Indigenous "green" synthesis methods of incinerated Gold nanoparticles (Swarna Bhasma): A review

The convergence of traditional Ayurvedic alchemy and modern nanotechnology opens new avenues for understanding and optimizing therapeutic formulations like Swarna Bhasma (incinerated gold). This review explores the indigenous process of Swarna Marana in Ayurveda and juxtaposes it with contemporary green synthesis methods for gold nanoparticles. Classical Ayurvedic texts were systematically reviewed to identify 19 plant-based media used in the traditional incineration of gold, while a thorough PubMed search revealed 45 plants currently explored in the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles. Notable overlaps and unexplored opportunities were observed, particularly in phytochemicals such as alkaloids and flavonoids that contribute to nanoparticle formation and stabilization. The review highlights that while green synthesis adopts a bottom-up approach using metal salts, Marana employs a top-down strategy starting from elemental gold, yet both converge toward producing bioactive and biocompatible nanogold. The findings support the hypothesis that classical methods are inherently aligned with green chemistry principles. A call for interdisciplinary collaboration is made to explore the therapeutic potential of classical plant media in modern nanoparticle synthesis, ensuring safer, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternatives for future biomedical applications.