Quality Evaluation of Tamra Bhasma by Nirutthikarana Method and its Contemporary approach to Validate the Procedure
Veena B. Kupati1, Rakhee Kallimani2*, OM3, Abhinandan3
1Associate Professor, KAHER Shri B.M.K Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Shahapur, Belagavi, Karnataka, India.
2Associate Prof and HOD, EEE KLE Dr MS Sheshgiri College of Engineering and Technology (KLECET) Belagavi, Karnataka, India.
33rd year BE KLE Dr MS Sheshgiri College of Engineering and Technology (KLECET) Belagavi,
Karnataka, India.
*Corresponding Author E-mail: rakhee.kallimani@klescet.ac.in
ABSTRACT:
The therapeutic efficacy and safety of Tamra Bhasma (Copper calyx), a widely used Ayurvedic metallic formulation, depend on thorough incineration and the absence of residual free metal. Although effective, conventional quality assessment methodologies such as Nirutthikarana (test for quality assessment) are labour-intensive, time-consuming, and require elevated temperature processing. This study aimed to assess the quality of Tamra Bhasma using an innovative electrolysis-based technique and compare its efficacy with that of the traditional Nirutthikarana protocol. The experimental design incorporated three commercially sourced Tamra Bhasma samples. Using a contemporary approach, 1 g of each sample was solubilized in dilute hydrochloric acid and subsequently subjected to electrolysis using silver electrodes. The experimental parameters of voltage, current, and duration were standardized, followed by the observation and analysis of cathode deposition. The mass of metallic precipitation on the Rajata (Silver foil) served as a quantitative metric of free metals. The experimental outcomes demonstrated that sample I exhibited substantial deposition at elevated voltages (8v–10v), indicative of incompletely processed metallic constituents. In contrast, samples II and III displayed minimal and stable deposition at intermediate voltages (4v–6v), suggesting properly processed Bhasma formulations. These findings align with the classical Nirutthikarana test results, thereby validating the analytical precision of the electrolysis methodology. The electrolysis-based analytical framework represents a dependable, efficient, and quantifiable alternative to traditional Nirutthikarana assessment. This approach reduces procedural complexities, enhances precision, and provides a scalable method for systematic Bhasma quality control, effectively integrating traditional Ayurvedic principles with contemporary analytical science.
KEYWORDS: Tamra Bhasma, Nirutthikarana, Electrolysis, Bhasma quality evaluation, Free metal detection, Ayurvedic pharmaceutics, Electrochemical analysis.
INTRODUCTION:
Ensuring the quality and safety of Tamra Bhasma, an Ayurvedic metallic preparation, hinges on the complete elimination of free metal residues, a task traditionally performed through the Nirutthikarana process to verify the authenticity and purity of Bhasma formulations. Nirutthikarana, which is thoroughly detailed in Ayurvedic scriptures, functions as a precise chemical assessment aimed at detecting apakwa (free metal) elements within Dhatu bhasma products, thereby exposing any remaining unprocessed metallic substances1,2. This ancient analytical method entails mixing the prepared Bhasma with accurately measured Rajatapatra (silver foil) and subjecting this mixture to a standardized thermal treatment known as Puta. Once the thermal process was complete, collected and weighed the Rajata patra. A distinguishable increase in weight indicates the presence of unbound metallic components, implying that the Bhasma has not undergone complete processing (apakva). Extensively, traditional Ayurvedic pharmaceutical scripts specifically refer to the Rajata (silver) Dhatu as the obligatory substrate for the Nirutthikarana assessment of all Dhatu Bhasma formulations3.
Electrolysis, rooted in contemporary analytical chemistry, enables the separation of elements via controlled electric current. It offers a methodologically advanced, low-temperature alternative to thermal-based processes such as Nirutthikarana for elemental and compound separation through a controlled electrical supply4,5. Electrolytic processes, which utilise direct current (DC) potential, serve non-spontaneous chemical transformations, making this methodology particularly suitable for metallic separation from minerals. While the conventional Nirutthikarana protocol requires elevated thermal conditions to induce liquefaction of free metallic constituents within Bhasma preparations, electrolysis presents a potentially more efficient procedural alternative. We recognise that the significant thermal requirements for the Bhasma phase transition substantially contribute to the economic and temporal constraints of the classical methodology. Therefore, our research aims to establish a user-accessible and operationally efficient procedure for Nirutthikarana assessment by integrating contemporary electrolytic principles with classical pharmaceutical evaluation parameters.
This study introduces an analytical method for evaluating Bhasma quality that is based on electrolysis.
1. Assess three commercially available Bhasma samples using both Nirutthikarana and electrolysis-based techniques is one of the main goals.
2. Examine the observed outcomes in comparison.
3. Confirm that the electrolysis method is a reliable, effective, and scientifically sound substitute for conventional evaluation.
