Assessment of genotoxic potential of Tamra Bhasma (incinerated copper)

Abstract

Introduction: The presence of metallic content in Ayurvedic drugs became an important burning issue in present days. The usefulness of Bhasmas (incinerated metals/minerals) in therapeutics, their safety or toxicity is frequently being raised on different platforms.Considering this, there is a need to develop toxicity profiles of different metals/minerals. Tamra Bhasma (incinerated copper) one such metallic formulation is widely used in cardiac and lipid disorders by Ayurvedic Physicians. The present study is aimed to evaluate the genotoxic potential of Tamra Bhasma. Materials and Methods: It was prepared as per classical guidelines and administered to Swiss albino mice for 14 consecutive days. Chromosomal aberration and sperm abnormality assay were studied. Results: All treated groups exhibited significant body weight gain in comparison to cyclophosphamide (CP) group. Results revealed no structural deformity in above parameters in comparison to CP group.

Conclusion: Reported data showed that both tested samples of Tamra Bhasma were not genotoxic and can be used safely.

Key words: Bhasma, chromosomal aberration, cyclophosphamide, genotoxicity, sperm abnormality assay, Tamra Bhasma