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Electronic Journal of Pharmacology and Therapy Vol. 3, 00-00 (2010)
ISSN: 0973- 9890 (Available online at www.tcrjournals.com) Original Article
SCIENTIFIC VALIDATED APPROACH FOR APPLICATION OF
MANDURA BHASMA: A REVIEW
CHAUDHARY, A1. AND PRAKASH, B2
1Department of Ras Shastra, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu
University, Varanasi —————, 2Department of Research & Development, Ipca Traditional
Remedies Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai ————. E . mail: balenduprakash@gmail.com
Received: June
Abstract: Mandura (iron rust) is abundantly found in nature. The rational pharmaceutical
and therapeutically approach of Ayurveda in general and Rasa Shastra in particular has
transformed Mandura into medicinal form. The processes of Shodhan (purification/
potentiation) and Maran (incineration/calcinations – treatment with that quantum of energy
which is needed for physico-chemical conversion of raw materials to Bhasma: a therapeutic
form) which are very individualized in terms of material, media, method and absolute
medicinal form. Mandura Bhasma has been described useful in the treatment of Pleeha
vriddhi (spleen enlargement); Yakrit vriddhi (liver enlargement); Kamala, Pandu (jaundice);
Shotha (oedema); Raktaksaya (anemia). However, dose schedule of Mandura Bhasma for
certain disease are not very rational. We studied various commercially available proprietary
Ayurvedic medicines containing Mandura Bhasma. Prak-20 was found to meet up with
the classical standard of dose schedule of Mandura bhasma.
Key words: Mandura bhasma, Ayurveda
Indexed in: ProQuest database Abstract, USA (ProQuest Science Journals, Health and Medical complete), EBSCO
databases (USA), Indian Science Abstract, Medical and Aromatic Plant Abstract, New Delhi
?
INTRODUCTION
There may not be second opinion on notion that
since last two decades acceptability of Ayurveda
among common public is significantly enhanced
across globe. This is also true that many legal
recognitions by law of land had been already
notified or being discussed in form of draft
consultation at proper forum, national as well as
international viz. FDA of USA, MHRA of UK,
Health Australia etc., courtesy initiation of WHO
for promotion of indigenous system of medicine
and inner strength of Ayurveda [1].
Medicines of any system provide a lion share in
its basic doctrines and in Ayurveda herbo-mineral
formulations were incorporated in practice in
beginning of 5-6 A.D. and completely
amalgamated in therapeutics up to 11 A.D. on
virtue of its wide range of application,
palatability, bio compatibility and greater shelf
life period. But, unfortunately these groups are
under scan and being considered toughest rider
in quality, safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic
formulations by all stakeholders.
With all energy, potency and wisdom of our
ancient scholars, we submit that these groups of
medicines are as superior as it was, even today.
This is compromise in fundamental
pharmaceutical process with unwarranted
variation and irrational dose schedule which is
Proof
E. J. Pharmacol. Therapy
2
No of
Process Drug and Media Type Procedure Repetition Reference
1 Gomutra Vishesha Pachana - Charaka Samhita
2 Gomutra Vishesha Nirvapa 8
7
8
8
7
21
Chakraduttah
Rasa Ratna Samucchaya
Rasendra Sara Samgraha
Ayurveda Prakasha
Rasa Tarangini
Siddha Yoga Samgraha
3 Triphala Kwatha
prepared by Gomutra Vishesha Nirvapa - Rasa Ratna Samucchaya
4 Gomutra
Triphala
Kwatha
Vishesha Abhisheka
Pachana 7 Sharangadhar Samhita
5 Taila
Takra
Gomutra
Kanjika
Kulottha
Kwatha
Samanya Nirvapa 7 in each Rasendra Sara Samgraha
No of
Process Drug and Media Procedure Puta Specification Repetition Reference
1 Triphala
Kwatha Putapaka - 30 Rasatarangini
2 Lauha
Maraka
Gana
Putapaka - - Rasatarangini
3 Gomutra
Triphala
Kwatha
Kumari
Swarasa
Putapaka Ardha -Gajaputa 7
7
7
21
Siddha Yoga
Samgraha
Table 2: Drug,
media, type and
process of Marana of
Mandura
Table 1: Process and
media for Mandura
Shodhana
responsible for any side/adverse effect of these
which are being debated currently.
