Swarna Bhasma
Swarna 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 | Swarna Bhasma, SwarnaBhasma |
The evidence at a glance
2papers on this site for this drug, published 2018 to 2020, every one with a DOI.
- 2Laboratory 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 | 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 (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 effect via inhibition of lipid peroxidation and ROS generation; restores anti-oxidant enzymes (GSH, SOD, Catalase, GPx) to normal levels during hyperglycemia
- Enhanced cellular uptake due to nano-particulate size 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 effects observed in animal models
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Immunomodulation and Rasayana (rejuvenation): traditionally used as a rasayana for rejuvenation. Animal studies have reported increased immune cell activity, higher WBC counts and stronger adaptive immune responses.
- Anti-diabetic activity: traditionally used in Prameha (diabetes). Animal studies in diabetic mice have reported that gold nanoparticles influenced antioxidant enzymes and blood glucose.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: traditionally used in Amavata (joint inflammation). A review reported anti-inflammatory activity through NF-kB pathway inhibition.
- Nervous system disorders: traditionally used for neurological conditions. Animal studies in zebrafish and rats have reported no neurotoxicity, along with analgesic and anti-depressant activity.
What do recent studies 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. Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology. PMID 29954495 · doi: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 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. Journal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 31730889 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2019.112388
Comprehensive toxicity profiling found 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.
Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.
Recent safety updates
- ANIMAL TOXICITY FINDINGS: 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 were reported not to induce blood cell aggregation or protein adsorption
- CELLULAR SAFETY: No cytotoxicity observed in HeLa or HFF-1 cell lines even at high concentrations and prolonged exposure times
- STANDARDIZATION CONCERN: Some commercially available samples may contain variable gold content, 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
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Bhasma
Standard Dosage: 15–30 mg
Optimal Timing: Morning; with honey, ghee, or Chyawanprash
Storage: Airtight glass container
Marker Compounds: Gold nanoparticles (Au), Gold oxide, Trace elements from Bhavana media
Vehicle (Anupana): Honey + ghee (unequal parts), Chyawanprash, Brahmi Swarasa, or as part of Swarna-containing formulations
Stability Notes
Gold bhasma is described as the most stable of all bhasmas.
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 studies2
- 2020. Physicochemical characterization of Suvarna Bhasma, its toxicity profiling in rat and behavioural assessment in zebrafish modelJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 31730889 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2019.112388
- 2018. Enhanced Internalization of Indian Ayurvedic Swarna Bhasma (Gold Nanopowder) for Effective Interaction with Human CellsJournal of nanoscience and nanotechnology. PMID 29954495 · doi:10.1166/jnn.2018.15503
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.