FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF RASASHASTRA: A REVIEW OF CLASSICAL IATROCHEMISTRY AND CONTEMPORARY SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVES

Rasashastra is a specialized discipline of Ayurveda concerned with the pharmaceutical processing and therapeutic application of metals, minerals, and Herbo-mineral compounds. Rooted in ancient Indian iatrochemistry, it aims at disease management, rejuvenation, and promotion of longevity. Classical texts describe systematic procedures such as Shodhana (purification), Marana (incineration), Bhavana (Levigation), and Amrutikarana (potentiation), which convert inherently toxic raw materials into biologically acceptable medicinal forms. However, these principles are scattered across classical literature and are often insufficiently contextualized within modern scientific discourse. The present review critically reviews the fundamental principles of Rasashastra, including Lohavada and Dehavada, Parada Ashtadasha Samskara, technical terminology, pharmaceutical apparatus, Bhasma quality assessment, and secondary processing techniques. Recent advances in physicochemical characterization, nanomedicine, and safety evaluation of Bhasmas are incorporated to bridge classical Ayurvedic pharmaceutics with contemporary scientific understanding. This review is based on critical analysis of classical Rasashastra texts and recent peer-reviewed scientific literature.