Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

Introduction

The use of metals and minerals for medicinal purposes were common even during prehistoric times, though it was not widely practiced. The literature also indicates that in the past, these metals were commonly used in the Lohavad (converting lower metals to higher metals). The more appropriate medicinal forms emerged following the advancement of Rasashastra. Dhatu Varga is categorized into three main divisions which are Shuddha Loha, Puti Loha, and Mishra Loha.^[1] Naga is one of the metal in Putiloha has a lower melting point compared to other metals and emits a bad smell when melted. Naga Bhasma, derived from Lead metal, is a remarkable Ayurvedic remedy used for ailments like Diarrhoea, enlarged spleen, and Diabetes.^[2] The therapeutic effectiveness of Naga Bhasma varies depending on how it is prepared. For example, Naga Bhasma prepared by Bhavana with Ahiphena (Papaver somniferum) juice has more aphrodisiac properties,^[3] while the one made from Manashila, Gandhaka, and Vasa is better for skin issues.^[4] This paper aims to explore the various preparation methods of Naga Bhasma, including its synonyms, historical background, therapeutic qualities, different Shodhana and Marana methods according to different texts, and examination of safety and toxicity aspects.

Origin of Naga

According to mythological beliefs, after seeing the beautiful daughter of the snake king “Bhogi”, the semen of the Vasuki snake was ejaculated which came to be known as Naga.^[5]

Synonyms

Kshaya Roga and Kamla Roga,^[10] ruining beauty of the body, swelling, skin diseases, joint pain, paralysis, Anaha, Gout, Inactivity in the arms^[11] etc. Therefore, the Naga has to be properly purified before taking it for incineration and eventually internal administration.

Naga as heavy metal^[12]

Heavy metals are essentially chemical elements with a specific gravity of five times of water. Heavy metals, which are commonly responsible for harm, are often found in concentrations. Mercury, Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, and Thallium can cause harm to people when environmental pollution occurs from different sources. Heavy metal toxicity occurs when there is an overabundance of those metals in the body.

Marana of Naga

Marana of Putiloha is divided into two stages-

• Jarana of Naga

Putiloha are metals that possess a low melting point and they include Naga (Lead), Vanga (Tin) and Yashada (Zinc). Jarana serves as the intermediary step in the Putiloha Marana as they have low melting point. In this process, Shodhita Putiloha is heated in an iron pan until it melts. Add one-quarter of of Apamarga Churna (in Vanga Jarana) or Aswattha Twak Churna (in Naga Jarana) is added in molten metal and vigorously rubbed with an iron ladle. After several hours of rubbing Putiloha begins to turn into powder. Once the Putiloha is completely powdered, it is enveloped under Sharava and subjected to high temperature.

Properties of Naga Bhasma^[13]

Rasa: Madhura, Tikta

Guna: Snigdha, Ushna, Guru, Sara

Virya: Ushna

Karma: Lekhana, Deepana, Rajataranjanakrita, Balya^[14,15]

Doshaghnata: Vatakaphapaham, Sameerkaphapitta Vikaraghana^[16,17]

Dose: ¼ to 1 Ratti (30 to 125 mg)^[18]

½ to 1 Ratti (63 to 125 mg)

Lead toxicity^[19]

Lead is a toxic metal that causes irritation. Like many other metals, lead's soluble compounds are also highly toxic than Lead itself, unless it is in a volatile state. It may gain entry through inhalation, ingestion, or skin/mucous membrane absorption. Its impact is to induce contraction of the capillaries and arterioles. The harmful impact occurs due to the binding of Lead in specific body parts like the brain and peripheral nervous system. Acute Lead poisoning is rare and happens when someone ingests acid-soluble Lead compounds or breathes in it’s vapours. Symptoms resemble those of arsenic or mercury poisoning, with the difference being that the stool is discolored and has a foul smell. The primary symptoms involve disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system.

The Bhavana or Dhalana method is used to conduct the Samanya Shodhana of Naga. Purifying Naga through the Bhavana procedure is challenging. Dhalana is a Shodhana method where the Naga is melted and then poured into a specific liquid. When the Dhalana method is used for Shodhana, the dhatu dissolves entirely, with all of its parts being cleansed and physical impurities eliminated. In the Samanya Shodhana of Naga Tila Taila, Takra, Kanji, Go-mutra, and Kulattha Kwatha are each used three times in the Samanya Shodhana process. The use of Tila Taila makes the Naga’s transition from hard to soft. Takra and Kanji are acidic in nature, causing Naga to disintegrate after purification. Naga becomes softer and more fragile due to the basic qualities of Go-mutra and Kulattha Kwatha. Dhalana is commonly utilized for the specific purification of Naga. Various Rasagrantha have utilized different types of Shodhana media like Arka Kshira, Nirgundi Swarasa, Churnodaka etc. The special purification of Naga with Churnodaka is simple because of its highly alkaline nature and easy preparation, making it softer and more brittle compared to the Samanya Shodhita Naga, facilitating the preparation of Naga Bhasma. The Jarana process is carried out prior to the Marana procedure. Jarana is specifically meant for Putiloha such as Naga, Vanga, and Yashada due to Putiloha's lower melting point compared to other metals. Different texts on Rasashastra mentions multiple types of Jarana Dravya, but typically Aswattha twaka Churna is preferred as it efficiently converts Naga into powder because of its alkaline properties, facilitating Naga’s transformation into Bhasma. Marana is a procedure of creating Bhasma. Manashila is typically utilized as a Marana Dravya due to its quick Bhasmikarana process as the Ariloha (enemy metal) of Naga. The toxicity of metals was not only widely acknowledged, but also thoroughly recorded in numerous Rasashastra texts. Acharyas recommend using Swarna Bhasma, Haritaki, and Sita for 3 days to counteract the negative effects of improperly processed or unripe Naga Bhasma in treating lead toxicity. Rasataranginikara suggests Vishatinduka as a remedy for Nagadosha.

Conclusion

Despite being classified as a highly toxic heavy metal, Naga has been utilized as a medicinal treatment in Ayurveda since the 12th century.

12. Shastrina Kashinath, Rasatarangini, Motilal Banarsidas, Varanasi, 8^thedition 2014, 19/43, P-464.
13. Kulkarni Dattatreya Anant, Rasa Ratna Samucchya part 1,New Delhi, Meharchand Laxmandas Publications, reprint 2017, 5/171, P-126.
14. Mishra Gulrajsharma, Ayurvedprakash, Chaukhamba Bharti Academy, Varanasi, Reprint 2016, 3/186-187, P-382.
15. Shastrina Kashinath, Rasatarangini, Motilal Banarsidas, Varanasi, 8^thedition 2014, 19/46, P-466.
16. Parikh, Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, CBS Publishers & Distributors, New Delhi, 6th edition, 2000, 9.18-9.24.