# Vajra Bhasma

> Vajra Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. [Nanoscale Diamond-Based Formulation as an Immunomodulator and Potential Therapeutic for Lymphoma](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35444547/). 2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Vajra Bhasma](/herb/vajra-bhasma/) |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Nano-diamond particles (carbon nanostructures)
- Carbon in various allotropic forms post-calcination
- Trace [silica](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#silica) and alumina from processing
- Organic compounds from rose water and [aloe vera](/herb/aloe-vera/) media
- Iron and other trace elements from crucible materials

## How does it work?

- Anti-cancer activity through nanodiamond-mediated immunostimulation: activates natural killer cells, promotes tumor cell apoptosis, reduces angiogenesis, and inhibits metastatic spread
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) action through enhancement of both innate and adaptive immune responses, increasing phagocytic activity and lymphocyte proliferation
- [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) (rejuvenation) effect through carbon nanostructure-mediated cellular repair and [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) activity, supporting tissue regeneration and longevity
- Tridosha balancing through multi-system regulatory effects on Vata (nervous), Pitta (metabolic), and Kapha (structural) functions

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Cancer and tumors (Arbuda): Animal studies showed significant tumor volume reduction, metastasis inhibition, and increased survival in tumor-bearing animals
- Immune deficiency: Immunomodulatory activity confirmed through enhanced NK cell activity and lymphocyte proliferation in preclinical models
- Tuberculosis (Rajayakshma): Anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing properties provide mechanistic basis, though specific clinical validation for TB is limited

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Paladhi A, Rej A, Sarkar D and others 2022. [Nanoscale Diamond-Based Formulation as an Immunomodulator and Potential Therapeutic for Lymphoma](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35444547/). *Frontiers in pharmacology*. PMID [35444547](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35444547/) · [doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.852065](https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.852065)  
  Functional nanodiamond-based Heerak Bhasma demonstrated immunostimulation that significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, reduced tumor volume, inhibited metastasis, and increased life span of tumor-bearing animals.

*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

- HIGH SAFETY MARGIN: Murine toxicological assessments show no hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, or genotoxicity at therapeutic equivalent doses when prepared through validated methods
- STABLE HEMATOLOGY: Hematological profiles remained stable in animal studies; histopathological examination showed no cellular inflammation or necrosis
- LIMITED HUMAN DATA: Clinical trials in humans are still limited; most safety data from animal models and pilot studies
- PREPARATION-DEPENDENT: Adverse reactions usually due to improperly prepared or contaminated formulations; may include gastric irritation, metallic taste, or rare hypersensitivity
- EXTREME COST: Very expensive preparation, limiting widespread use and also increasing adulteration/substitution risk in commercial 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:** Bhasma

**Standard Dosage:** 15–30 mg (rare and premium)

**Bioavailability:** Carbon nanostructure form post-calcination; unique properties

**Optimal Timing:** With honey or specific formulation vehicle

**Standardized Extract:** Calcined diamond bhasma — rarest bhasma in Rasashastra

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite

**Storage:** Airtight container; premium storage

**Marker Compounds:** Carbon nanostructures, Trace mineral matrix from Bhavana

**Quality Parameters:** Standard bhasma tests; due to extreme cost, authentication is critical

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Honey, ghee, or gold bhasma combination

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