A Critical study of Somanathi Tamra Bhasma- A mercuro-arsenical formulation

Background: Tamra Bhasma has been mentioned in classics for its wider therapeutic utility, at the same time it is reported as poison as or more than that if not processed properly as per classical guidelines. To emphasize its toxic potential, Ashtamahadoshas (eight major ill effects) have been quoted in classics. Numerous methods preparation of Tamra Bhasma was available in classics of Rasashastra among them Somanathi Tamra Bhasma (STB) is specialized method. Preparation of Somanathi Tamra Bhasma involves less complex pharmaceutical procedures, duration, human efforts  than Tamra Bhasma prepared by multiple incineration cycles. Considering this multiple research works has been carried out on Somanathi Tamra Bhasma. Hence present study is planned to compile available research works and published research article and provide brief information of pharmaceutical, analytical, pharmacological and clinical studies. Material and methods: Research works carried out at different institutes and published articles were compiled and screened to gather information on literary review, pharmaceutical, pharmacological and clinical aspects of Somanathi Tamra Bhasma. Results: Total four dissertation works and seven published research articles were found. Among four dissertation works two were related to pharmaceutical, three were related to pharmacological study and two were related to clinical study. Among published research articles one is related to literary review, two are related to pharmaceutical, four were related to pharmacological study. Conclusion: Somanathi Tamra Bhasma can be prepared with 3-36 hours of duration with intermittent heating pattern (highest temperature 615°C) by both traditional heating method and Kupipakwa method. In analytical study it is found to be mixture of copper sulphide (CuS) and copper oxide (CuO). Pharmacologically it is found safer after Amritikarana upto repeated dose 90-days oral toxicity study at therapeutic dose with appropriate adjuvant. Clinically it is found more effective than Tamra Bhasma in Shwasa, Grahani and Medoroga.