Yashada Bhasma
Yashada Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. [Characterization and potential novel applications of zinc-based traditional medicine, Yashad Bhasma](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40886520/). Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine.
| Substance type | Mineral or metal preparation, not a plant |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Yashada Bhasma, YashadaBhasma |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Yashada Bhasma |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (200-500 nm) with hexagonal wurtzite structure
- Trace iron, manganese, copper from processing
- Organic compounds from herbal trituration media
- Silicon and aluminum as trace impurities from crucible materials
How does it work?
- Anti-diabetic action through improvement of glucose tolerance, reduction of blood glucose levels, and modulation of insulin secretion via zinc-mediated enhancement of insulin receptor sensitivity
- Antioxidant activity through zinc-dependent superoxide dismutase (SOD) activation and ROS scavenging, protecting cells from oxidative stress damage
- Antimicrobial effect via ZnO nanoparticle-mediated disruption of bacterial cell membranes and generation of reactive oxygen species toxic to microorganisms
- Wound healing promotion through zinc-dependent collagen synthesis, cell proliferation stimulation, and immune cell recruitment to injury sites
- Anti-angiogenic activity through modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways, relevant for tumor suppression applications
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
- Diabetes (Prameha/Madhumeha): Strong validation through multiple studies showing 16-33% improvement in glucose parameters, inspiring modern nanomedicine development
- Eye diseases (Netra Roga): Zinc’s role in retinal health and macular degeneration prevention well-established in modern ophthalmology, supporting traditional Ayurvedic eye disease claims
- Skin disorders and wound healing: Zinc’s essential role in wound healing, collagen synthesis, and skin integrity validated by extensive modern dermatological research
What do recent clinical trials show?
- Nille GC, Bhuyan M, Gupta LN and others 2025. Characterization and potential novel applications of zinc-based traditional medicine, Yashad Bhasma. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 40886520 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2025.101188
Comprehensive characterization of Yashada Bhasma revealing antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-angiogenic activities. Novel applications identified beyond traditional uses. - Umrani RD, Paknikar KM 2015. Jasada bhasma, a Zinc-Based Ayurvedic Preparation: Contemporary Evidence of Antidiabetic Activity Inspires Development of a Nanomedicine. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM. PMID 25866533 · doi:10.1155/2015/193156
Four weeks treatment with zinc ash (1-10 mg/kg) improved glucose tolerance (16-19%), lowered blood glucose (20-33%), and reduced serum insulin levels (27-32%). Inspired development of modern zinc nanomedicine. - Balkrishna A, Sharma D, Sharma RK and others 2023. Investigating the Role of Classical Ayurveda-Based Incineration Process on the Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Based Jasada Bhasma Nanoparticles and Zn(2+) Bioavailability. ACS omega. PMID 36713743 · doi:10.1021/acsomega.2c05391
Classical calcination process produces nano ZnO particles with enhanced Zn2+ bioavailability compared to commercial zinc supplements. The Ayurvedic process creates unique surface chemistry favoring absorption. - Chavare A, Chowdari P, Ghosh S and others 2017. Safety and bioactivity studies of Jasad Bhasma and its in-process intermediate in Swiss mice. Journal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 27377339 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.06.048
No major cytotoxicity at tested dose levels. No behavioral abnormality, clinical signs, or mortality. SGOT, SGPT, and serum urea not significantly altered, indicating no major organ toxicity. Zinc Bhasma appears safe for human use.
Recent safety updates
- SAFE PROFILE: No major organ toxicity at therapeutic doses. Liver and kidney function markers (SGOT, SGPT, serum urea) remained within normal limits in animal studies.
- WELL-TOLERATED: No behavioral abnormalities, clinical signs, or mortality observed at tested dose levels in Swiss mice
- ZINC TOXICITY THRESHOLD: Zinc has established upper intake limits (40 mg/day for adults per NIH). Excessive zinc can cause copper deficiency, nausea, and immune dysfunction.
- ENHANCED BIOAVAILABILITY: Classical preparation method creates ZnO nanoparticles with enhanced bioavailability, meaning lower doses may achieve therapeutic effect compared to conventional zinc supplements
What is it made of?
Mineral/Elemental Profile
- Zinc oxide (ZnO): Major component
- Zinc (Zn): >85%
- Iron (Fe): Trace
- Copper (Cu): Trace
Analytical Methods: XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Bhasma
Standard Dosage: 125–250 mg
Bioavailability: Good; zinc oxide nanoparticles (therapeutic equivalent of modern zinc supplementation)
Optimal Timing: With honey; after meals to reduce GI irritation
Standardized Extract: Calcined zinc bhasma — primary zinc source in Ayurveda
Shelf Life: Indefinite
Storage: Airtight, dry container
Marker Compounds: Zinc oxide (ZnO), Trace minerals
Quality Parameters: Zinc content >65%, free zinc <1 ppm, standard bhasma tests, particle size <100 nm
Vehicle (Anupana): Honey, Guduchi Swarasa, or Nimba Swarasa for Prameha
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
- 2015. Jasada bhasma, a Zinc-Based Ayurvedic Preparation: Contemporary Evidence of Antidiabetic Activity Inspires Development of a NanomedicineEvidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM. PMID 25866533 · doi:10.1155/2015/193156
Laboratory and animal studies3
- 2025. Characterization and potential novel applications of zinc-based traditional medicine, Yashad BhasmaJournal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 40886520 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2025.101188
- 2023. Investigating the Role of Classical Ayurveda-Based Incineration Process on the Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Based Jasada Bhasma Nanoparticles and Zn(2+) BioavailabilityACS omega. PMID 36713743 · doi:10.1021/acsomega.2c05391
- 2017. Safety and bioactivity studies of Jasad Bhasma and its in-process intermediate in Swiss miceJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 27377339 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.06.048
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