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RELEVANCE OF RASA SHASTRA IN 21st CENTURY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE

TO LIFESTYLE DISORDERS (LSDs)

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RELEVANCE OF RASA SHASTRA IN 21st CENTURY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO

LIFESTYLE DISORDERS (LSDs)
Virupaksha Gupta K.L1*, Pallavi G2, Patgiri B.J.1, Kodlady Naveena1
1
Department of RS and BK including Drug Research, Institute of PG Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Gujarat Ayurveda University,
Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
2
Department of P.G Studies in Ayurveda Siddhanta, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Mysore, Karnataka, India
Received on: 12/09/11 Revised on: 23/10/11 Accepted on: 05/11/11

*Corresponding author
Email: virupakshgupta@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
Lifestyle diseases (LSDs) are those conditions usually attributed to dramatic shifts in the way humans live their lives, and are an object of medical attention and thus the cause
of concern. Continuous usage of conventional medicine for these diseases may produce adverse drug reactions and hence an alternative has become the need of the hour. Rasa
Shastra has flourished from medieval period, but therapeutic use of Rasa Dravyas is being explored in terms of Metallo-pharmaceutics of contemporary researches which is
evident by the increasing number of researches validating it. This article focuses on the utility of Rasaushadhis and their role in the betterment of the community with special
reference to LSDs.
Keywords: Lifestyle diseases, Rasaushadhis, Bhasma

INTRODUCTION
The term “Lifestyle disease” has become a common currency in the
healthcare field .Lifestyle diseases are those conditions usually
attributed to dramatic shifts in the way humans live their lives, often
due to advancements in a society or its scientific progress. They
become more prevalent as the country becomes more industrialized
and affluent. Though these can be prevented by conscious changes
in the diet, behavior and environment of individuals to some extent
but the treatment of these diseases is still pre-dominantly based upon
the use of medication from the conventional medical perspective.
The side effects emerging from these medications add on to the
chronic conditions which demand additional therapeutic attention.
With this background an attempt has been made to focus the
relevance of Rasaushadhis in the prevention and treatment of LSD’s.
Lifestyle Diseases
Lifestyle has changed from being an indicator of the overall well
being of an individual to a cause of disease and now "lifestyle" has
itself become an object of medical attention and thus the cause of
concern. Some of them include Atherosclerosis, Asthma , Cancer,
Chronic Liver Disease or Cirrhosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiac disorders, Metabolic
Syndrome, Osteoporosis, Stroke, Depression and Obesity.
Why has the incidence of disorders such as Diabetes Mellitus,
Cardiac ailments and Cancer risen so inexorably? There are several
reasons for this shift in the disease burden profile. The diet has
changed, as cheap, calorie-rich diet has become generally available;
people are less inclined to physical exercise; people are incapable of
dealing with an increasingly obtrusive stress in daily social and
occupational life; and the use of recreational drugs and alcohol has
become pervasive. Unfortunately, the newly industrialized,
developing countries have not been spared this shift in emphasis
from traditional disease to lifestyle disease. People have access to
lifestyles, especially food and stress-load, which push them prone to
numerous, previously rare disorders like Obesity and Diabetes
Mellitus. In fact, the costs incurred in the effective treatment of
lifestyle diseases are now assuming alarming proportions.1
Need for healthy lifestyles
It is well reported that a healthy lifestyle can reduce the morbidity
and mortality of life-threatening conditions such as Cancer and
Coronary Heart Disease. Although technological advances in
medical testing and treatment have increased life expectancy, the
relative costs to health care are now being realized; yet government
objectives and investment are lacking in addressing fundamental
lifestyle risk factors. Indeed, projected quality-adjusted life year
expectancy can increase by providing lifestyle management
programmes for preventable diseases, thereby making them a cost-
effective intervention2.
Rasaushadhis
Rasa Shastra is an offshoot of Ayurveda that was mainly developed
in the medieval period. The ancient seers were well versed in the
times the contemporary had little knowledge. It mainly explores the
utilization of metals and minerals for medicinal purposes.3,4 It is
understood that the term Rasa denotes Parada (Hg), Maha Rasa, Upa
Rasa and Sadharana Rasa. But the term Rasa also includes
Incinerated or killed metals and poisonous tubers. Hence the
formulations which consist above as one of the constituent can be
termed as Rasaushadhi.5
Eg: Arogyavardhini Vati (consists of Kajjali, HgS), Tarakeshwara
Rasa (Consists of Rasa Sindhura), Ananda Bhairavi Rasa (Consists
of Hingula), Navayasa Lauha, Saptamrita Lauha (consists Loha (Fe)
Bhasma,) Hridayarnava Rasa (consists Tamra (Cu) Bhasma,),
Sanjivani Vati (consists of Bhallataka and Vatsanabha).
Classification of Rasaushadhi
1. Khalviya: Khalviya Rasaushadhis are the formulations prepared
with the help of Mortar and pestle. Initially mercury and sulphur are
mixed in mortar and triturated with pestle until it converts into black
colored powder similar to Kaajal (termed as Kajjali), then the other
mineral and herbal ingredients are mixed and triturated with
specified herbal juices and pills are rolled according to the dose.
2. Parpati: Kajjali as such or along with specific other ingredients
triturated with it are used for this. Then it is subjected to controlled
heating in an iron spatula to obtain a molten mass. The molten mass
is then immediately poured and spread evenly on a flat soft surface,
preferably on the surface of a banana leaf, which is usually placed
on a soft surfaced platform prepared from fresh wet cow dung or
mud. The soft material like fresh cow dung or mud is selected for
this procedure to provide smooth and even platform for the leaf
placed on it and to facilitate free flow and even spread of the
liquefied Kajjali on the surface of the leaf. The poured mass is then
immediately covered with another banana leaf and is hand pressed
evenly. The covered leaf is then removed to find a thin flat sheet of
the material, which is termed as ‘Parpati’.

