Pharmaceutico-Analytical Study of Loha Bhasma Prepared by Classical Ayurvedic Methods

Loha Bhasma is a classical Ayurvedic metallic preparation obtained through a series of pharmaceutical processes including Shodhana and Marana. Proper execution of these procedures is essential for achieving the desired physicochemical characteristics and classical Bhasma qualities. Objective: The present study was undertaken to prepare Loha Bhasma according to classical Ayurvedic references and to evaluate the pharmaceutical processes and final product using classical Bhasma Pariksha and modern analytical techniques. Materials and Methods: Raw Loha was subjected to Samanya Shodhana through repeated Nirvapa in Tila Taila, Takra, Gomutra, Kanji and Kulatha Kwatha, followed by Vishesha Shodhana using Triphala Kwatha. Purified Hingula was used as the Marana adjunct and Ghritkumari Swarasa as the Bhavana medium. The prepared material was subjected to seven Puta. The final Loha Bhasma was evaluated for organoleptic characters and classical Bhasma Pariksha. Instrumental analysis included particle size analysis, FTIR, XRD and XRF. Results: The initial 450gm of purified Loha yielded 463.3gm of final Loha Bhasma, corresponding to a yield of 102.96%. The final product was a fine, purple-coloured, soft and smooth powder and passed Rekhapurnatva, Varitaratva, Nischandratva and Unnama Pariksha. FTIR showed characteristic absorption peaks at 473.4, 551.6, 2374.3, 3570.8, 3652.8, 3712.4 and 3753.4 cm⁻¹. XRD indicated the presence of hematite (Fe₂O₃) as the identified crystalline phase. XRF demonstrated iron as the major element, with Fe content of 67.48%. Conclusion: The sequential pharmaceutical processing of Loha resulted in a product fulfilling the assessed classical Bhasma characteristics and exhibiting an iron-rich oxide phase on instrumental analysis. The study demonstrates the importance of integrating classical pharmaceutical procedures with modern analytical characterization for the standardization of Loha Bhasma.