steroids, alkaloids and tannin. X-ray diffraction analysis results revealed the crystalline size and FTIR revealed the presence of functional groups. Conclusion: The therapeutic efficacy of the Bhasma is believed to manifest only when it has successfully undergone the Bhasma Pariksha, a rigorous traditional assessment ensuring its quality and potency. This would undoubtedly aid in ensuring safety, efficacy, and batch-to-batch consistency.