International Journal of Research in Ayurveda & Pharmacy

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3. Kupipakwa: Kajjali is filled up to 1/3rd in a narrow mouth high
long neck glass flask termed as ‘Kupi’ and then subjected for
controlled heating, or sometimes in an earthenware crucible termed
as ‘Musha’ or in a metallic crucible, then is termed as ‘Kupipakwa
Rasa’.
4. Pottali: The mixture of ingredients of metal and mineral origin
are triturated in herbal juices and made into a bolus, and then it is
kept in a silk cloth in which a layer of sulphur is spread and tied.
This bolus (Pottali) is further cooked in molten sulphur till the final
product is obtained. This Pottali is rubbed on a touch stone as per the
requirement and administered6.
Mode of action of Rasoushadhis w.s.r. to Bhasmas
Herbo mineral formulations of Ayurveda constituting Bhasma as an
ingredient are the superior forms of administration. Bhasma’s are the
most ancient form of administration of the nano medicine.
Analgesic, Anti inflammatory immunomodulatory activity, Anti
oxidant activity, Free radical scavenging activities of various
Bhasmas have been identified and nano technology is held
responsible for all these properties due to its target oriented
technology. Ayurvedic pharmaceutics are receiving a new thrust
through reappraisal of Bhasma preparations as novel nano
technological applications.7
How Bhasma Acts?
Interaction of the particles with biological systems including living
cells is one of the most intriguing areas of basic and applied research
at the interface of biology and particulate materials. Typical features
of Ayurvedic Bhasma have been recently demonstrated through
transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. A
further study has shown Swarna (Gold) Bhasma principally
same study also revealed Swarna Bhasma to be devoid of any other
heavy metal or organic material by its screening through Atomic
Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and Infra red Spectroscopy (IS).
Raman spectroscopy is employed for investigating the interaction of
human lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549) with the particulate
system Jasada Bhasma, a traditional Indian medicine. The Raman
spectral analysis is executed by identifying the difference in
intracellular DNA/RNA, proteins and lipids concentration between
particles—treated and untreated cells. Comparison between Bhasma-
treated and -untreated cells indicates that vibrational peaks
corresponding to the DNA/RNA molecule show a significant
increase in cells treated with the Jasada Bhasma. Apart from the
DNA molecule, several other vibrational peaks related to the protein
molecules also show a significant increase in A549 cells after
treatment with Bhasma. These results indicate that Bhasma
treatment of A549 possibly delays DNA degradation and enables
retention of higher amount of protein molecules in the cells.8
Another study found gold nano particles (4nm size) helped in
increased apoptosis in B-Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Incidentally, CLL is an otherwise incurable disease predominantly
characterized by resistance to apoptosis. It is observed that the nano
medical application of various drugs is proportionate to their particle
size and shape. Smaller the particle, the quicker is the cellular
internalization and consequent effects. It is interesting to reiterate
here that the pharmacological efficacy of a Bhasma preparation is
largely attributed to the number and type of Puta (traditional
incineration process) used in its making. Increased incinerations
therefore are able to reduce particle size and subsequently give rise
to increases efficacy to a given Bhasma.9 .

