Abhraka Bhasma
Abhraka Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination.
| Substance type | Mineral or metal preparation, not a plant |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Abhraka Bhasma, AbhrakaBhasma |
The evidence at a glance
3papers on this site for this drug, published 2023 to 2025, every one with a DOI.
- 1Other clinical studies and reviews
- 2Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people. Each paper is listed with what it measured on the page below. See the research index for how papers are tiered.
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?
- In vitro studies have reported 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
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Hepatitis and liver disorders: traditionally used for Yakrit Roga (liver disease). Animal studies have reported hepatoprotective effects.
- Respiratory diseases (Shwasa, Kasa): traditionally used for Shwasa and Kasa. Preclinical studies on lung cancer cells have reported anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cancer: traditionally used for Arbuda (tumor) conditions. In vitro studies have reported cytotoxicity against breast and lung cancer cell lines. Clinical translation is pending.
- Rejuvenation (Rasayana): used in classical practice as a Rasayana (rejuvenation/anti-aging). Studies have reported DNA repair enhancement and immunomodulatory activity.
What do recent studies 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.
Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. 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
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Bhasma (calcined powder)
Standard Dosage: 125–250 mg with honey/ghee
Optimal Timing: With morning/evening meals; with specific anupana
Storage: Airtight glass container; avoid moisture
Marker Compounds: Iron oxide, Silica (mica derivative), Alumina, Trace minerals
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
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
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.