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DOI: DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijamy.0974.6986.10417.4

Abstract

Abhraka Bhasma (Calx of Incinerated Mica) is one among the Maharasas of the Rasashastra having some peculiar attributes. Acharyas have mentioned Shataputa and Sahashraputa Abhraka Bhasma which are indeed unique attributes of Abhraka. Abhraka bhasma has its therapeutic indication in many of the diseases mainly Yakshma, Prameha, Pandu, Raktapitta, Jwara, Shwas, Kasa, Grahani etc. which are now established free radical mediated diseases. It is also having properties like Balya, Vrushya, Rasayan & Medhya. Shataputa Abhraka Bhasma is regarded as a Rasayan, as given in Rasa Tarangini, which says ‘Abhraka Bhasma when given 20100 Putas (incinerations) helps to eliminate ailments, when given 1001000 Putas acts like a Rasayan’. Review of the current literature available on Rasayanas indicates that Antioxidant and Immunomodulation are the most studied activities of the Rasayan drugs. The effect Immunomodulation has on the human body can be compared to some extent with the effect of Rasayan dravyas, given in various classical texts. Antioxidants and Immunomodulators are talk of the hour since a decade or two. Lot of research has been carried out in this regard but the need of them is not yet fulfilled. Hence assuming Abhraka bhasma possesses the antioxidant and Immunemodulator properties the present study was carried to validate it scientifically and statistically: Screening of immunomodulator effect of Shataputa Abhraka Bhasma was carried out using three different healthy adult human blood samples and with three different drug concentrations i.e. 1%, 2% and 5%. The parameters used were Nitroblue Tetrazolium Test (NBT assay), Phagocytosis, Candidacidal assay and Chemotaxis. The results were self conclusive and indicated that Shataputa Abhraka Bhasma brings about stimulation of Leucocytes in concentration dependent manner. Significant results were seen with the 5% drug concentration (suspension) in all the four tests which indicate Shataputa Abhraka Bhasma is a potential immunomodulator. 5% suspension of Shataputa Abhraka Bhasma stimulated leucocytes respectively, which is an indicator of highly significant phagocytic activity. Thus, the study revalidates the reference of Shataputa Abhraka Bhasma as a Rasayan and hence also establishing it as an Immunomodulator.

Keywords: Shataputa Abhraka Bhasma; Rasayan; Immunomodulatory Activity. 

Corresponding Author : V.S. Kotrannavar, Dean for P.G. Studies & Professor in PG department of Rasashastra & BK, Shri J.G.C.H.S. Ayurvedic Medical College, Ghataprabha, DistBelgaum, karnataka 591310, India.