# Mandura Bhasma

> Mandura Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. [Physicochemical characterization of an Iron based Indian traditional medicine: Mandura Bhasma](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23284206/). PMID [23284206](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23284206/) Iron oxide nanoparticles confirmed by XRD and SEM analysis.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Mandura Bhasma](/herb/mandura-bhasma/) |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Ferric oxide (Fe2O3) as primary constituent (~40-45% elemental iron)
- Magnetite (Fe3O4) phase
- Calcium, [magnesium](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#magnesium) from processing media
- [Silica](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#silica) and alumina traces
- Vitamin C and [tannins](/reference/tannins/) from Amalaki (gooseberry) processing

## How does it work?

- Hematopoietic iron supplementation through bioavailable iron oxide particles that support hemoglobin synthesis without the typical GI side effects of conventional iron salts
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) and spleen-supportive action through iron-mediated improvement of reticuloendothelial system function and blood filtration
- Deepana-Pachana (digestive enhancement) through iron-catalyzed metabolic enzyme activation and improvement of nutrient absorption
- Raktavardhaka (blood-building) action through combined iron supplementation and vitamin C (from Amalaki processing) synergy enhancing iron absorption

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Iron-deficiency anemia (Pandu Roga): Clinical trials confirmed significant hemoglobin improvement (1.2 g/dL over 8 weeks) with no adverse effects
- Menstrual disorders (Raktapradar): Over 40% reduction in menstrual blood loss in 65 women within two treatment cycles
- Liver and spleen enlargement (Yakrit-Pleeha Vikara): Hepatoprotective activity and reticuloendothelial support partially validated through preclinical studies

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Mulik SB, Jha CB 2011. [Physicochemical characterization of an Iron based Indian traditional medicine: Mandura Bhasma](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23284206/). *Ancient science of life*. PMID [23284206](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23284206/)  
  Iron oxide nanoparticles confirmed by XRD and SEM analysis. Particle size and iron oxide phases characterized, providing basis for standardization and quality control.

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

## Recent safety updates

- SAFE AT 5X DOSE: No serious toxic effects at 55 mg/kg (5x therapeutic dose) for 60 days in rat studies
- CLINICAL SAFETY CONFIRMED: No adverse drug reactions or events in clinical trials with Punarnavadi Mandura formulation
- IRON OVERLOAD MONITORING: Excessive or long-term use without monitoring may lead to elevated serum ferritin and oxidative stress. Periodic hemoglobin and ferritin checks advised.
- BETTER TOLERATED: Like [Loha Bhasma](/herb/loha-bhasma/), [Mandura Bhasma](/herb/mandura-bhasma/) causes fewer GI side effects than conventional iron supplements due to oxide nanoparticle form

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Iron oxide (Fe2O3):** Major component (iron slag)
- **Silicon (Si):** Trace
- **Manganese (Mn):** Trace
- **Calcium (Ca):** Trace

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Bhasma

**Standard Dosage:** 250–500 mg twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Good; iron oxide from natural rust/slag; gentler than [Loha Bhasma](/herb/loha-bhasma/)

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) Kwatha or honey

**Standardized Extract:** Calcined iron rust/slag bhasma

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite

**Storage:** Airtight container

**Marker Compounds:** Iron oxide (Fe2O3), Silica, Trace [manganese](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#manganese) and magnesium

**Quality Parameters:** Iron >40%, standard bhasma tests, no free metallic iron

**Vehicle (Anupana):** [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) Kwatha, honey, or as Mandura Vataka formulation

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