# Abhraka Bhasma

> Abhraka Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. Tridosha-balancing and Rasayana properties support anti-cancer potential. Pandit VA, Singhal SK, Deshmane GB and others 2024.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Abhraka Bhasma](/herb/abhraka-bhasma/) |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Iron oxide nanoparticles (20-100 nm)
- [Silicon](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#silicon) dioxide (SiO2) / [Silica](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#silica)
- Aluminum oxide (Al2O3)
- [Magnesium](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#magnesium) oxide (MgO)
- [Potassium](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#potassium) oxide (K2O)
- Trace organic compounds from herbal processing

## How does it work?

- Anti-cancer activity through dose-dependent cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction via mitochondrial pathway, and inhibition of tumor cell proliferation in breast and lung cancer cell lines
- DNA repair enhancement through stimulation of base excision repair (BER) pathway, protecting against genotoxic damage and chromosomal aberrations
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) action through modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, supporting [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) (rejuvenation) properties described in classical texts
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) effect at therapeutic doses through [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) and cellular membrane stabilization, supporting traditional use in liver disorders
- Respiratory system support through anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties derived from multi-mineral nanoparticle composition

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Hepatitis and liver disorders: Hepatoprotective effects confirmed at therapeutic doses in animal models, validating Yakrit Roga (liver disease) indication
- Respiratory diseases (Shwasa, Kasa): Anti-inflammatory and respiratory support properties demonstrated through preclinical studies on lung cancer cells
- Cancer management: Cytotoxicity against breast and lung cancer cell lines validates traditional use for Arbuda (tumor) conditions, though clinical translation pending
- Rejuvenation (Rasayana): DNA repair enhancement and immunomodulatory activities support the classical Rasayana (rejuvenation/anti-aging) claims

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Soman Pillai D, Karavettekudy Ranjit A 2025. [Abhraka Bhasma (mica based nanomedicine): an ayurvedic herbomineral perspective in breast cancer management](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41487493/). *Frontiers in pharmacology*. PMID [41487493](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41487493/) · [doi:10.3389/fphar.2025.1656846](https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1656846)  
  [Abhraka Bhasma](/herb/abhraka-bhasma/) exhibits dose-dependent cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, immunomodulatory activity, and inhibition of teratoma-formation in breast cancer cell lines. Tridosha-balancing and Rasayana properties support anti-cancer potential.
- Pandit VA, Singhal SK, Deshmane GB and others 2024. [Toxicity profile of standardized Krishna Vajra Abhraka bhasma made from biotite mica](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39616794/). *Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine*. PMID [39616794](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39616794/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100980](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100980)  
  Acute toxicity classified [Abhraka Bhasma](/herb/abhraka-bhasma/) in GHS Class V (safe) with LD50 > 2000 mg/kg. Low therapeutic doses non-toxic, but mid and high doses induced reversible hepatotoxicity in subacute studies.
- Kulala DS, Prasad K, Reddy PS and others 2023. [Understanding the effects of Abhraka Bhasma on genotoxicity and its DNA repair potential in mouse model](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35973910/). *Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine*. PMID [35973910](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35973910/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2022.100598](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2022.100598)  
  [Abhraka Bhasma](/herb/abhraka-bhasma/) is not genotoxic or reproductive toxic. Shows protective role against ethyl methanesulfonate-induced chromosomal damage and enhanced constitutive DNA base excision repair in mice.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- GHS CLASS V (SAFE): LD50 > 2000 mg/kg in acute toxicity per OECD guidelines. Classified as non-toxic at single dose level.
- DOSE-DEPENDENT HEPATOTOXICITY: Mid and high doses induced REVERSIBLE hepatotoxicity in subacute studies. Low therapeutic doses remain non-toxic.
- NOT GENOTOXIC: Confirmed non-genotoxic and non-reproductive toxic in mouse models. Actually shows DNA repair enhancement against chemical mutagens.
- BATCH VARIABILITY CONCERN: Different preparation methods yield physically different end-products. Standardization across manufacturers is a key challenge for consistent safety profiles.
- FUTURE CLINICAL USE: Would require stringent ethical approval and robust pharmacovigilance systems for clinical application. Post-marketing surveillance essential.

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Iron (Fe):** Major component (mica-derived)
- **Silicon (Si):** Present (from mica)
- **Aluminum (Al):** Present
- **Potassium (K):** Present
- **Magnesium (Mg):** Trace

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS, Particle size analysis

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Bhasma (calcined powder)

**Standard Dosage:** 125–250 mg with honey/ghee

**Bioavailability:** Nano-particulate form ensures high bioavailability; particle size 50–80 nm post-Puta

**Optimal Timing:** With morning/evening meals; with specific anupana

**Standardized Extract:** Sahasra Puti Abhraka Bhasma (1000-Puta calcination) — most valued

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite if properly prepared and stored (no expiry for bhasmas per AFI)

**Storage:** Airtight glass container; avoid moisture

**Marker Compounds:** Iron oxide, Silica (mica derivative), Alumina, Trace minerals

**Quality Parameters:** Rekhapurnatva (fills finger lines), Varitaratva (floats on water), Niruttha (irreversible), Apunarbhava (no reversion), particle size <100 nm, heavy metals within AYUSH limits

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Honey, ghee, or specific herbal juices depending on target condition

### Stability Notes

Properly prepared bhasma is indefinitely stable. Reversion to metallic form indicates improper preparation

*Generated for the AgeAyurveda Herb Catalogue*

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/abhraka-bhasma/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.