constituted of globular gold particle of 56-57nm, Interestingly , the

Relevant Research works
S.N Scholar Rasaushadhi Utility
1. Zahoor Ahmad Shah Swarna Bhasma Antioxidant/Restorative Effects
2. A. Mitra 10 Swarna Bhasma Free radical scavenging activity
3. D. S. Agrawal11 Swarna Bhasma (Gold Ash) Treatment / Prevention Of Alzheimer’s Disease
Anticataleptic, Antianxiety, Antidepressant, Immunostimulant, and
4. Sonia bajaj12 Gold Bhasma
Analgesic actions
5. Naveena K13 Swarna Bhasma Rasayana in pregnancy
6. Shah Z A14 Gold Preparations Ischaemia
7. Sherika Mahepal15 Gold-Based Lipophilic Cations, In Anti tumor Activity
In Gene Expression, anti microbial, anti cancer properties, and in
8. Simon, P Fricker16 Gold
Rheumatoid Arthritis,
9. S Sinyorita17 Makaradhwaja In geriatric care
10. Siddhartha Shrivastava18 silver nanoparticles Antibacterial effects
11. Shubha19 Rasaka Bhasma Antimicrobial activity
12. C.M Prasad20 Yashad Bhasma Hypoglycemic
13. RN Puri21 Yashad Bhasma Arrest of myopia
14. Sathe, RV22 Jasad Bhasma Diabetes mellitus
15. V.Nageswara Rao23 Jasad Bhasma Diabetes mellitus
16. N Agnel Arul John24 Yasada Bhasma Sodium Phasphate Induced Nephrocalcinosis
17. Bagherani N25 Zinc Anti Vitiligo
18. P. Suresh26 Swarna Vanga Diabetes mellitus
19. Jasmine Japee27 Kukkutanda Twak Bhasma In Minimizing the Risk of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
20. PK Sarkar28 Lauha Bhasma, Mandura Bhasma Panduhara Effect (anti Anemia, hematinic)
21. Kanase A29 Mandura Bhasma Hepatoprotective
22. Tripathi YB30 Tamra Bhasma Lipid peroxidation
23. N. Pattanaik31 Tamra Bhasma Free Radicals Scavenging Property
24. Prasanna Kumar T32 Tamra Bhasma Antibacterial effects
25. Chauhan33 Muktashukti Bhasma Anti inflammatory activity
26. Nitin Dubey34 Mukta shouktic Bhasma Antipyretic, anti Microbial activity
27. Rathinamala R35 Maankombu Parpam (Shrungi Bhasma) Antiulcer Activity
28. Buwa S36 Abhrak Bhasma Hepato protective action
29. Prabhakara N.Reddy37 Praval Bhasma Bone mineralization
30. S Pandit 38 Shankha Bhasma Anti-ulcer effect
31. Kodlady N39 Manahshila Sedative Hypnotic Activity
32. Masuma Siddiqua40 Laghobanondo Rosh (LNR) Lipid profile
33. I. Jahan Bulbul41 Garbha Cintamani Rasa Lipid Profile, Liver Function and Kidney Function
34. Pallavi D42 Mahamrityunjaya Rasa Cardio tonic
35. R. Vadivelan43 Kantha chendooram Antiulcer activity
36. P K Roy44 Suchikabharana Rasa Ayurvedic tonic
37. Ramakrishnan Madhusoodanan45 Kallunk oxide Antidote for AIDS