This research attempts to contribute to a systematic, evidence-based method for Bhasma quality assurance by bringing Ayurvedic diagnostic goals into line with contemporary analytical capabilities.
MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY:
I Sample collection and Preliminary testing phase:
Three commercially available samples of Bhasma were sampled from the local Ayurvedic pharmaceutical market and subjected to preliminary evaluation using Amladadhi Pareeksha, a classical qualitative test for the presence of free metallic constituents.
In this test, 1–2g of each Bhasma sample was lightly sprinkled onto watch glasses containing Amla Dadhi (sour curd)6. Samples were observed immediately and again after 24h for any colour change indicative of free metal interaction (Table 1). Sample I showed an immediate greenish discoloration (fig. 1), while Samples II and III showed delayed colour development, suggesting lower free metal reactivity. (fig. 2, 3)
Table 1: Amla Dadhi Pareeksha
|
|
Observations |
|
Tamra Bhasma I |
The green colour developed after adding the samples (fig.1) |
|
Tamra Bhasma II |
The green colour developed after 24hours (fig.2) |
|
Tamra Bhasma III |
The green colour developed after 24hours (fig.3) |
Figure 1: Observed colour of sample 1
Figure 2: Observed colour of sample 2
Figure 3: Observed colour of sample 3
II Classical Nirutthikarana Procedure:
Pre-weighed Tamra bhasma samples were placed in an empty crucible and labelled. A silver foil of the same weight was added to the crucible. Then crucibles were placed in a muffle furnace and subjected to the puta. The temperature was maintained at 1000 °C for the first time, but the silver foil completely melted and could not be separated. The second setting temperature was reduced to 450oC. After attaining the desired temperature, the heating was stopped and the sample was allowed to self-cool. After self-cooling, the crucibles were collected and observed for changes. Finally, the silver foil was collected from the Tamra bhasma and weighed. The obtained weight was compared with the initial weight. (Table no 2)
Table 2: Niruttha Pareeksha
|
|
Weight of Tamra bhasma in gm |
Weight of Silver foil Before heating in gm |
Weight of Silver foil after heating in gm |
|
Tamra Bhasma I |
1.077 |
1.073 |
1.018 |
|
Tamra Bhasma II |
1.092 |
1.080 |
0.896 |
|
Tamra Bhasma III |
1.027 |
1.015 |
0.700 |
Figure 4a: Tamra Bhasma I Figure 4b: Tamra Bhasma II Figure 4c: Tamra Bhasma III
The observed results by Niruttha Pareeksha of Tamra Bhasma I (fig. 4a), Tamra Bhasma II (fig. 4b), Tamra Bhasma III (fig. 4c).
III Electrochemical Analysis:
To establish a contemporary method for free metal detection, an electrolysis-based quality assessment was performed. For each sample:
Solution preparation:
A total of 10mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl) was diluted in 100mL of distilled water. One g of Tamra Bhasma was mixed and stirred to achieve uniform dispersion.
Electrolysis setup:
Two silver foils (99.9% purity) were used as electrodes, one connected to the anode and the other to the cathode of a regulated DC power supply.
Voltage settings:
Electrolysis was performed at voltages ranging from 0V to 10V, with adjacent current and time durations carefully noted. The reaction time was maintained between 30 s to 1min for each voltage level.
After completion, the electrodes were removed, cleaned with distilled water, dried, and weighed. The mass and physical appearance of the deposition on the cathode served as indicators of the free metallic content. Higher deposition levels were interpreted as signs of incomplete incineration.
Table 3: Electrolysis and deposition of Bhasma
|
Voltage (V) |
Current (A) |
Duration (sec) |
Quality Inference |
|
Tamra Bhasma I |
|||
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
No reaction (control) |
|
2 |
0.05 |
30 sec |
Minimal deposition, insufficient ion migration |
|
4 |
0.15 |
30 sec |
Slight deposition, moderate reaction |
|
6 |
0.36 |
30 sec |
Clear deposition |
|
8 |
0.42 |
1 min |
Thick deposition, further ion transfer |
|
10 |
1.62 |
1 min |
Over-deposition |
|
Tamra Bhasma II |
|||
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
No reaction (control) |
|
2 |
0.01 |
30 sec |
Very minimal deposition, weak ion presence |
|
4 |
0.53 |
30 sec |
Stronger deposition, moderate reaction |
|
6 |
0.62 |
30 sec |
Clear and stable deposition |
|
8 |
0.63 |
1 min |
Clear and stable deposition |
|
10 |
0.83 |
1 min |
Clear and stable deposition |
|
Tamra Bhasma III |
|||
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
No reaction (control) |
|
2 |
0.10 |
30 sec |
Minimal deposition, proper reaction starting |
|
4 |
0.52 |
30 sec |
Moderate deposition, proper reaction starting |
|
6 |
1.03 |
30 sec |
Clear deposition |
|
8 |
0.80 |
1 min |
Thick deposition, ensuring complete reaction |
|
10 |
1.20 |
1 min |
Possible free metal presence, over-deposition |
Table 4: Deposition of Tamra bhasma on Silver foil
|
Bhasma Samples |
Deposition collected in g |
|
Tamra bhasma I |
0.3863 g |
|
Tamra bhasma II |
0.0010 g |
|
Tamra bhasma III |
0.0083 g |
Figure 5: Electrolysis analysis of all 3 Tamra Bhasma sample
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
In the traditional Niruttha Pareeksha (classical metal test), silver foil was exposed to Tamra Bhasma at 1000°C at the recommended incineration temperature, underwent complete melting, and the temperature was later reduced to 500°C, the weight of the silver decreased along with the visible deposition of Tamra Bhasma, which was more noticeable in Sample I than in Samples II and III. This qualitative test suggests incomplete incineration (apkwa) in Sample I, as free copper particles tend to alloy or deposit onto silver when the Bhasma is inadequately processed.
