2 National Conference on nd

Advance Nanomaterials and Applications(ANA-2023)

Structural investigation of Ayurveda Lauha (Iron)

Bhasma
Abstract
XPS measurement
Iron is an essential element for almost all living beings from bacteria. In
ayurveda (Science of life), the auxiliary knowledge in the vedic tradition,
‘lauha’ (Iron) bhasma is suggested to use primarily to cure diseases related to XPS- To investigate
iron deficiency. It is the herbometallic ashes prepared by multi-step traditional
elemental composition and V.S
methods described in ayurvedic literature. Here we present structural
properties of medical grade ‘lauha’ bhasma investigated through X-ray based of various constituent
technique. We also understand the chemical changes during various
preparation step and transformation from bulk metallic iron into agglomerates X-ray of energy 4.196 keV
of nanoparticles. Elemental composition and valence state of the iron in the used
form of magnetite based ‘lauha’ bhasma is also studied through XPS
technique. XPS analysis depicts
SEM (scanning electron microscopy) gives more insight about the shape and presence of trace amount of
size of Fe bhasma particles. Thus study of physical, chemical and structural
Na, C, and O
properties of ‘lauha’ bhasma may help to understand the function and
effectiveness of the same from the lens of modern science. We also anticipate
its use in localized target killing of cancer cells via necrosis by alternating Chemical state of Fe is found
external magnetic field and photo electron generation through X-ray. There is 2P3/2 and 2P1/2
opportunity to do a comparative study of structural and chemical properties of (a) Measured XPS spectrum of the (b) experimental and fitted XPS spectra for the
‘lauha’ bhasma prepared by different methods and shodhan (purification) medicinal grade Ayurveda Lauha Bhasma characteristic spin orbit doublets of Fe O.S = +3 (Fe2O3) and +2 (FeO)
techniques.
coexist

Introduction TXRF Measurement

‘Rasa- Shastra’ is the branch of ayurveda in which we deal with metallic based
compounds (Bhasm). c
Although many iron based compounds are available in modern allopathic system
to treat anemia, however the use of Lauh Bhasma is still popular and effective in
Indian sub-continent.
Understand how Bhama material interacts with human body and treat severe
diseases without causing any adverse effects.
Help to understand co-relation, if any exists, between physico-microstructural
and therapeutic properties.
XRD ̵ iron is essentially present in the magnetite (Fe3O4) phase in the medicinal
grade ‘Lauha Bhasma’.
XRF and XPES - trace amounts of C, Na, and Zn elements present as contaminants (a) Schematic of the TXRF measurement (b)Measured optical micro-graph showing (c) Measured TXRF spectrum of the
the dispersion of Lauha Bhasma particles on particulate Lauha Bhasma sample at
SEM, Optical and X-ray based measurement- Fe3O4 exists in the form of geometry the Si substrate surface. an excitation energy of 20 keV
agglomerates of nanoparticles with sizes 100 nm or larger.
TXRF measurment to investigate avg. particle size and high Z impurity
X- ray of energy 20 keV used
Trace of Zn impurity (50 ppm) due to cow of cow urine and Triphala
Standard Preparation method of Fe Bhasm
• Red hot Fe turnings immersed in tila taila (sesame oil),

Samanya Shodhana
takra (buttermilk), Gomutra (cow's urine), kanji (rice
gruel), and kulattha kwatha (decoction of horse gram)
and kept for selfcooling (approximately 1 h) at room
SEM Measurement
(Normal detoxication) temperature repeatedly in each 7 times.

GIXRF Measurement
Vishesha Shodhana • Repeatedly quenching process of samanya
shodhit lauha in freshly prepared Triphala
(Special detoxification Kwatha 7 times

• Triphala kwatha is added to lauha obtained

Bhanupaka (Exposure after vishesha shodhana and allowed to dry
to Sunlight) under sunlight. kwatha

• Lauha obtained after Bhanupaka is placed in a

Sthalipaka (Heating sthali (Iron pan), to which freshly prepared
Triphala Kwatha is added and intense heating is
Shodhana process of Teekshna lauha (iron
turning). (a) Raw Teekshna lauha (iron turning),
in Irompan) given for 4 hours 30 minutes approx and repeated
7 times.
(b) red hot iron turning, (c) quenching process,
(d) Teekshna lauha after shodhana

Putapaka (Heat in • Trituration of lauha bhasma mixing with triphala kwatha

in khalva yantra and made into pellets. These pellets put
closed earthen into sealed earthen vessels and heated gradually to 650⁰
vessel) C and cooling down self.

X- Ray Diffraction measurement

 (a)Measured XRD
pattern of the medicinal
grade Lauha Bhasma
sample along with fitted
spectrum

(b) atomic arrangement

in a magnetite structure
calculated using Rietveld
analysis

Cu-Ka X-ray
(wavekength-1.54 Å) and
Ѳ ~ 10⁰-90⁰

Fe bhasma primarily

composed of Fe3O4

Crystallite Size ~12.2 Ǻ