International Journal of Research in Ayurveda & Pharmacy

 Virupaksha Gupta K.L et al / IJRAP 2011, 2 (6) 1628-1632

Safety studies Concept of Lifestyle Drugs & Lifestyle Medicine

Acute and chronic toxicity of Makaradhwaja showed that the LD 50 ‘Lifestyle Medicine' is an established branch of medicine where in
of Makaradwaja is more than 52 times of the therapeutic dose. lifestyle's contribution to health in addition to non-pharmacological
Chronic studies showed in therapeutic dose did not show any intervention in the treatment and management of lifestyle diseases,
toxicity.46 such as exercise in diabetes mellitus and weight management in
Lauha Bhasma and Mandura Bhasma in 55 mg/kg dose (5 times the obesity is discussed. Whereas, in the current scenario, the most
therapeutic dose) for 60 days exhibited no serious toxic effects in operational definition of 'lifestyle drugs' is drugs that could modify
Charles Foster albino rats. Both the drugs showed significant or change non-medical or non-health-related goal or conditions at
recovery from chronic toxic effect after 45 days of recovery the margins of health and well being. The term is also used to
period.47 describe medicines that are used to treat 'lifestyle illnesses', that is to
This study was designed to assess the acute oral toxicity induced by say diseases that arise through 'lifestyle choices' such as smoking,
Abhraka and Tamra Bhasmas in rats with different vehicles. alcoholism or overeating.
Percentage absorption of Bhasmas, biochemical and hematological The conventional approach in managing lifestyle diseases
parameters were analyzed. Simultaneously, an in vitro dissolution From the conventional medical perspective, although there is a
test was performed with both the Bhasmas in artificial gastric fluid welcome move towards educating the patient on the importance of
to study the dissolution rate at different time intervals. Single dose lifestyle changes, treatment is still pre-dominantly based upon the
oral administration of Abhraka and Tamra Bhasmas with different use of medication. There are legions of drugs available, at
vehicles did not show any systemic toxicity. There was a remarkable considerable price, to treat the various lifestyle diseases: Anti-
increase in percentage of absorption and dissolution rate of Bhasmas hypertensives, Appetite suppressants, Hypoglycaemics,
with honey: distilled water in both in vivo absorption and in vitro Chemotherapeutics. Sleep inducers, Stress relievers. Anxiolytics.
dissolution studies respectively when compared to distilled water Anti depressants. The advice usually given on lifestyle change is
and corn oil. In conclusion, the findings suggest, selection of vehicle generally vague and sometimes even contradictory, largely because
plays a critical role in evaluating the toxicity of Bhasmas.48 of the lack of a comprehensive understanding on the practitioner’s
Shankha Bhasma, Kapardika Bhasma, Muktashukti Bhasma and part of the rationale behind the advice. What is perhaps even more
Pravala Bhasma and a pishti viz. Pravala pishti did not show any disturbing from the conventional approach is the range of side
acute toxicity up to 5000 mg/kg dose in albino mice. Oral effects arising from the medication prescribed, resulting in patients
administration of all these drugs to albino rats at doses of 3 and 10 “acquiring” additional chronic conditions which demand additional
times higher than recommended dose also caused no toxicological therapeutic attention.55
effects. Acute and sub chronic toxicity studies of drugs used in the Lifestyle drugs in day to day practice and proposed replacement
study clearly showed the non-toxic nature and high safety profile of with Rasaushadhi
Shankha Bhasma, Kapardika Bhasma, Muktashukti Bhasma, Pravala S. N Life style Disorder
Conventional Ayurvedic
