Abstract
Synthesis, characterization and histopathological study of a lead-based Indian traditional drug: Naga Bhasma
1 Laser and Spectroscopy Laboratory, Department of Physics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, India 2 Department of Rasa-Shastra (RGSC), Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, India 3 Department of Pathology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, India
Correspondence Address:
S B Rai Laser and Spectroscopy Laboratory, Department of Physics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005 India E-mail: sbrai49@yahoo.co.in
The aim of the present study is to prepare and characterize Naga bhasma on structural and elemental basis to address the role of the raw materials used during the preparation, compound form of the lead bhasma, nature (crystalline/amorphous) and crystallite/particle size of the drug. The study also covers the toxicological effect of the drug on albino rats. It was found that drug contains lead in nano-crystalline (~60 nm) lead sulfide form (Pb 2+ ) associated with the organic contents and different nutrient elements coming from the herbs used during the preparation. Naga bhasma prepared was found to be totally safe in histopathology study on rats at a dose of 6 mg/100 g/day. The different characterization techniques used present a role model for the quality control and standardization of such kinds of herbo-metallic medicines.
