Standardization and Safety profiling of herbo-mineral drugs: A Bhaishajya Vigyan Approach

Herbo-mineral preparations, or Rasaushadhis, occupy a unique place in the therapeutic domain of Ayurveda. These formulations combine plant-derived ingredients with purified metals and minerals, providing potent remedies for chronic and otherwise intractable diseases. Despite their long-standing reputation and efficacy, concerns about their safety particularly their heavy metal content—continue to draw scrutiny in both national and international regulatory frameworks. This has brought attention to the urgent need for standardization, toxicological profiling, and quality control within the traditional framework of Bhaishajya Vigyan. The present paper offers an in-depth exploration of how Ayurveda's own pharmaceutical methodology especially the principles of Śodhana, Māraṇa, and Bhāvanā addresses these safety concerns inherently. It further highlights how these traditional processes can be validated and supplemented with modern analytical tools like AAS, ICP-MS, and SEM to create a comprehensive standardization protocol. Drawing from classical texts, clinical practice, and laboratory research, this study presents a holistic model for ensuring the safety, efficacy, and global credibility of herbo-mineral medicines without compromising the integrity of traditional practices.