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Research: MITRA and co-workers,
Listed in Issue 86
Abstract
MITRA and co-workers, Department of Payachikitsa, Institute of Post Graduate Ayurvedic Education and Research, Calcutta 700 009, India, describe the chemical constituents and antioxidant activity of the Ayurvedic drug, Swarnabhasma (gold ash ).
Background
Since ancient times Swarmabhasma has been used to treat many degenerative conditions. Ayurvedic physicians use it to treat diseases like bronchial asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, and nervous disorders .
Methodology
Swarmabhasma was prepared according to Ayurvedic pharmacy.
Results
The gold ash consisted of Realgar (Arsenous sulphide), lead oxide, pure gold, and latex . Qualitative analysis showed the presence of several microelements such as Fe, Al, Cu, Zn, Co, Mg, Ca, As, Pb. The material was free from organic compounds . Oral administration showed no mortality in mice in acute doses of up to 1 ml/20 g using a Swarmabhasma suspension containing 1 mg of the drug. Chronic administration also showed to toxicity as judged by SGPT, SGOT, serum creatinine and serum urea levels. Animals treated chronically with Swarmabhasma showed significantly increased activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, two enzymes that reduce free radical concentration in the body.
Conclusion
References
Mitra A, Chakraborty S, Auddy B, Tripathis P, Sen S, Saha AV, Mukherjee B, et al. Evaluation of chemical constituents and free-radical scavenging activity of Swarmaghasma (gold ash), and ayurvedic drug. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 80 (2-3): 147-153, May 2002.
