1Research Scholar, Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, 203201, (U.P.) India
2Professor, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, 203201, (U.P.) India
3Professor, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, 203201, (U.P.) India
As per Ayurveda, several Herbo-metallic preparations termed as Bhasma are in clinical use since the 8th century AD. The quality and safety of these traditional ayurvedic medicines have become a serious health concern as a large number of the population uses them.
The present study was done to detect the lead and cadmium levels in Randomly selected Ayurvedic Bhasma samples by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Twelve (12) different types of ayurvedic bhasma were collected in a total of forty-four (44) samples were examined.
In the Analytical study it was observed that in many samples lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) was present, also the concentration of lead was higher than that of cadmium. Among them38.6% (17/44) samples have lead (Pb) & 9% (4/44) samples have Cadmium (Cd) in higher concentration which is above the permissible limits.
The study shows that lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) are detected in many samples in higher concentrations which is above the permissible limits and may cause toxicity. Rasa shastra medicine uses heavy metals as part of their preparation as they claim, after properly detoxifying the harmful effects of metal, however, proper quality checks should be ensured of products and strict regulations for local manufacturers should be there in preparation of these bhasma and should be tested for heavy metals concentration and making sure they are within permissible limits.
Rasa-shastra, Lead, Cadmium, AAS, Ayurvedic Medicines, Traditional Medicine
