Abstract
Free radicals are implicated in various chronic diseases. There has always been a search for new antioxidants. In this paper we have investigated Tamra bhasma, a metallic ayurvedic preparation. It is a time-tested medicine in Ayurveda and is in clinical use for various ailments specifically the free radical mediated diseases. Our results show that Tamra bhasma inhibits lipid peroxidation (LPO), prevents the rate of aerial oxidation of reduced glutathione (GSH) content and induces the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in rat liver homogenate in the bi-phasic manner. The drug was orally given for 7, 15 and 30 days in different doses. Best protective response was found at the dose of 0.5mg/100g body weight in albino rats, although it showed some histopathological changes at the dose of 20mg/100g body weight. The results suggest that this Ayurvedic preparation is not merely a source of copper metal, but it is a strong anti-oxidant with no detectable adverse effect in lower doses of therapeutic range.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Shastri, K.N. (1979) In “Rasatarangini”—11th Ed. (Motital Banarasidas, Delhi, chapter 17, 420–422.
W.H.O., Geneva. (1996) Trace elements in human nutrition and health, p. 124.
“Biological Roles of Copper”—(1980) Ciba foundation symposium 79 (New Series) Excerpta Medica, Oxford-New York.
Pandey, B.L. (1983) A study of the effect of Tamra bhasma on experimental Gastric ulcers and secretions. Ind. J. Exp. Biol. 21, 258–264.
Tripathi, Y.B., and Singh, V.P. (1996) Role of Tamra bhasma and Ayurvedic preparation in the management of lipid peroxidation in liver of albino rats. Ind. J. Expl. Biol. 34, 66–70.
Singh, V.P. (1997) Biochemical Characterization of Ayurvedic Metallic Preparation with Special Reference to Tamra Bhasma. Ph.D. Thesis submitted at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.
Pearse, A.G.E. (1968) Histochemistry Theoretical and Applied. Churchill Livingstone Edinburgh London. Vol. 1 Third Edition.
Lowry, O.H., Rosenbroug, N.J., Farr A.L. and Randall, R.J. (1951) Protein measurement with the Folin phenol reagent. J. Biol. Chem. 193, 265–275.
Ellman, G.L., (1959) Tissue sulphydryl groups. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 82, 70.
Tero, J. (1988) Free Radicals Biol. Med. 4, 155–159.
Pandey, E. (1998) Analysis of Medicinal Plants for their Antioxidant Properties. Ph.D. Thesis submitted at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.
Tripathi, Y.B., Pandey, S., Tripathi, P., and Sharma, M. (1995) Antioxidant property of R. cordifolia comparison with Vitamin E and parabezoquinone. Phytotherapy Res. 9, 440–443.
Flohe,et al (1984) Methods in Enzymology. 105, 93.
Tripathi, Y.B., and Pandey, E. (1999) Role of Alcoholic extract of shoot of H. perforatum (Lim) on LPO and various species of free radicals in Rats. Ind. J. Expl. Biol. 37, 567–571.
Kulkarni, D.A. (1982). Rasaratna samuchai. 3rd edition. Meharchand Lakehiman Das, New Delhi.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pattanaik, N., Singh, A.V., Pandey, R.S. et al. Toxicology and free radicals scavenging property of Tamra bhasma. Indian J Clin Biochem 18, 181–189 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02867385
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02867385