# Raupya Bhasma

> Raupya Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. [Sedative-hypnotic Effect of Ash of Silver in Mice: A Reverse Pharmacological Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25379470/). Journal of traditional and complementary medicine.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Raupya Bhasma](/herb/raupya-bhasma/) |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Silver nanoparticles (~16 nm spherical nanostructure)
- Silver oxide (Ag2O)
- Silver sulfide from processing with [Gandhaka](/glossary/concepts-a-m/#gandhaka)
- Trace elements from herbal processing media
- Organic compounds adsorbed from plant juices used in trituration

## How does it work?

- Sedative-hypnotic action through modulation of GABAergic pathways, supporting [anxiolytic](/reference/anxiolytic/) and sleep-promoting effects observed in reverse pharmacological studies
- [Analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) activity via peripheral pain pathway modulation, comparable to aspirin in mechanism, likely through prostaglandin synthesis inhibition
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) properties inherent to nano-silver particles due to disruption of bacterial cell membrane integrity and interference with microbial enzyme systems
- Nervine tonic effect through central nervous system modulation, reducing neuralgias and supporting memory function as per traditional indications

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Insomnia and anxiety: Reverse pharmacological study confirmed significant sedative-hypnotic effect in mice, validating traditional use for Anidra (insomnia) and Chittodvega (anxiety)
- Pain management: Demonstrated analgesic activity comparable to aspirin in animal models, supporting traditional use for Shula (pain) and neuralgias
- Neurological disorders: Evidence for safety on neurobehavioral parameters in rats, partially validating traditional use for memory loss, convulsions, and nervous system disorders

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Inder D, Kumar P 2014. [Sedative-hypnotic Effect of Ash of Silver in Mice: A Reverse Pharmacological Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25379470/). *Journal of traditional and complementary medicine*. PMID [25379470](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25379470/) · [doi:10.4103/2225-4110.129198](https://doi.org/10.4103/2225-4110.129198)  
  Ash of silver demonstrated significant sedative-hypnotic activity in mice, supporting traditional Ayurvedic claims for treating insomnia and anxiety. The 16 nm spherical nanostructure showed pharmacological activity at therapeutic doses.
- Inder D, Rehan HS, Bajaj VK and others 2012. [Analgesic activity and safety of ash of silver used in Indian system of medicine in mice: a reverse pharmacological study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22345869/). *Indian journal of pharmacology*. PMID [22345869](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22345869/) · [doi:10.4103/0253-7613.91866](https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7613.91866)  
  Silver ash exhibited significant analgesic activity comparable to aspirin in peripheral pain-producing methods. Safety assessment at therapeutic doses showed no acute toxicity.
- Kumar G, Gupta YK 2012. [Evidence for safety of Ayurvedic herbal, herbo-metallic and Bhasma preparations on neurobehavioral activity and oxidative stress in rats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23723678/). *Ayu*. PMID [23723678](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23723678/) · [doi:10.4103/0974-8520.110514](https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.110514)  
  [Raupya Bhasma](/herb/raupya-bhasma/) along with other Bhasma preparations showed evidence of safety on neurobehavioral parameters and did not increase oxidative stress markers in rat models at therapeutic doses.

## Recent safety updates

- CUMULATIVE TOXICITY RISK: As a heavy metal preparation, silver ash bears cumulative potential after prolonged use and in overdoses. Periodic monitoring of silver levels recommended during extended therapy.
- HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION: Studies found ~50% of Ayurvedic products (including silver-based ones) exceeded recommended daily oral exposure intake values for lead, mercury, arsenic, silver, and cadmium
- DOCUMENTED POISONING CASES: Case reports of Bhasma-associated severe liver injury exist; a case described liver injury requiring hospitalization attributed to herbo-metallic Ayurvedic preparations
- LACK OF LONG-TERM DATA: In the absence of short, intermediate and long-term safety and efficacy studies, use of silver Bhasma remains a public health concern per multiple reviews
- ARGYRIA RISK: Chronic silver exposure from improperly prepared or overdosed silver Bhasma may lead to argyria (irreversible blue-gray skin discoloration)

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Calcined mineral/metal oxide (after Shodhana and Marana)
- **Particle size:** Sub-micron to nanoparticle range
- **Note:** Exact composition depends on source material and preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES/ICP-MS, SEM-EDS, Particle size analysis, Namburi phased spot test

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Bhasma

**Standard Dosage:** 15–30 mg

**Bioavailability:** Silver nanoparticles (30–60 nm); excellent tissue penetration

**Optimal Timing:** With honey, ghee, or [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) Swarasa

**Standardized Extract:** Calcined silver bhasma — premium Rasaushadhi

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite

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

**Marker Compounds:** Silver oxide (Ag2O), Silver nanoparticles, Trace gold from processing

**Quality Parameters:** Silver >80%, standard bhasma tests, particle size <100 nm, no free metallic silver

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Honey, ghee, [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) juice, or [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) Churna

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