Comparative anti-hyperlipidemic activity of Tamra Bhasma (incinerated copper) prepared from Shodhita (purified) and Ashodhita Tamra (raw copper)

In Ayurveda, metals are converted into Bhasmas for internal consumption by processing them through various processes like Shodhana (purification and/or detoxification), Marana (incineration), etc. and then used in the treatment of various diseases. These procedures not only decrease the possible harmful effects of metals but also said to increase their bio-availability and thus efficacy. In Rasashastra classics, due emphasis has been given to the Shodhana procedure. One of the most popularly used metallic preparations is Tamra Bhasma (incinerated copper) and it is said to be very harmful if its Shodhana is not done or if it is improperly prepared. Tamra Bhasma has been advocated in the treatment of Medoroga (lipid disorders), Hridroga (cardiac disorders), etc. and role of copper in lipid disorders is well documented fact. In the present study, a comparative anti-hyperlipidemic activity of unpurified (Ashodhita) and purified (Shodhita) Tamra was carried out to know the effect of Shodhana on efficacy. The hyperlipidemia was induced by feeding high fat diet in Wistar strain albino rats. The parameters including body weight, weight of various organs, serum lipid profile and histopathology of liver, kidney, heart and aorta were studied. The results of this study suggests that Tamra Bhasma prepared from Shodhita Tamra is having significant anti-hyperlipidemic activity, while Ashodhita Tamra Bhasma is lack of such effects. Also Ashuddha sample proved to possess cardio-toxic effect. This shows that the Rasashastriya Shodhana procedure have definite role in not only increasing the efficacy of the drug but also in removing the toxicity.