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Swarna Bhasma and gold compounds: An innovation of pharmaceutics for illumination of therapeutics

Authors:
  • Faculty of Ayurveda ,IMS .Banaras Hindu University

Abstract

Mankind, since its genesis i.e. chronological evolution to till date possesses strong desire to live long with continuum power and vigor. He upholds this aspiration by adopting measures in his diet, duties and drugs. Among drugs Gold constantly held supreme stratum on virtue of its therapeutic properties in every system of medicine. Mostly Swarna Bhasma is a functional dosage form in the Ayurvedic treatment along with few others. Whereas in conventional system of medicine several molecules of Gold are accomplished for management of various disorders. The conversion of metallic Gold to medicinal gold (either Swarna Bhasma or Gold compounds; chemical entity of conventional system) is an exemplary example of promising potentials of Pharmaceutical branches of both system of medicines. In this review paper an assortment of facts about clinical application of Swarna Bhasma and Gold compounds have been congregated from both system of medicine and supplemented with concurrent references of research papers. An analysis of essentials of Gold reveals its exclusivity in therapeutics as rejuvenator, immunomodulator and certain chronic disorders.
... Dynamics of an Oral Vaccine against SARS-CoV 2". EC Gastroenterology and Digestive System 7.8 (2020): [58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75]. ...
... It is also used for its anxiolytic, anti-depressant and restorative actions. Studies have also shown effects on immunity; one study in mice showed increased counts of peritoneal macrophages with greater phagocytic index [68]. ...
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Citation: Sharadendu Bali and Ram Parajiya. "From Immunosenescence to Immunocompetence by Use of Lipid Delivered Nano Gold-The Dynamics of an Oral Vaccine against SARS-CoV 2". EC Gastroenterology and Digestive System 7.8 (2020): 58-75. Abstract Keywords: Immunosenescence; Immunocompetence; Lipid; Oral Vaccine; SARS-CoV 2 Immunosenescence has been postulated by many workers to be the prime reason behind the increased mortality observed in the ageing population during the ongoing SARS-CoV 2 pandemic. Defects and dysfunctions of the primary immune cells are being considered as the most important causes of the hyper-inflammatory responses seen in the patients admitted to the ICU, and in those that succumb to this highly contagious disease. These defects may be in the efficient and early recognition of PAMPs by the PRRs of the Dendritic cells or in the delayed and hyper-inflammatory cytokine release by the monocytes and macrophages in the lung. The innate immune system response is now being advanced as the critical factor in disease outcome. While Immunosenescence is considered irreversible, yet it is a dynamic process and as such it is amenable to corrections and upgradations. One agent that can revitalize the ageing immune system is Gold nanoparticles (GNP) which have recently been studied because of their ability to act as carriers of vaccines and chemotherapeutic agents. Toxicity studies conducted to assess the impact of these particles on immune cells have yielded some astonishing results. Use of GNP in rats has caused increase in lymphocyte cell populations and induced activation of dendritic cells and macrophages. Since immunosenescence causes a depletion of naive T and B lymphocytes, use of GNP can have a salutary role. Improved recognition of PAMPs by Dendritic cells and Macrophages can help in mounting a more efficient response to the invading virus. Elemental gold formulations have been used in India for millennia, for diseases ranging from fevers and memory loss to senility. Some formulations employ honey and ghee (clarified butter) in combination with GNP. These formulations are prescribed for infants, hence their safety is not suspect. If employed with suitable modifications, such formulations can play the vital role of oral vaccines against not just Covid 19, but also the vast range of other influenza viruses. Abbreviations
... 14 The classical methods of preparation of Ayurveda bhasmas with herbal elements and repeated procedures like Shodhana, Marana and Putt results in a formation of nano-size gold particles. 15,16,17 The oral administration directly puts Swarna bhasma or gold nanoparticles in the gastrointestinal tract through the mouth which may directly involve in virucidal activity inside gastrointestinal tract. After absorption from gastrointestinal tract, it most probably does its immunogenic activity. ...
