Introduction
Bhasma (calcined metallic/mineral ash) is the core preparation of Rasa Shastra.
Mitrapanchak acts as a reducing agent — it melts any free metal, making it visible if the Bhasma is improperly prepared.
Exam Memory Table
Clinical Significance These tests serve as traditional quality control. Modern studies using XRD, SEM, and ICP-MS have validated many classical criteria. Properly prepared Bhasmas are non-toxic, easily absorbable, and safe for therapeutic use
Its quality directly determines both safety and therapeutic efficacy.
Classical texts describe a series of tests collectively called Bhasma Pareeksha, used to confirm whether a Bhasma is "Pakwa" (properly prepared).
This is a high-yield topic in BAMS and PG entrance exams.
1. What Is Bhasma Pareeksha?
1. What Is Bhasma Pareeksha?
Bhasma Pareeksha is the traditional testing system in Rasa Shastra used to verify the completeness of preparation and safety of a Bhasma.
Its three core purposes:
1. confirm the metal has fully converted into ash form,
2. rule out residual free metal, and
3. ensure the preparation is safe for human consumption.
Physical Tests
1. Varitaratva (Float Test)
Sprinkle a small amount of Bhasma on still water.
If all particles float on the surface without sinking, it passes.
Principle:
when particle size is fine enough, the particle weight cannot break water's surface tension.
2. Unnama (Float Test with Grain)
This is an advanced version of Varitaratva.
After confirming the Bhasma floats, place a heavy grain (rice or wheat) on the Bhasma film.
If the grain also floats, the Bhasma has superior Laghutva (lightness).
3. Rekhapurnatva (Fingerprint Test)
Rub Bhasma between thumb and index finger.
If particles fill the fingerprint grooves and do not easily fall out, the particle size is fine enough for absorption.
4. Nischandratva (Lusterless Test)
Observe Bhasma in bright sunlight.
It should show no glittering or lustrous metallic particles.
This test is specifically applicable to metallic and Abhraka Bhasma.
5. Niswadu (Tastelessness Test)
A properly prepared Bhasma should be tasteless.
This indicates the transformation of the metal's specific metallic taste into tasteless compounds through incineration.
Chemical Tests
6. Niruttha (Non-Reduction Test)
Heat Bhasma with a silver sheet of known weight.
After cooling, weigh the silver.
If the silver's weight does not increase and Bhasma does not stick to it, there is no free metal residue.
For Rajat Bhasma (silver ash), copper is used instead of silver.
7. Apunarbhava (Non-Reversion Test)
Mix Bhasma with Mitrapanchak — Guda (jaggery), Gunja (Abrus seed), Tankan (borax), Madhu (honey), and Ghrita (ghee).
Heat in a crucible at the same temperature used during preparation.
If the Bhasma does not revert to its original metallic form and shows no free metal particles, it passes.
Mitrapanchak acts as a reducing agent — it melts any free metal, making it visible if the Bhasma is improperly prepared.
MNEMONICS
Clinical Significance These tests serve as traditional quality control. Modern studies using XRD, SEM, and ICP-MS have validated many classical criteria. Properly prepared Bhasmas are non-toxic, easily absorbable, and safe for therapeutic use
No comments:
Post a Comment