# Swarna Bhasma > Swarna Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. [Enhanced Internalization of Indian Ayurvedic Swarna Bhasma (Gold Nanopowder) for Effective Interaction with Human Cells](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29954495/). Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology. ## Names and identification | Language | Name | |----------|------| | English | [Swarna Bhasma](/herb/swarna-bhasma/) | ## Key Phytochemical Constituents - Gold nanoparticles (28-35 nm crystallite size) - Gold oxide phases - Trace organic compounds from herbal processing media - Iron, copper, and silver as trace elements from processing - Sulfur compounds from [Gandhaka](/glossary/concepts-a-m/#gandhaka) (sulfur) used in Marana ## How does it work? - Immunomodulation via regulation of T-cell and macrophage activity; increases white blood cell counts and activity, supporting adaptive and innate immune responses - Anti-inflammatory action through inhibition of NF-kappa B expression and subsequent inflammatory cascade suppression, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production - [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) effect via inhibition of lipid peroxidation and ROS generation; restores anti-oxidant [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) (GSH, SOD, Catalase, GPx) to normal levels during hyperglycemia - Enhanced cellular uptake due to nano-particulate size (28-35 nm) facilitating penetration of biological barriers and targeted drug delivery to specific tissues - Nervine tonic activity through modulation of neurotransmitter pathways, contributing to anti-depressant and [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) effects observed in animal models ## Which traditional uses are supported by research? - Immunomodulation and [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) (rejuvenation): Validated by multiple studies showing enhanced immune cell activity, increased WBC counts, and improved adaptive immune responses in animal models - Anti-diabetic activity: Gold nanoparticles demonstrated profound control over anti-oxidant enzymes and blood [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) in diabetic mice models, supporting traditional use in Prameha (diabetes) - Rheumatoid arthritis management: Comprehensive review (2024) confirmed anti-inflammatory mechanisms via NF-kB pathway inhibition, validating traditional use in Amavata (joint inflammation) - Nervous system disorders: Behavioral assessment in zebrafish and rat models confirmed no neurotoxicity and showed analgesic and anti-depressant activities, supporting use in neurological conditions ## What do recent clinical trials show? - Kashani AS, Kuruvinashetti K, Beauet D and others 2018. [Enhanced Internalization of Indian Ayurvedic Swarna Bhasma (Gold Nanopowder) for Effective Interaction with Human Cells](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29954495/). *Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology*. PMID [29954495](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29954495/) · [doi:10.1166/jnn.2018.15503](https://doi.org/10.1166/jnn.2018.15503) Gold ash particles showed no impact on cellular viability of HeLa and HFF-1 cells even at high concentrations or long incubation times. Gold nanoparticles in [Swarna Bhasma](/herb/swarna-bhasma/) exhibited superior cellular internalization compared to chemically synthesized gold nanoparticles. - Biswas S, Dhumal R, Selkar N and others 2020. [Physicochemical characterization of Suvarna Bhasma, its toxicity profiling in rat and behavioural assessment in zebrafish model](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31730889/). *Journal of ethnopharmacology*. PMID [31730889](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31730889/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jep.2019.112388](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112388) Comprehensive toxicity profiling found [Swarna Bhasma](/herb/swarna-bhasma/) safe at therapeutic and higher dose levels in rats. Zebrafish behavioral models showed no neurotoxic effects. Physicochemical analysis confirmed nano-particulate gold composition. *2 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 THERAPEUTIC DOSES: No toxicity at doses up to 13.5 mg/kg body weight in acute studies; 90-day chronic study at 10x therapeutic dose showed no major organ damage in Wistar rats - BLOOD COMPATIBILITY: Preparations with crystallite sizes of 28-35 nm did not induce blood cell aggregation or protein adsorption, confirming hemocompatibility - CELLULAR SAFETY: No cytotoxicity observed in HeLa or HFF-1 cell lines even at high concentrations and prolonged exposure times - HEAVY METAL CONCERN: Some commercially available samples may contain variable gold content; approximately 60-70% of analyzed samples showed trace amounts of gold, raising standardization concerns - PEDIATRIC USE: Swarna Bindu Prashan (gold ash preparation used as immune booster in children) assessed for chronic administration safety in southern India; no significant adverse effects reported but long-term monitoring recommended ## What is it made of? ### Mineral/Elemental Profile - **Gold nanoparticles (Au):** Major component (56-80 nm avg.) - **Gold (Au):** >90% - **Trace metals:** From Shodhana herbs **Analytical Methods:** XRD, TEM (nanoparticle size), ICP-MS, UV-Vis (SPR peak ~520nm) ## Dosage forms and preparation **Dosage Forms:** Bhasma **Standard Dosage:** 15–30 mg (premium preparation — precise dosing) **Bioavailability:** Exceptional; gold nanoparticles (20–50 nm) with superior tissue distribution and immunomodulatory activity **Optimal Timing:** Morning; with honey, ghee, or [Chyawanprash](/formulation/chyawanprash/) **Standardized Extract:** Calcined gold bhasma — supreme Rasayana in Rasashastra **Shelf Life:** Indefinite **Storage:** Airtight glass container; premium packaging **Marker Compounds:** Gold nanoparticles (Au), Gold oxide, Trace elements from Bhavana media **Quality Parameters:** Gold content >90%, particle size 20–50 nm (TEM validated), standard bhasma tests, no free metallic gold **Vehicle (Anupana):** Honey + ghee (unequal parts), [Chyawanprash](/formulation/chyawanprash/), [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) Swarasa, or as part of Swarna-containing formulations ### Stability Notes Gold bhasma is the most stable of all bhasmas — gold does not revert or oxidize *Generated for the AgeAyurveda Herb Catalogue* --- Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/swarna-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.