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Objective- To review the potential benefits of Swarna / Swarnaprashana (a kind of gold therapeutics) in pediatric age for infectious diseases. Data Source- various published researches has been reviewed. Review Methods- qualitative analysis of the themes of the researches done previously was done and potential benefits and future prospects and idea was generated. Results- Swarna (gold) nanoparticles has proven virucidal effect. Conclusion- The use of Swarna in Indian system of medicine is from very ancient times. This sacred element had very broad use since it was incorporated in human civilizations. Today we are facing the covid-19 pandemic with such a disastrous effect on public health. This era has shown the mankind that whatever be the understanding and developments of modern medical system for infectious diseases, the microbe world is always a step ahead of us and modifying itself. The ancient use of Swarna as swarnaprashana in children has better chances of improving the immunity and fighting certain viral infections.
... Moreover, phytoconstituents are valuable and encouraging candidates for synthesizing green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which possess great potential for infectious diseases. The use of plant extracts for nanoparticle synthesis is a cost-effective, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly method [13]. ...
... Among all metals, Swarna holds a prominent and distinguished position. It is classified as part of the Sara Loha group, a category of metals representing "essence" or noble metals 16 . ...
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Pandu roga, an ancient Ayurvedic term used to describe a specific disease, has been recognized and discussed by various Ayurvedic scholars. According to their teachings, Pandu roga is considered a type of Rasa pradoshaj vikara, with Pitta dosha playing a prominent role in its manifestation. The key characteristic of this disease is Panduthwa, or Pallor, which exhibits clinical features similar to modern-day Anaemia .A condition in modern medicine, involves a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin percentage due to decreased production. It is often associated with poor nutrition and overall health. The problem is commonly observed in low birth weight infants, overweight children who lack energy for physical activity, school-going children, adolescents, and pregnant women. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, there are various formulations suggested for managing Anaemia, one of which is Trikatu Ghrita Yukt Swarnabhasma. This herbal preparation contains Trikatu, a combination of three spices - Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Marich (Piper nigrum), and Pippali (Piper longum). These spices are renowned for their digestive and metabolic properties. Additionally, Swarnabhasma, derived from gold, has been utilized in Ayurveda for its rejuvenating and tonic effect.
... 5 Ayurveda gold preparations (swarna bhasma), which are different from Siddha preparation, have shown free radical scavenging activity, anti-depressant, analgesic, immunomodulatory activities and also significantly reversed the global ischaemia in animal models of cerebrovascular diseases. 6 So far, no literature is on chemistry, particle size and comparative anticancer activity the Siddha gold among different caners. So, this study was aimed to compare the cytotoxic activity of Siddha gold among various cancer cell lines. ...
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Thanga parpam is a gold nanoparticle used in Siddha for many chronic and challenging diseases including cancers. Clinically it shows benefit in some cancer types, but not to all types. This study was aimed to compare the in-vitro anticancer activity of Thanga parpam in various cancer cell lines. The particle size and elements were evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscope coupled with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy. Thanga parpam was added to breast adenocarcinoma cells, Human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, Human prostate cancer cells and Human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells for 24 hours. MTT assay was used to evaluate the cell viability. Graph was drawn from the % cell viability and dose required to kill 50 % cells was calculated. The gold particles are irregular disk shaped, but agglomerated to each other and not in uniform size. The particle size varies from 17.8 nm – 448 nm. About 9.3% of gold element was present in oxide and sulfide form. It showed dose dependent killing effect on all cancer cell lines. IC50% value was 0.63, 3.51, 6.65 and 11.01 µg/ml for breast, liver, prostate and lung cancer cells respectively. Thanga parpam is a potent anticancer drug to all the four cancer cells, however higher efficacy was observed in breast, liver and prostate cancer cells.
... The treatment was carried out for a period of seven days. Later the patient was advised follow up of 14 days during which the patient was adviced with medicines such as Syrup Intellect (5ml bd), Medya vati (1 bd) and Kumara kalyana Rasa [8] (1/4 th tab bd) along with Sarvanga abhyanga with Ashwagandha bala laskshadi taila. The improvement achieved by the patient during the treatment and follow up period is detailed in table 4. ...
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Floating-Harbor syndrome (FHS) is an extremely rare genetic disorder characterized by a distinctive facial appearance, various skeletal malformations, delayed bone age, and expressive and receptive language delays. Children may be below average height for their age (short stature). Floating-Harbor syndrome is a rare disorder; only about 50 cases have been reported in the medical literature. The diagnosis is established by presence of a heterozygous SRCAP pathogenic variant in those with clinical findings of FHS. Early intervention programs, special education, and vocational training to address developmental disabilities; communication rehabilitation with sign languages or alternative means of communication; and behavior management by a behavioral specialist/psychologist with consideration of medication as needed. The present case report is of a two year ten month old male baby who attended the out-patient department of Kaumarabhritya of Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Udupi, Karnataka, India.
