# Trivanga Bhasma

> Trivanga Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. However, lead toxicity risk undermines clinical applicability.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Trivanga Bhasma](/herb/trivanga-bhasma/) |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Lead oxide/sulfide (~31.67% lead content)
- Tin oxide (~38.36% tin content)
- Zinc oxide (~17.1% zinc content)
- Sulfur compounds from [Gandhaka](/glossary/concepts-a-m/#gandhaka) processing
- Herbal organic residues from trituration media

## How does it work?

- Anti-diabetic action through combined zinc-mediated insulin sensitivity enhancement and pancreatic beta-cell support, with synergistic effects from trimetallic composition
- Urinary system regulation through [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) and anti-lithiatic effects of combined metals, supporting management of Prameha (urinary disorders)
- Reproductive system support through tin (Vanga) mediated spermatogenesis enhancement and zinc-dependent reproductive hormone regulation
- Metabolic regulation through multi-metal enzyme cofactor provision affecting carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism pathways

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Diabetes (Madhumeha): Anti-diabetic activity demonstrated in STZ-induced diabetic rat models with significant blood sugar reduction. However, lead toxicity risk undermines clinical applicability.
- Urinary disorders (Mutra Roga): Traditional indication partially supported by component metal properties, but no specific clinical validation separating efficacy from toxicity
- Infertility (Vandhyatva): Reproductive support claimed from Vanga component, but lead content makes this use particularly dangerous for reproductive health

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Jamadagni PS, Jamadagni SB, Singh R and others 2013. [Repeated dose oral toxicity of Trivanga Bhasma in Swiss albino mice](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24049417/). *Ayu*. PMID [24049417](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24049417/) · [doi:10.4103/0974-8520.115449](https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.115449)  
  No treatment-related effects up to 10x therapeutic dose (78 mg/kg body weight = NOEL). Normal cyto-architecture at therapeutic doses. Toxicity in liver and kidney observed only at very high dose (10x TED).
- Rasheed A, Naik M, Mohammed-Haneefa KP and others 2014. [Formulation, characterization and comparative evaluation of Trivanga bhasma: a herbo-mineral Indian traditional medicine](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25015442/). *Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences*. PMID [25015442](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25015442/)  
  Physicochemical characterization confirmed trimetallic composition. Comparative evaluation of preparations from different sources showed variations in metal content ratios.

*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

- CONTAINS LEAD (31.67%): Despite Ayurvedic purification, lead content remains a serious safety concern. Lead has NO safe exposure level per modern toxicology.
- SAFE AT THERAPEUTIC DOSE IN ANIMALS: NOEL of 78 mg/kg in mice. No treatment effects up to 10x therapeutic dose except at highest level (liver/kidney toxicity).
- LEAD ACCUMULATION RISK: Chronic use may lead to cumulative lead exposure. Blood lead level monitoring essential for any patient taking this preparation.
- REGULATORY CONFLICT: While AYUSH permits its manufacture, FDA and WHO guidelines effectively prohibit lead-containing medicines. This creates a regulatory paradox.
- SAFER ALTERNATIVES AVAILABLE: Zinc-only ([Yashada Bhasma](/herb/yashada-bhasma/)) preparations provide similar anti-diabetic benefits without lead toxicity risk.

## 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:** Bhasma

**Standard Dosage:** 125–250 mg

**Bioavailability:** Composite nanoparticles of three metals; synergistic bioavailability

**Optimal Timing:** With honey or [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) ([turmeric](/herb/turmeric/)); before meals for Prameha

**Standardized Extract:** Composite bhasma of lead (Naga), tin (Vanga), and zinc (Yashada)

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite

**Storage:** Airtight container; restricted drug storage

**Marker Compounds:** Lead oxide, Tin oxide, Zinc oxide

**Quality Parameters:** Free metals <1 ppm each (critical), standard bhasma tests, composite ratio verified

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Honey, [Shilajit](/herb/shilajit/), or [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) Swarasa

---

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