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.
| Substance type | Mineral or metal preparation, not a plant |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Raupya Bhasma, RaupyaBhasma |
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?
- Sedative-hypnotic action through modulation of GABAergic pathways, supporting anxiolytic and sleep-promoting effects observed in reverse pharmacological studies
- Analgesic activity via peripheral pain pathway modulation, comparable to aspirin in mechanism, likely through prostaglandin synthesis inhibition
- 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. 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
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 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 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
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