In this review, we put forth our scientifically
validated approach for application of Mandura
Bhasma [2] which will substantiate pragmatic
and rational advancement of herbomineral
formulations, consists of mainly metallic/
minerallic and mercurial preparation of
Ayurveda.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Literary work on Mandura viz. identification,
method of Shodhan, Marana of the mineral, dose
schedule etc., was collected from the available
literature. The quantity of Mandura bhasma
present in various commercially available
proprietary Ayurvedic medicines viz. Liv-52,
Kamalahar Forte, Amlycure, Prak-20 [3] etc.
were collected. Attempts were made to compare
the Mandura Bhasma present in different
formulations along with the dose pattern. The
proprietary Ayurvedic medicine Prak-20 is
manufactured by Bharat Bhaishajya Shala
Private Limited at Dehradun and marketed by
Ipca Traditional Remedies Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai.
RESULTS
Debut mentions of Mandura:The word Lau-
hakitta, Mandura and its use in therapeutics was
first mentioned in Charaka Samhita (15th century
B.C.) [4]. Examination of Lauhakitta was
mentioned first by Kautilya (4th century B.C.)
[4] . Shodhana of Mandura was first mentioned
in Charaka Samhita (15th century B.C.) [4].
Importance of Shodhana of Mandura was first
mentioned in Rasendra Chudamani (12th century
A.D.) [5]. Preparation of Mandura Bhasma was
firstly mentioned in Rasatarangini (20th century
A.D.) [6].These references regarding Mandura
established many facts about its acceptability in
therapeutics since the period of Charak Samhita.
Proof
3
Formulation Ref..
Book
Rogadhikar
Total ingredient Mandura
Mandura
% Shastrokta Dose
of Formulation Daily intake
of Mandura
Panchamrit Mandura B.R. Pandu 41.5 Tola 12.5 Tola
30% 2 – 4 Ratti O.D. 0.6 Ratti-1.2 Ratti
Panchamrit Mandura B.R. Pandu 41.5 Tola 12.5 Tola
30% 2 – 4 Ratti O.D. 0.6 Ratti-1.2 Ratti
Vajravatak Mandoor B.R. Pandu 9 Pal 6 Pal 66.66%
0.5 Masha = 3 Ratti
Not Available
Punarnavadi Mandura *
B.R. Pandu 60 Tola 40 Tola 66.66%
1-4 Masha Not Available
Punarnavadi Mandura S.Y.S.
Pandu 160 Tola 80 Tola 50% 4-8 Ratti T.D.S. 6-12 Ratti
Triushanadi Mandura B.R. Pandu 360 Tola 240 Tola
66.66%
3-9 Ratti B.D. 1.98-5.94 Ratti
Pandupanchanan Ras B.R. Pandu 93 Tola 62 Tola 66.66%
Not Available Not Available
Triktrayadi Loha B.R. Pandu 26 Tola 4 Tola 15% 4Ratti T.D.S. 1.8 Ratti
Kamlantak Loha B.R. Pandu 24 Tola 2 Tola 8% 2 Ratti-4Ratti Not Available
Navayas Churna S.Y.S.
Pandu 18 Tola 9 Tola 50% 2 – 4 Ratti T.D.S 1-2 Ratti
Kalmegha navayas S.Y.S.
Pandu 27 Tola 9 Tola 33% 3 Ratti T.D.S 2.97 Ratti
Dhatri Loha II B.R. Shool 10 Pal 3 Tola 6 Pal 55.8% 1 Tola x6 3.348 Tola
Ras Mandura B.R. Shool 34 Tola 8 Tola 23.5% 4-6 Ratti Not Available
Chatuhsam Mandura B.R. Shool 16 Tola 4 Tola 25% 4 Masha x 6 6 Masha
Koladi Mandura B.R. Shool 10 Tola 5 Tola 50% 3-6 Ratti T.D.S. 4.5-9 Ratti
Bheemvatak Mandura B.R. Shool 1 Prasth aur 5 Pal
1 Prasth 76% 0.5 Tola x 6 2.28 Tola
Tara Mandura Gud B.R. Shool 18 Tola 9 Tola 50% 1 Kol x6 3 Kol
Shatavari Mandura B.R. Shool 39 Pal 8 Pal 20.5% Not Available Not Available
Triphala Mandura B.R. Amla Pitta
2 Pal 8 Tola 4 Tola 50% 1 Masha Not Available
Seeta Mandura B.R. Amla Pitta
36 Tola 4 Tola 11% 1 Karsha B.D 0.22 Karsha
Trikatvadi Mandura B.R. Shotha 38 Tola 19 Tola 50% 1 Shukti x O.D 0.5 Shukti
Sudhanidhi B.R. Shotha 15 Tola 10 Tola 66% 1 Nishk Not Available
Agnimukh Mandura B.R. Shotha 124Tola 48 Tola 39% 1 Karsha
Shothari Mandura B.R. Shotha 34 Tola
Takra Mandura B.R. Shotha 16Tola 16 Tola 100% 10 Ratti 10 Ratti
Rasabhra Mandura B.R. Shotha 6 Pal 2 Pal 33% 2 Masha – 4 Masha
Table 3: Dose Schedule of Mandura Bhasma in classic Ayurvedic formulations. *According to study done at Jamnagar
matra of Punarnava Mandura is 1-10gm/day Note : 1 Tola = 11g 664 mg which is equivalent to 12g. B. R. =
Bhaishjaya Ratnawali [12], S. Y. S = Siddha Yoga Sangrah [13].
