Structural investigation of Ayurveda Lauha (Iron) Bhasma
Authors
MK Tiwari
aAccelerator Physics and Synchrotrons Utilization Division, Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore, 452013, India
Arjun Singh
cCentral Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of AYUSH, New Delhi, 110058, India
Ajay Khooha
aAccelerator Physics and Synchrotrons Utilization Division, Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore, 452013, India
UK Goutam
dTechnical Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
Keywords:
Ayurvedic Bhasma, Nanomaterials, X-ray fluorescence, Trace element analysis, Synchrotron radiation
Abstract
In Ayurveda, ‘Lauha’ (Iron) Bhasma is primarily used to cure diseases related to iron deficiency in humans. It is produced from purified raw metallic iron using a combination of multi-step traditional preparation processes described in the Ayurveda literature. Here, we present the results of structural investigation performed on the medicinal grade ‘Lauha’ Bhasma using various X-ray based techniques. Our results indicate that after several rounds of heating and cooling in specific conditions following the Ayurvedic preparation procedure, metallic iron eventually converts to a natural iron-oxide mineral belonging to the magnetite group. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray standing wave assisted fluorescence measurements carried out on powdered Bhasma specimen reveal that the magnetite micro-particles in the Bhasma specimen are usually present in the form of agglomerates of nano-particles. We anticipate that the Ayurvedic Lauha Bhasma has great potential for noninvasive localized target killing of cancer cells, particularly in sensitive parts of the human body such as the brain, spinal cord, and lungs, via necrosis by application of an alternating external magnetic field or photo electron generation through X-rays.
Keywords: Ayurvedic Bhasma, Nanomaterials, X-ray fluorescence, Trace element analysis, Synchrotron radiation
Author Biography
MK Tiwari, aAccelerator Physics and Synchrotrons Utilization Division, Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore, 452013, India
bHomi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
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