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.

Key facts
Substance type	Mineral or metal preparation, not a plant
Also known as	Tamra Bhasma, TamraBhasma

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Tamra Bhasma

Key Phytochemical Constituents

Copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles
Copper sulfide from Gandhaka processing
Trace iron and zinc from processing
Silica and organic residues from herbal media
Sulfur compounds

How does it work?

Hepatoprotective action at therapeutic doses through antioxidant enzyme modulation and free radical scavenging, protecting liver cells from oxidative damage
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. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 27297506 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2015.11.001
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. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences. PMID 24082351 · doi:10.4103/0250-474X.117433
CRITICAL: 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. Toxicology international. PMID 25253924 · doi: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 Kwatha, or as part of specific formulations

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