Name of Products Form Package of
each unit Quantity of
Mandura Bhasma Recommended
Daily Dosage Daily Dose of
Mandura Bhasma
Liv. 52 Tablet 275 mg 33 mg
Liv. 52 DS Tablet 550 mg 66 mg 2 to 3 tablets thrice a day 66 to 99 mg
Capsule 250mg 20 mg 1 to 2 capsules thrice daily
for minimum of 10 days
Kamalahar Forte
Liquid Each 10 ml 20 mg 10 – 20 ml thrice daily for
adults.5 – 10 ml for
children
60 – 120 mg
Amlycure DS Capsule 500 mg 30 mg 1- 2 capsules twice or
thrice a day 60 – 180 mg
Prak-20 Capsule 500 mg 250 mg 3 – 6 capsules a day 750 – 1500 mg
Table 4: Comparative quantity of Mandura Bhasma in different Proprietary Ayurvedic medicines.
Origin of Mandura: After severe heating of
Lauha, when it is hammered some parts are
separated. These separated parts after many years
turn into Mandura.
Properties of Mandura: In accordance of
Ayurvedic pharmacology- Rasa=Kashaya;
Virya= Sheeta; Vipaka = Katu; Guna =Ruksha;
Laghu = Doshaghnata; Pittakapha = Prashamana
[7].
Types of Mandura: Mandura is divided into 3
types [7] viz., 1.Mundakitta: It is reddish, heavy
and unctuous. 2. Tikshnakitta: It has shining like
collyrium, it is heavy and solid (non porus) and
3. Kantakitta: The heaviest, small, solid,
ununctuous and yellowish Kitta is termed as
Kantakitta. It gives silvery shining on cut
Suitable Mandura for pharmaceutical proc-
essing: i.) It should be non porous, heavy,
Proof
E. J. Pharmacol. Therapy
4
unctuous, hard and more than 100 yeas old. ii.)
100 and more years of old Mandura is considered
as best. iii.) 70-80 to 100 years of old Mandura
is taken as medium quality. iv.) 60 to 70 years of
old Mandura is considered as inferior quality.
v.) Less than 60 years of old Mandura is taken
as Visha (poisonous).
Shodhana of Mandura: Shodhana is a process
of purification and detoxification by which
physical and chemical blemishes and toxic
materials are eliminated and substances are
subjected for further processing.
For Shodhan of Mandura following techniques
are used in general approach. i.) Mostly Nirvapa
(heating up to red hot and quenching in liquid
media) process is followed for Shodhana of
Mandura. ii.) Commonly Gomutra is used as
liquid media for Mandura Shodhana. iii.)
Interestingly Mandura can be used in
therapeutics after Shodhana by making it in
Churna form.
All details about Shodhan of Mandura are shown
in table 1.
Marana of Mandura [8]: Marana is a process
of transformation by which purified and
detoxified materials are transformed into
absorbable, adaptable and assimilable form
following certain parmaceutical processing as
per PUTA System of quantum heating in Rasa
Shastra.
For Marana of Mandura following techniques
are used in general approach. i.) Same methods
and drugs for processing of Lauha may be used
for Marana of Mandura. ii.) Drugs of Lauha
Maraka Gana are used for Mandura Marana. iii.)
Triphala Kwatha is the most commonly used
liquid media for Bhavana. iv.) Ardha Gajaputa
is used mostly as heating grade for Mandura
Marana. All details about Marana of Mandura
are shown in table 2.
Phramacological action of Mandura bhasma
[9]: Mandura Bhasma causes Deepana,
Pittashamana, Raktavriddhikaran, Vrishya,
Ruchikaraka etc.
Therapeutic indications of Mandura Bhasma
[10]: Mandura Bhasma is indicated in Sopha,
Kamala, Pandu, Krimi, Arsha, Grahani, Pliha,
Shosha etc. with specific Anupana or Sahapana.
Computation of Dose Schedule of Mandura
Bhasma: Mandura Bhasma is mixed with
substances of plant and animal origin in variable
quantity before administration. After a close
scrutiny of literature we found 25 formulations
(kalpas) containing Mandura Bhasma. These are
used in treatment of Pandu, Shool, Amlapitta and
Shotha roga which are depicted in table 3.