Bhasma and Pravala pishti in rodents.49 treatment alternate
Impotency and erectile Viagra (Sildenafil
Studies on Chondrokola Rosh (Chandrakala Rasa) showed that it 1.
dysfunction Citrate)
Makaradhwaja
reduced bilirubin level and increased albumin levels in both rat Raja Pravartini
2. Menstrual irregularity Norethisterone etc
groups and no remarkable changes were observed in the enzymes Vati
such as SGOT, SGPT and ALP. It also emphasizes that the mere 3.
Mood alterations and
Benzodiazepines Smriti Sagara Rasa
social anxiety disorders
presence of a chemical compound of metallic origin does not
Nicotine replacement Oushadha Dravya
contribute to the toxicity of the finished product as the standard 4. Cessation of smoking
therapy Dhumapana
manufacturing process inflicts intense changes and components of Sleep remedies and jet
5. Melatonin Smriti Sagara Rasa
herbal origin after sequential reactions with diverse components of lag remedies
processing which was responsible for the therapeutic action. The Non Steroidal Anti Vata Vidhwamsa
6. Work related fatigue Inflammatory Drugs Rasa, Vata
Study also reveals that Chondrokola Rosh (CKR) had no remarkable (NSAIDs) Gajankusa Rasa
toxic effect on the liver function of the animals despite the presence
of traces of transformed toxic heavy metals.50 List of Rasoushadhis explained in few lifestyle diseases
Genotoxic studies Tarakeshhwara Rasa in Prameha (Diabetes Mellitus)
Genotoxic studies on herbomineral preparations (Bhasmas), viz. Hridayarnava Rasa in Hridroga (Heart Diseases)
Abhrak (mica) Bhasma, Mandura (iron)Bhasma, Swas Kuthar ras Smritisagara Rasa in Manodaihika Vikara (Psychiatric disorders)
(mercury, sulphur) and Smriti Sagar ras (mixture of metals), using in Shilajit in Obesity, Dyslipidemia
vivo micronucleus (MN) assay and comet assay in Wistar rats of Shankha Vati, Kamadhudha Rasa in Amlapitta, Shula (acid peptic
both sexes were performed, which revealed that no significant disorders)
increase in MN frequency or DNA damage percentage was recorded Bhasma which possess multiple actions with suitable combinations
in the Bhasma-treated animals compared to the vehicle control Lauha Bhasma in Anaemias, Liver disorders, chronic Fevers,
groups in both sexes, indicating that the Bhasmas tested were non- Obesity, Dyslipidemia, Diabetes
genotoxic under the experimental conditions and the test system Tamra Bhasma in Hridroga, Obesity, Dyslipidemia, Liver Disorders
employed.51 In another study the same authors reported absence of Rajata Bhasma, for rejuvenation, Aphrodisiac
Genotoxicity on Ras Manikya Ras, Lauha (Iron, steel) Bhasma, DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
Tamra (copper) Bhasma and Kajjali.52 The prevalence of Lifestyle diseases is constraining the victims to
Synergistic activity rely upon the conventional medication. In some of these diseases the
Potentiation of Anti Hyperglycemic action of Tolbutamide was usage of conventional medicine is inevitable, in such conditions
found with Jasad Bhasma and Karela (Momordica charantia) in possible alternative would be the usage of bio enhancers along with
single dose studies in albino rats.53 In one study piperine the conventional medicine so as to enhance the bio availability and
significantly increased the absorption of metronidazole and retarding efficacy of the drug and thereby minimizing the dosage and the
its metabolism. Hence Metronidazole and piperine combination may adverse effects associated with it and hence assuring safe therapeutic
result in a reduced strength dosage form and also reduced dose usage.
dependent side effects.54
International Journal of Research in Ayurveda & Pharmacy
 Virupaksha Gupta K.L et al / IJRAP 2011, 2 (6) 1628-1632
For example -The drug Sildenafil (Viagra) which is branded as a
“Lifestyle drug” is used for erectile dysfunction. It is metabolized
mainly by the enzyme CYP3A4, which is found in many tissues,