An electrolysis-based assessment was performed to examine ion deposition patterns on silver electrodes over different voltage gradients to support and measure these classical observations. Tamra Bhasma I exhibited moderate to high deposition between 6V and 10V, a characteristic signature of free metallic copper presence—indicative of Apakwa Bhasma, or incompletely calcined product. In comparison, Samples II and III showed consistent and stable deposition in the 4V–6V range, suggesting the metal had been properly transformed into its oxidized or organo-metallic Bhasma form through a complete ignition process.
Voltage-dependent deposition patterns provided additional insight into ion mobility and the extent of metal assimilation. At lower voltages (2V–4V), all samples showed minimal deposition, reflecting limited ion activity. However, the 4V–6V range emerged as the optimal window for assessing Bhasma quality. Here, Tamra Bhasma II and III formed uniform deposition layers with minimal current fluctuations, indicating a homogeneous ionic profile and high-quality Bhasma. In contrast, Tamra Bhasma I displayed erratic deposition and marked increases in conductivity at higher voltages (8V–10V), reinforcing the presence of untransformed copper.
A comparison between electrolysis and the traditional Niruttha test shows that the latter offers a more sensitive, measurable, and scalable evaluation, whereas the former offers a qualitative visual cue based on the weight gain and surface interactions. In a controlled electrical environment7, electrolysis produces repeatable results, minimizes thermal dependency and lowers procedural subjectivity. This technique is a useful supplement to conventional techniques because it can identify minute ionic changes, which makes it easy to standardize in quality control. Different analytical techniques have been used to detect free copper in water and soil to reduce its toxic effect8. Quality assessment has become the goal of the pharmaceutical industry to achieve market strategy and therapeutic acceptance9. Advanced techniques10 are used to assess the quality of the Bhasma, but in the present study classical method was compared with the contemporary approach.
C.A. Pickels et al. reported that the silver losses to the slag occur when the concentration of the copper oxide content is higher, which was attributed to a decrease in the weight of the silver when heated with Tamra bhasma11.
These results verify that Tamra Bhasma II and III meet the electrochemical and classical requirements for appropriate incineration, whereas Sample I requires additional Puta (calcination) cycles to remove any remaining metal content. Electrolysis proves to be a useful and accurate method for confirming the quality of Bhasma, connecting to connect conventional Ayurvedic diagnosis with contemporary analytical verification.
CONCLUSION:
This study presents a comparative evaluation of Tamra
Bhasma samples using both traditional Niruttha Pareeksha and a modern
electrolysis-based method. The results consistently indicate that while
classical testing provides foundational qualitative insights, electrolysis
offers a more objective, quantifiable, and reproducible alternative for
assessing the completeness of the incineration process and the overall quality
of Bhasma. The deposition patterns observed in Tamra Bhasma II and III across
specific voltage ranges (4V–6V) confirm their proper preparation, in alignment
with classical expectations of a well-formed Pakwa Bhasma. In contrast, the
behavior of Sample I at higher voltages (6V–10V) reveals the presence of
residual free metal, highlighting the need for further calcination or the
necessary steps to enhance the quality.
Importantly, the electrolysis method demonstrated its ability to detect even
small ionic variations, thereby validating its application as a reliable
quality control tool that can complement traditional Ayurvedic assessments. Its
minimal thermal requirement, reduced subjectivity, and scalability make it a
promising process for standardised evaluation protocols in Ayurvedic
pharmaceutics.
This study highlights the potential of integrative approaches in boosting the scientific rigor and international credibility of traditional formulations like Tamra Bhasma by fusing modern analytical techniques with the traditional wisdom of India's ancient medical practices.
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Received on 13.05.2025 Revised on 17.09.2025 Accepted on 30.12.2025 Published on 01.07.2026 Available online from July 04, 2026 Research J. Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(7):3304-3308. DOI: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00470 © RJPT All right reserved
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