# Tankana Bhasma

> Tankana Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists. PREGNANCY CONTRAINDICATED: Tankan Bhasma can cross the placental barrier.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Tankana Bhasma](/herb/tankana-bhasma/) |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Sodium borate (Na2B4O7) in anhydrous/calcined form
- Boron oxide (B2O3) from thermal decomposition
- Sodium oxide (Na2O)
- Trace minerals from herbal processing media
- Residual organic compounds from milk/herbal trituration

## How does it work?

- Kaphahara (Kapha-reducing) action through mucolytic and [expectorant](/reference/expectorant/) properties, breaking down mucus viscosity and facilitating respiratory clearance
- Anti-inflammatory effect through suppression of TNF-alpha and IL-6 inflammatory cytokines, reducing respiratory tract inflammation
- Kshara (alkaline) action through pH modulation in digestive and urinary systems, creating hostile environment for pathogens and dissolving calculi
- Emmenagogue action through stimulation of uterine contractions and menstrual flow regulation, useful for dysmenorrhea but contraindicated in pregnancy

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Respiratory disorders (Kasa, Shwasa): Anti-inflammatory activity (decreased TNF-alpha, IL-6) in animal models validates traditional use for cough and bronchitis
- Skin disorders and acne: 18% acne severity reduction in dermatological study supports traditional topical applications
- Dysmenorrhea (Kashtartava): Emmenagogue action validated through traditional clinical observations, but pregnancy contraindication must be emphasized

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*3 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

- PREGNANCY CONTRAINDICATED: Tankan Bhasma can cross the placental barrier. Long-term use (>2-4 weeks) in pregnancy may affect birth weight and fetal skeletal development. POSSIBLY UNSAFE in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- MALE FERTILITY CAUTION: Long-term use (>2 months) in men seeking fertility treatment may cause oligospermia (low sperm count) due to Kshara properties
- BORON ACCUMULATION: Gaps exist in long-term safety data regarding boron accumulation in the body. Periodic monitoring recommended.
- SAFE AT RECOMMENDED DOSES: Properly purified and calcined [Tankana Bhasma](/herb/tankana-bhasma/) is safe at recommended doses. Toxicity arises only from overuse or poor-quality products.

## 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:** Shodhan Tankana (purified borax), Bhasma

**Standard Dosage:** 125–250 mg

**Bioavailability:** Good; borax readily soluble and absorbed

**Optimal Timing:** With honey for respiratory conditions; with warm water for other uses

**Standardized Extract:** Purified and calcined borax

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite (bhasma); 24 months (Shodhan Tankana)

**Storage:** Airtight, moisture-proof container

**Marker Compounds:** Sodium tetraborate, Boron compounds, Sodium oxide (post-calcination)

**Quality Parameters:** Boron content within therapeutic range, standard bhasma tests, no excess sodium

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Honey for Kapha conditions; warm water

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