Vanga Bhasma
Vanga Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination.
| Substance type | Mineral or metal preparation, not a plant |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Vanga Bhasma, VangaBhasma |
The evidence at a glance
3papers on this site for this drug, published 1984 to 2019, 1 with a DOI.
- 1Other clinical studies and reviews
- 2Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people. Each paper is listed with what it measured on the page below. See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Vanga Bhasma |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Tin oxide (SnO2) as primary constituent
- Tin sulfide from Gandhaka processing
- Trace metals from processing equipment
- Organic compounds from herbal media
- Silicon and aluminum as trace impurities
How does it work?
- Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) action through testicular regenerative potential, enhancing spermatogenesis and male reproductive function as demonstrated in animal studies
- Pramehaghna (anti-diabetic): traditionally described; animal studies of Trivanga Bhasma, which includes it, have reported anti-diabetic activity
- Traditionally described as Medohara (anti-obesity)
- Mutravaha Srotas (urinary system) support through diuretic and anti-lithiatic effects, helping manage urinary tract disorders
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Male reproductive disorders (Vajikarana): traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. Animal studies have reported testicular regenerative potential.
- Urinary disorders (Prameha/Mutra Roga): traditionally used for urinary disorders. Studies of Trivanga Bhasma, which includes it, have reported benefits to the urinary system.
- Diabetes (Madhumeha): traditionally used for diabetes. Animal studies of Trivanga Bhasma, which includes it, have reported anti-diabetic activity.
What do recent studies show?
- Nagaraju V, Joshi D, Aryya NC 1984. TOXICITY STUDIES ON VANGA BHASMA (Part I - with special reference to G. I. T. Liver and Pancreas). Ancient science of life. PMID 22557446
No significant toxicity attributable to Vanga Bhasma observed even at 8 times higher dose than therapeutic dose on 10-day exposure. GIT, liver, and pancreas showed no pathological changes. - Nagaraju V, Joshi D, Aryya NC 1985. Study on the vrsya property (testicular regenerative potential) of vanga bhasma. Ancient science of life. PMID 22557499
Vanga Bhasma demonstrated testicular regenerative potential in animal models, supporting traditional Ayurvedic use as Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) preparation. - Liu J, Zhang F, Ravikanth V and others 2019. Chemical Compositions of Metals in Bhasmas and Tibetan Zuotai Are a Major Determinant of Their Therapeutic Effects and Toxicity. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM. PMID 30941186 · doi:10.1155/2019/1697804
Chemical form of metals (oxide vs sulfide vs metallic) in Bhasmas is the major determinant of therapeutic effect vs toxicity. Properly prepared Vanga Bhasma with tin in oxide form shows lower toxicity than metallic tin.
Recent safety updates
- RELATIVELY SAFE PROFILE: No toxicity at 8x therapeutic dose for 10 days; GIT, liver, and pancreas remained normal in histopathological examination
- HEAVY METAL INDUSTRY CONCERN: Over 20% of Ayurvedic medications may contain toxic metals; tin-based preparations must be properly purified to ensure conversion to non-toxic oxide form
- LIMITED LONG-TERM DATA: Most safety studies are short-duration (10-90 days). Long-term chronic exposure data for tin Bhasma specifically is limited.
- REPRODUCTIVE USE CAUTION: While traditionally used as Vajikarana, proper dose calibration is essential as excessive tin exposure can have adverse reproductive effects
What is it made of?
Mineral/Elemental Profile
- Tin oxide (SnO2): Major component
- Iron (Fe): Trace
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Bhasma
Standard Dosage: 125–250 mg
Optimal Timing: With honey or Shilajit; for Prameha: before meals
Storage: Airtight container
Marker Compounds: Tin oxide (SnO2), Trace minerals
Vehicle (Anupana): Honey, Shilajit, or Bangeshwar Rasa formulation
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Other clinical studies and reviews1
- 2019. Chemical Compositions of Metals in Bhasmas and Tibetan Zuotai Are a Major Determinant of Their Therapeutic Effects and ToxicityEvidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM. PMID 30941186 · doi:10.1155/2019/1697804
Laboratory and animal studies2
- 1985. Study on the vrsya property (testicular regenerative potential) of vanga bhasmaAncient science of life. PMID 22557499
- 1984. TOXICITY STUDIES ON VANGA BHASMA (Part I - with special reference to G. I. T. Liver and Pancreas)Ancient science of life. PMID 22557446
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.