including the small intestine and the liver. Consequently, when one
takes a dose of this drug, some of the dose is destroyed before it
reaches the bloodstream, and more of it is destroyed in the liver
before it reaches the rest of the body. About 40% of the sildenafil
successfully reaches the general circulation. Once there, half of it
gets metabolized every 4 hours during passes through the liver and
other tissues. Thus, out of a 100 mg dose, about 20 mg remains in
circulation after 4 hours.
Piperine, is an inhibitor of the CYP3A4 enzyme. If a dose of
piperine is taken shortly before a dose of sildenafil, the sildenafil
will not have to ‘run the gauntlet’ of CYP3A4 metabolism on its
way to the bloodstream. This will boost the efficiency of a dose of
sildenafil – potentially by as much as a factor of 2.5. This means that
a 100 mg dose taken with piperine could be equivalent to a 250 mg
dose taken without it – a dose likely to produce unpleasant side
effects at the very least. Piperine will also prolong the action of
sildenafil, probably by about two hours, which is how long the
inhibition of CYP3A4 lasts in the liver. And hence the addition of
Piperine can minimize the dosage and adverse effects associated
with it and enhance its efficacy.56
Various studies carried out on Bhasmas also put to rest concerns
about the presence of heavy metals in ayurvedic preparations which
otherwise clouds the popular use of Ayurvedic medicines abroad.
The nano particle size of Ayurvedic Bhasma has been confirmed in
another study where it is proposed that the nano particles are
responsible for its fast and targeted action. These nano particles are
proposed to be delivered to the target through rapid cellular
internalization. Subsequent actions upon RNA/DNA molecule and
protein synthesis within the cell are further hypothesized as possible
mechanisms for rapid onset of therapeutic actions of Bhasma
preparations.
In most of the formulations Bhasmas and herbs are mixed and
formulations are prepared and administered. Here hypothesis is
made as these novel agents enhance the absorption and metabolism
of the herbal ingredients and as an output, the efficacy can be
enhanced in spite of administering in lesser doses. For example, In
Arogyavardhini Vati, the prime ingredient Katuki is a chologogue
and the other herbal and mineral ingredients are mostly for
enhancing efficacy of prime ingredient. Ex 2- In iron containing
Bhasmas it is said that Triphala enhances the absorption. Rasa
Bhasmas and the herbal ingredients have a synergistic activity.
Depending on the formulation either of them can act as bio-
enhancers.
Ayurvedic pharmaceutics are receiving a new thrust through
reappraisal of Bhasma preparations as novel nano technological
application. Herbomineral formulations (Rasaushadhi) constitute
Bhasma as ingredients and are as superior and indispensable even
today. Manufacturing methods of Bhasma are in tune of production
of nano particles of contemporary era and proved advancement of
Rasa Shastra a branch of Ayurveda which covers scientific
validation till today. The safety studies which have been carried out
are definitely an assurance for the victims of Life Style Diseases
who are on conventional medication and are in search of a better
alternative. These are safe in therapeutic doses and hence can be
used in the management of Lifestyle disorders and definitely an
attempt can be made to see if these Rasoushadhis can replace the so
called “Lifestyle drugs” in this present era .The untoward effects of
the lifestyle drugs which are being used now a days can definitely be
combated with the use of Rasoushadhis. Thus Rasoushadhis can
play a pivotal role in the management of lifestyle diseases.
International Journal of Research in Ayurveda & Pharmacy
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