Toxicity of Bhasmas and chelating agents used in Ayurveda

Abstract

The use of metals in medicine is not new to this world. It has been used by both modern and traditional systems of medicines. Perhaps, the Ayurveda stood first for using metals in medicine. The Ayurvedic pharmaceutical processes are used to convert metallic properties of metals into medicinal properties defined as Bhasma in Ayurveda. If these metals in their ionic/metallic forms accumulate in body tissues, then severe damage and toxicity may occur. But Ayurveda acharyas proposed some therapy and agents like cilantro, boron, and garlic which were used to remove toxins, produced from intake of improperly prepared Bhasma. These so-called agents may be termed as chelating agents of Ayurveda because certain researches showed that these agents help to chelate metal ions from the body. These herbs have antioxidant property which helps to chelate these metallic ions as well as helps to restore the normal functioning of tissues.