... Studies have also shown effects on immunity; one study in mice showed increased counts of peritoneal macrophages with greater phagocytic index [68]. SP has been recommended in Ayurveda for neonates and infants, to be started soon after birth [9]. ...
... It exhibits functions such as Balya (improves strength), Rasayana (rejuvinative), Ojovardhaka (improves immunity), Vrishya, Varnya (improves complexion), Deepana (improves digestion), Swasa-kasa hara (helps in curing respiratory ailments), Brimhana (increases body mass), and Sarva vishapaha (Clears all toxins and allergies). [15] Swarna bhasma has proven nootropic activity at various levels of brain functions such as intelligence, memory, and concentration, which is supported by recent studies. [9,16] Honey is considered as a dietary agent since ancient era. ...
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Introduction: To evaluate the effect of Swarnamrithaprashana on immunity (Bala) and general health status in children. Methods: The present study was a randomized double‑blind placebo‑controlled interventional prospective clinical trial wherein 221 healthy children within the age group of 6–12 years were enrolled from the schools of Hassan town. Registered children received one soft gel capsule in trial group – Swarnamrithaprashana (containing 2 mg of swarna bhasma) and in control group – sugar syrup, in morning empty stomach along with luke warm water for a duration of 30 days. Assessment of the effect of treatment was done by observing the changes seen in serum immunoglobulin G and salivary immunoglobulin A after 60 days of initiation of treatment as primary outcome parameter and changes in anthropometrical parameters, dehabala, agnibala, and manobala as secondary outcome measures. Renal function test (RFT) and liver function tests (LFTs) were done before and after treatment for assuring safety of the formulation. Results: The trial group showed better decrease in serum and salivary immunoglobulin levels, indicating a decrease in immunoglobulin recruitment in circulation, but the changes were not statistically significant at P = 0.05. The trial group showed better improvement in parameters suggesting Dehabala, Agnibala, and Manobala, which were statistically significant at P = 0.05. There were no significant changes seen in RFT and LFT values done before and after the treatment. Conclusion: Though the changes observed in the levels of immunoglobulins were not statistically significant in the present study setup, Swarnamrithaprashana helps in improving immunity at the level of immunoglobulins. Swarnamrithaprashana was found to be effective in the promotion of immunity in children reflected by improvements in parameters representing dehabala, manobala, and agnibala in children. The formulation was found to be safe as there were no signs of hepato and nephrotoxicity in RFT and LFT.
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Ayurveda is a science of life and more than just a medical system. Ayurveda has taken the foremost place in the management of crippling diseases. Prameha can be compared with Diabetes mellitus- II due to its clinical appearance. The disease was chosen for the study due to much prevalence in society and the lack of effective medicine.
Chapter
An alternative to synthetic drugs having severe side effects, the use of Ayurvedic preparations from natural sources like herbs, metals, and minerals may be efficient due to better activity profile to combat the harmful nature of the diseases. Ayurvedic therapy can treat those diseases better, which do not respond to the treatment by western medical practices. This preparation may have anticancer, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effect as evidenced earlier. Further, it may have a specific role in preventing cancer metastasis, neuro-diseases, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and many other chronic diseases. Modern biotechnology and molecular biology-based techniques have contributed to the identification of active components and mechanical effects of these preparations having ethnobiological importance. Treatment with Ayurvedic herbometallic preparations is practiced in India since 5000 BC to prevent, delay, or diminish the incidence of significant ailments. These are having a holistic approach as traditional medicine and have less toxicity and ignorable side effects. However, the experimental validity and nano-materialistic method of different Ayurvedic herbometallic preparations are not sufficiently acknowledged. An evidence-based validation of Ayurvedic herbometallic preparations, their mechanism of action in disease prevention or remedy is the main focus of this chapter. The information from the in vitro and in vivo studies on these preparations and mechanism-based analyses and challenges to evaluate its efficacy can add on therapy to improve the quality of life in patients.
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