A comprehensive review on formulations containing Abhraka Bhasma

Background: Abhraka Bhasma, a mineral preparation commonly known in the classical texts of Ayurveda, is one of the most frequently used drugs in Ayurveda. To prepare the Bhasma, selective metallic/mineral origin materials are exposed repeatedly to Puta, which is a traditional method of Bhasma preparation. Aim: To prepare comprehensive data related to various formulations, indications, doses, anupan, etc. of Abhraka Bhasma recorded in various Ayurveda texts. Materials and Methods: This review comprises data from the Bharat Bhaishjya Ratnaker in a systematic manner related to various aspects of Abhraka Bhasma. Abhraka Bhasma is used as a major and minor ingredient in most of the formulations and a different percentage of Abhraka Bhasma in used in various Kalps of the text. Making a note of this, it has been decided to calculate the percentage of Abhraka Bhasma, anupan, dose, and therapeutic indications in different formulations. Results: It is observed that a total of 348 REFERENCES related to various dosages and indications were observed, which includes various types of formulation such as rasa, Vati, gutika, leham, modak, avaleha, loham formulations, etc. In dosage form, Rasa was found the maximum, followed by Vati, Loham, Leham, Gutika, Modak, Parpatti, etc. It is also found that it is used in various disorders such as Arsha (Piles), Jwara (Fever), Prameha (Diabetes), Atisar (Diarrhea), Vaman (Emesis), Hridyaroga (Cardiac disorders), Jirnajwar (Chronic fever), Shola (Inflammation), etc. Conclusion: There are 337 formulations that are mentioned in Bharat Bhaishjya Ratnaker, in which Abhraka Bhasma is used as an ingredient and Madhu (Honey) and Godugdha (Cow's Milk) are found to be the most commonly used Anupana (adjuvant/vehicle). About 78% of Rasa formulations have Abhraka Bhasma as an ingredient.