SUVARNAPRASHANA IN CHILDREN: CLASSICAL FOUNDATIONS, PHARMACOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES, CLINICAL EVIDENCE AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Background: Suvarnaprashana is a traditional Ayurvedic pediatric practice described in Kashyapa Samhita under Lehana and newborn care. It involves oral administration of processed gold, traditionally with Madhu (honey), Ghrita (ghee), and selected herbal ingredients. Classical texts attribute benefits related to Medha (intellectual function), Agni (digestion), Bala (strength), longevity, and general health. Objective: To critically review the classical foundations and contemporary evidence regarding the immunomodulatory, nootropic, growth-related, and safety effects of Suvarnaprashana in children. Materials and Methods: Classical Ayurvedic literature and contemporary biomedical literature were reviewed, focusing on physicochemical characterization, experimental studies, clinical trials, and review literature. Study design, interventions, outcomes, and limitations were considered Results: Studies suggest that appropriately prepared Swarna Bhasma may contain nanostructured gold particles, although composition varies with preparation methods. Experimental studies report potential immunomodulatory and nootropic effects. A randomized clinical trial in healthy infants found Swarna Prashana to be well tolerated, but most between-group anthropometric, biochemical, and immunological outcomes were not statistically significant. Review evidence highlights substantial clinical heterogeneity and the need for better-designed trials. Conclusion: Suvarnaprashana provides an important link between classical Ayurvedic pediatrics and contemporary research. Current evidence remains insufficient to establish definitive clinical efficacy. Future studies should prioritize standardized formulations, physicochemical characterization, long-term safety assessment, and adequately powered randomized controlled trials.