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.
| Substance type | Mineral or metal preparation, not a plant |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Abhraka Bhasma, AbhrakaBhasma |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Abhraka Bhasma |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Iron oxide nanoparticles (20-100 nm)
- Silicon dioxide (SiO2) / Silica
- Aluminum oxide (Al2O3)
- Magnesium oxide (MgO)
- 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 action through modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, supporting Rasayana (rejuvenation) properties described in classical texts
- Hepatoprotective effect at therapeutic doses through 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. Frontiers in pharmacology. PMID 41487493 · doi:10.3389/fphar.2025.1656846
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. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 39616794 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100980
Acute toxicity classified 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. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 35973910 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2022.100598
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
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Other clinical studies and reviews1
- 2025. Abhraka Bhasma (mica based nanomedicine): an ayurvedic herbomineral perspective in breast cancer managementFrontiers in pharmacology. PMID 41487493 · doi:10.3389/fphar.2025.1656846
Laboratory and animal studies2
- 2024. Toxicity profile of standardized Krishna Vajra Abhraka bhasma made from biotite micaJournal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 39616794 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100980
- 2023. Understanding the effects of Abhraka Bhasma on genotoxicity and its DNA repair potential in mouse modelJournal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 35973910 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2022.100598
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