A Comparative Study to Evaluate the Physico-Chemical Characteristization and Blood Compatibility Studies of Tāmra Bhasma (Incinerated Copper Particle) With and Without Amritīkarana
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Abstract
Introduction: Extensive utility of Tāmra bhasma has been mentioned in Rasa classics, Tāmra is supposed to be a poison or more than a poison if used in ashudha (impure) form. According to Ayurveda, Tāmra bhasma is told to be used only after a special procedure called amrİtīkarana. Amrİtīkarana is a special procedure carried out to eliminate the remaining doshas of any dhatu bhasma and increases therapeutic effect of bhasma. Amrİtīkarana removes the ashta doshas (eight ill effects) of Tāmra.
Objectives:
- To analyse the physico-chemical parameters of Tāmra bhasma prepared with and without Amrİtīkarana.
- To experimentally evaluate Cytotoxicity of Tāmra bhasma with and without amritīkarana.
- To experimentally evaluate blood compatibility of Tāmra bhasma with and without amritīkarana.
Results and discussion: Both samples have particles ranging from nanometer to micrometer level. DLS results shows that the particle size of Tāmra bhasma was reduced after amrİtīkarana. The results suggests that the sample is in polydisperse state. Zeta potential of TB and TBA shows that TBA sample is more stable than TB. Elemental analysis by ICP-OES results shows that mercury content in both samples were found to be within the limit. Arsenic content was reduced in TBA sample comparing to TB. Chemically TB is identified as Cu12As4A13 in Cubic crystalline form and TBA is identified as Cu12As4A13 in Cubic crystalline form and Cu9S5 in Rhombohedral crystalline form. Both samples are non- cytotoxic. Maximum and minimum cell activity was seen at concentration 0.0625 mg/ml and 1 mg/ml for both samples. Both samples showed cytocompatibility at lower concentrations. TB cells shows slightly increase viability at larger concentration. The hemolysis induced by TB and TBA was 0.04% which was well within the acceptable limits of 1%. Based on hemolysis value we can assume that plasma hemoglobin level of samples are also normal. Change in values of platelet count was shown in both samples. Comparing to TB, TBA shows more variation. Measurement of uncertainty acceptable value is 5% but here, 10% change is shown for sample TBA. This shows that TBA encourages platelet adhesion so, this can be used in bleeding disorders. The control plasma and the plasma containing the TB sample shows almost equal amounts of fibrinogen and partial thromboplastin time. But TBA sample shows increased value in results comparing to the control. Despite the observed difference, no delay in coagulation time was observed in plasma samples. Activation of platelets initiates the deformation of the cells with pseudopod formation and ends with blood coagulation or thrombus formation. In the present study platelets seem to be not activating indicates platelet compatibility of both samples.
Conclusions: For providing necessary scientific validation for structure and composition of Tāmra bhasma prepared with and without amritīkarana, physico-chemical parameters and advanced instrumental analysis were done. From this study it is evident that amritīkarana helps in making Tāmra bhasma safer based on the physio-chemical parameters. As per methodology, Tāmra bhasma prepared without amritīkarana showed better results in blood compatibility.