There is no clear information regarding the
quantity and frequency to use these formulations
in human body. Out of twenty five formulations,
the daily dose schedule is available for fourteen
formulations. There is no information about the
daily dose schedule for the rest eleven
formulations. Classical references of daily dose
schedule for Mandura Bhasma in different
disease are shown in table 4.
DISCUSSION
Impact of Shodhan: Mandura is considered as
rusted iron, its chemical formula is Fe2O3 H2O.
During Shodhan process water portion of the
hydrated ferric oxide may evaporate and only
ferric oxide remains. When Mandura was heated,
it gets attached with the ladle, because water
portion from the surface of heating gets
evaporated and remaining part gets attached with
the ladle.
Colour of Mandura became brown and black
after Shodhana. During heating Mandura breaks
into coarse particles and metallic iron part may
be exposed. This iron part becomes black
ferroso-ferric oxide during heating to red hot.
On heating water part of the hydrated ferric oxide
gets evaporated and only ferric oxide part
remains, which is reddish brown in colour.
Mandura pieces became coarse powder after
Shodhana, because during Shodhana on heating,
Mandura bursts and becomes into coarse powder.
Proof
5
Impact of Marana: Industrious Mandura is
converted in to form of medicinal Mandura
Bhasma which is brown (Rakta Chandana Varna)
in colour. Mandura Bhasma may be considered
as a mixture of ferric oxide (Fe2O3) and other
traces. Ferroso-ferric oxide was formed from the
metallic iron part of Mandura during Marana
which contribute a minute portion of Mandura
Bhasma. Whereas, presence of maximum
portion of ferric oxide (red in colour) makes the
Bhasma brown in colour.
Apparent absorption criteria: Probable
absorption criteria may include acid insolubility
pattern of Bhasma along with other many pysico-
chemical characters. Basis of test for acid
insoluble ash was carried out to evaluate the
percentage of insoluble inorganic content of the
Mandura Bhasma in dilute acid. Since a drug
must first pass into solution before it can be
absorbed, so the acid insoluble ash test of
Bhasma is therapeutically very important. It is
intended to provide a step towards the evaluation
of the physiological availability of the Bhasma.
Lauha Bhasma contains comparatively more acid
insoluble ash (27.80%) than that of Mandura
Bhasma (16.23%). So it may be inferred that
Mandura Bhasma should be physiologically
more available in the body than Lauha Bhasma.
Luminous dose: After a close scrutiny of
formulations quoted in table 3, the daily intake
of Mandura Bhasma falls within the range of
750mg/day to 40gm/day. Such vast variations
create a big question regarding the minimum and
maximum therapeutic dose of Mandura Bhasma.
Prak-20 [3] is a modified form of classical
Punarnava Mandur [11]. In pre-clinical and
clinical studies, Prak-20 is best effective in liver
disorders at the dose of 30 mg/kg/day and it can
be given at the maximum dose of three grams
each day for long duration. Thus the therapeutic
dose of Mandura Bhasma in Prak-20 (750 mg/
day to 1500mg/day), which is compatible with
the classical reference of the daily doses of
Mandura Bhasma.
On the contrary, there are few commercially
available Ayurvedic formulations that contain
Mandura Bhasma and these formulations are
able to provide merely 60mg/day to 180mg/day
Mandura Bhasma in therapeutic doses raising big
question about its rationality (Table 4).
CONCLUSION
Application of Mandura Bhasma alone or in
compound form is very rational since centuries.
Of all the formulations studied Prak-20 found to
meet up with the classical standard of dose
schedule of Mandura bhasma. This formulation
has shows potent hepato-protective, anti-fibrotic,
anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and anti viral
properties in various pre-clinical and clinical
studies [3]. However, further studies are required
to understand the complexity of daily dose
schedule and to rationalize Minimum Required
Dose (MRD) and Maximum Tolerant Dose
(MTD) of Mandura Bhasma. Work on Prak-20
is just a curtain raiser of complexity of dose
schedule of Mandura Bhasma.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Authors are thankful to each other for basic
initiation of reasonable relationship among
academia and industry. It may run longer and
broader with universal interest of benefit of
common member of public. We also
acknowledge the efforts of Vaidya Sandeep Rai,
Shikha Prakash, Vaidya Neetu Singh and Dr.
Sanjoy Kumar Pal in the preparation of this
article.
Conflict of Interest: We have compared the
various proprietary Ayurvedic medicines
containing Mandura Bhasma with academic
interest not for any commercial purpose. We are
not posing any question on their claim.
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Proof
