Qualitative assessment of Swarnamakshika Bhasma (Copper Pyrite) using Nambhuri Phase Spot Test

Swarnamakshika is one among Maharasa (Great minerals), on reviewing the Ayurvedic classics, it is evident that therapeutic use of Swarnamakshika (Copper Pyrite) has been in practice since samhita kala (300B C- 600 B.C) period. Swarnamakshika (Copper Pyrite) used since time immemorial in treating various diseases like pandu (Anemia), kushta (Skin ailments), prameha (Diabetes) and it is best Rasayana (Immuno-modulatory) etc. Swarna Makshika (Copper pyrite) is the most abundant copper bearing mineral. Swarnamakshika (Copper Pyrite) was prepared according to the Ayurvedic classics and subjected to various bhasma parikshas (Powder test) as explained in Rasashastra (Indian Alchemy) text and also including the Namburi Phased Spot Test one of the qualitative tests described for various Ayurvedic preparations of Bhasma (Powder). NPST helps differentiate between purity of the sample, and thus identify, various bhasmas. It depends upon the pattern of the spot, which develops after a specific chemical reaction. Sample of Swarna Makshika Bhasma, (Swarnamakshika powder) which was tested with NPST the bhasmas (Ashes) prepared in our college, produced the most accurate results

Immunomodulatory effects of Swarnamakshika Bhasma : A Experimental Study

The present day lifestyle and food habits have increased the production of free radicals. These cytotoxic free radicals not only raise the oxidative stress but also play an important role in the immune-system dysfunction due to which the mankind is prone to various major ailments and it is now proved that diseases like Prameha, Pandu, Vatavyadhi etc. are free radical mediated ones. To tackle these free radicals our body needs antioxidants. An antioxidant is a molecule which is capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals which in turn start chain reactions that damage cells. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates and inhibit other oxidation reactions. Many herbals drugs and compound herbal preparations have been screened for their antioxidant and immuno-modulatory properties but still there is a need for effective antioxidants. This dearth and also the fact that Swarnamakshika is being used in treating many of the free radical mediated diseases prompted us to take the present study which aims to validate the immuno-modulatory effect of Swarnamakshika Bhasma scientifically and explain its probable mode of action at the cellular level

Cranial imaging findings in neurobrucellosis: results of Istanbul-3 study

Objective Neuroimaging abnormalities in central nervous system (CNS) brucellosis are not well documented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of imaging abnormalities in neurobrucellosis and to identify factors associated with leptomeningeal and basal enhancement, which frequently results in unfavorable outcomes