Evaluation and acute toxicity studies of herbally prepared silver nanoparticles and Rajat Bhasma using modern analytical instruments

Abstract

Background: Rajat Bhasma (RB) is a herbomineral formulation used in Ayurvedic practice. The traditional system
of medicine expresses that bhasma contains various metals and minerals, used in different disease conditions but due
to the presence of heavy metals, and is questioned for their safety aspect by regulatory authorities. Phytotherapeutics
require a scientific approach to deliver the components in a sustained manner to increase the patient compliance
and avoid repeated administration. Aim: To study comparative evaluation of herbally prepared silver nanoparticles
and Rajat Bhasma using modern analytical Instruments and acute toxicity study. Materials and Methods: The
ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale) and fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum) extract were selected
due to its antidiabetic activity and silver in the form of RB is recommended for antidiabetic activity in Ayurveda.
The crude extract was prepared by maceration method and synthesis of silver nanoparticles was done by adding
dropwise extract of herbal in silver nitrate solution. Further, acute oral toxicity was performed on Wistar albino
rat. Results and Discussion: Herbal silver nanoparticles (HSNs) were comparatively evaluated with RB using
modern analytical technics. Acute toxicity study revealed the safety of HSN over the RB. Conclusion: Integrating
nanoscience as a novel drug delivery system (NDDS) in traditional medicine enriches the potential of herbal drugs
for treating chronic diseases. In the present study, HSNs were prepared using ginger rhizomes (Z. officinale) and
fenugreek seeds (T. foenum-graecum) extracts and were compared with marketed RB by employing acute toxicity
studies and characterization was done using ultraviolet spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, particle size
analyzer, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The results of the study showed that
HSN can be an alternative for herbomineral formulations.