Screening of free radical scavenging activity and immuno-modulatory effect of swarnamakshika satva bhasma-An experimental study

Harmful free radicals (which are categorised into the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) can be produced either as a result of endogenous sources (mitochondria, phagocytic cells, etc.)  or exogenous sources (pollution, alcohol, tobacco smoke, heavy metals, pesticides, etc). These free radicals alter the normal redox status by adversely affecting various important classes of biological molecules such as nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins, thereby leading to increased oxidative stress which then plays an important role in immune system dysfunction leading to various diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, etc.

Many medicinal plants and minerals are known to have antioxidant & immunomodulatory properties. Swarnamashika is one amongst them. Swarnamakshika is one of the constituents of     Maharasa varga and is well known for its wide properties. There are references of  Swarnamakshika satva bhasma stating that it is a good appetizer, aphrodisiac, strengthening and intellect promoter. It cures jwara, raktapitta, ksaya, kasa and severe daha. This bhasma also possesses yogavahi and rasayana properties.

The present study intends to prepare Swarnamakshika satva bhasma by classical methods and to screen the antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties of Swarnamakshika satva bhasma by scientific method.