# Tamra Bhasma

> Tamra Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. [Acute and subchronic toxicity study of Tamra Bhasma (incinerated copper) prepared with and without Amritikarana](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27297506/). Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Tamra Bhasma](/herb/tamra-bhasma/) |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles
- Copper sulfide from [Gandhaka](/glossary/concepts-a-m/#gandhaka) processing
- Trace iron and zinc from processing
- [Silica](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#silica) and organic residues from herbal media
- Sulfur compounds

## How does it work?

- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) action at therapeutic doses through [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) enzyme modulation and free radical scavenging, protecting liver cells from oxidative damage
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activity via copper ion release disrupting microbial cell membrane integrity and enzyme function, effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
- Digestive fire (Agni) enhancement through stimulation of digestive enzyme secretion and improvement of metabolic processes in the GI tract
- Anti-inflammatory effect through copper-mediated modulation of inflammatory cytokines and suppression of oxidative stress pathways

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Digestive disorders (Agnimandya): Multiple clinical studies confirmed efficacy in improving digestive function with no adverse effects at therapeutic doses
- Skin diseases (Kushtha): Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties validated through in-vitro studies supporting traditional dermatological applications
- Liver disorders (Yakrit Vikara): Hepatoprotective action demonstrated in animal models, though this is dose-dependent and reverses to hepatotoxicity at high doses

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Chaudhari SY, Nariya MB, Galib R and others 2016. [Acute and subchronic toxicity study of Tamra Bhasma (incinerated copper) prepared with and without Amritikarana](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27297506/). *Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine*. PMID [27297506](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27297506/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2015.11.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2015.11.001)  
  [Tamra Bhasma](/herb/tamra-bhasma/) with Amritikarana showed improved safety profile. Without Amritikarana, higher doses showed hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic potential. The additional purification step significantly reduces residual toxicity.
- Jagtap CY, Ashok BK, Patgiri BJ and others 2013. [Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Study of Tamra Bhasma (Incinerated Copper) prepared from Ashodhita (Unpurified) and Shodhita (Purified) Tamra in Rats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24082351/). *Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences*. PMID [24082351](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24082351/) · [doi:10.4103/0250-474X.117433](https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-474X.117433)  
  CRITICAL: [Tamra Bhasma](/herb/tamra-bhasma/) prepared from unpurified copper is toxic even at therapeutic equivalent dose. Properly purified copper Bhasma is safe at up to 5x therapeutic dose. At 10x dose, even purified form causes hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and gastric mucosal damage.
- Chaudhari SY, Ruknuddin G, Biswajyoti JP and others 2014. [Effect of tamra bhasma (calcined copper) on ponderal and biochemical parameters](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25253924/). *Toxicology international*. PMID [25253924](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25253924/) · [doi:10.4103/0971-6580.139796](https://doi.org/10.4103/0971-6580.139796)  
  At therapeutic doses, Tamra Bhasma showed no significant adverse effects on body weight, organ weight, or biochemical parameters in experimental animals.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- CRITICAL PREPARATION DEPENDENCY: Unpurified (Ashodhita) copper Bhasma is TOXIC even at therapeutic doses, causing hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and gastric mucosal damage. Only properly purified (Shodhita) preparations should be used.
- AMRITIKARANA ESSENTIAL: The additional Amritikarana process after Marana significantly improves safety profile by removing residual impurities. Products without this step carry higher risk.
- DOSE-DEPENDENT TOXICITY: Safe at 1x and 5x therapeutic doses when properly prepared. At 10x therapeutic dose, even properly prepared Tamra Bhasma causes organ damage. Strict dose adherence essential.
- COPPER TOXICITY RISK: Excess copper can cause Wilson disease-like symptoms (hepatolenticular degeneration). Liver function monitoring recommended during prolonged use.
- HEAVY METAL CONTENT: Properly prepared Tamra Bhasma converts metallic copper to oxide form, reducing free copper ion toxicity. However, batch-to-batch variability in commercial products remains a concern.

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Copper oxide (CuO/Cu2O):** Major component
- **Copper (Cu):** >80%
- **Iron (Fe):** Trace
- **Zinc (Zn):** Trace

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS, Namburi phased spot test

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Bhasma

**Standard Dosage:** 30–60 mg (strict dosing — copper preparation)

**Bioavailability:** Good; copper oxide nanoparticles with controlled release

**Optimal Timing:** With honey or specific anupana; after meals

**Standardized Extract:** Calcined copper bhasma

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite

**Storage:** Airtight container; avoid moisture

**Marker Compounds:** Copper oxide (CuO), Copper nanoparticles, Trace sulfur compounds

**Quality Parameters:** Copper content >60%, free copper <1 ppm (critical), standard bhasma tests, Nischandratva

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Honey, [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) Kwatha, or as part of specific formulations

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