Raupya Bhasma
Raupya 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 | Raupya Bhasma, RaupyaBhasma |
The evidence at a glance
3papers on this site for this drug, published 2012 to 2014, every one with a DOI.
- 3Laboratory 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.true See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Raupya Bhasma |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Silver nanoparticles (~16 nm spherical nanostructure)
- Silver oxide (Ag2O)
- Silver sulfide from processing with Gandhaka
- Trace elements from herbal processing media
- Organic compounds adsorbed from plant juices used in trituration
How does it work?
- A mouse study reported a sedative-hypnotic effect, relevant to traditional anxiolytic and sleep-promoting uses; the mechanism is not established
- Analgesic activity comparable to aspirin in peripheral pain models in mice (mechanism not established)
- Antimicrobial properties inherent to nano-silver particles due to disruption of bacterial cell membrane integrity and interference with microbial enzyme systems
- Traditionally described as a nervine tonic for neuralgias and memory; not shown in the cited studies
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Insomnia and anxiety: traditionally used for Anidra (insomnia) and Chittodvega (anxiety). An animal study in mice reported a sedative-hypnotic effect.
- Pain: traditionally used for Shula (pain) and neuralgias. Animal studies have reported analgesic activity comparable to aspirin.
- Neurological disorders: traditionally used for memory loss, convulsions, and nervous system disorders. Animal studies in rats have reported safety on neurobehavioral parameters.
What do recent studies show?
- Inder D, Kumar P 2014. Sedative-hypnotic Effect of Ash of Silver in Mice: A Reverse Pharmacological Study. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine. PMID 25379470 · doi: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. Indian journal of pharmacology. PMID 22345869 · doi: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. Ayu. PMID 23723678 · doi:10.4103/0974-8520.110514
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
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Bhasma
Standard Dosage: 15–30 mg
Storage: Airtight glass container; avoid light
Marker Compounds: Silver oxide (Ag2O), Silver nanoparticles, Trace gold from processing
Vehicle (Anupana): Honey, ghee, Brahmi juice, or Ashwagandha Churna
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.
Laboratory and animal studies3
- 2014. Sedative-hypnotic Effect of Ash of Silver in Mice: A Reverse Pharmacological StudyJournal of traditional and complementary medicine. PMID 25379470 · doi:10.4103/2225-4110.129198
- 2012. Analgesic activity and safety of ash of silver used in Indian system of medicine in mice: a reverse pharmacological studyIndian journal of pharmacology. PMID 22345869 · doi:10.4103/0253-7613.91866
- 2012. Evidence for safety of Ayurvedic herbal, herbo-metallic and Bhasma preparations on neurobehavioral activity and oxidative stress in ratsAyu. PMID 23723678 · doi:10.4103/0974-8520.110514
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.