Swarna Bhasma, or nano particles of Gold after proper processing, offers many benefits and can be a game changer due to its multi-dimensional usage ranging from immune boosting activity in children to treating complex diseases like cancers. Even though such a wide range of utilities is documented in classical Ayurvedic textbooks, Swarna Bhasma is minimally used in practice due to public misconceptions and practitioners’ fear of complications. In the management of cancer, although Swarna Bhasma will not act directly, it plays a pivotal role as a drug delivery agent, optimizing the action of other prescribed medicines.
The most commonly encountered myths about Swarna Bhasma include:
‘Swarna Bhasma is a universal cure for every disease’
It is a effective for certain specific conditions such as some respiratory diseases, skin diseases and some forms of cancers but not for every existing disease.
Swarna Bhasma can be taken only by elders.
It can be taken by children and elders but only under the prescription of a qualified Ayurvedic Doctor with the proper dosage and appropriate Anupana’s
Swarna Bhasma can be used for longer durations & in larger quantities.
If used irrationally for extended periods with improper dosages, it can cause severe complications, affect the normal functions of the Liver, Kidneys, other organs and may even become fatal.
Gold, being a heavy metal, will be harmful if taken internally by children:
Even though Gold is a heavy metal, its bhasma is prepared by following strict protocols that are scientifically validated and explained in Ayurveda Classics. Hence, if processed & prepared scientifically and prescribed with proper dosage & Anupana, this formulation is a boon for the physical as well as mental development of the children.
Almost all Bhasma, especially Swarna Bhasma, have several physical and chemical properties, which increase their efficacy and role in managing different types of cancers compared to other Bhasma. The administration of anti-cancerous ayurvedic drugs with Swarna Bhasma will increase their effectiveness as Gold is an Antioxidant and immunomodulator.
Therapeutic Properties and Bioavailability of Swarna Bhasma
Swarna Bhasma, a traditional Ayurvedic medicine, has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. It is prepared by calcining gold and is believed to possess unique therapeutic properties. The bhasma is typically administered with other herbal preparations for all types of cancer, which involves mixing it into a paste using a mortar and pestle.
The paste prepared from Swarna Bhasma primarily comprises metallic gold in a fine state of division. This processing may partially transform the insoluble powder into a colloidal state. colloidal gold is believed to be more easily absorbed by the body compared to its insoluble counterpart. The exact mechanism of action of Swarna Bhasma is not fully understood, but it is believed that the body absorbs the colloidal gold present in the preparation in minute quantities.
Once absorbed, the gold may interact with various biological systems, leading to its therapeutic effects in different diseases, such as cancer. Alternatively, the metallic gold present in Swarna Bhasma may react with secretions in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially converting it into soluble compounds. These compounds may then be absorbed by the body, leading to the manifestation of their therapeutic properties. Swarna Bhasma is traditionally used to treat various ailments, including respiratory disorders, digestive disorders, skin disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The use of Swarna Bhasma in Ayurvedic medicine is based on its perceived ability to balance the body’s three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It is believed to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, contributing to its therapeutic effects which make it a valuable component of Ayurvedic medicine.
The action of Swarna bhasma in the cancer cells is due to the fact that The Gold Nano Particles (GNP’s) present in the Bhasma have a special attraction towards cancer cells due to the presence of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Cells (EGFR), which are special proteins found on the surface of cancer cells, which will bind to the GNP’s covalently and these GNP’s are taken inside the cancer cells. Since there is very little lymphatic drainage in the areas where cancer cells are present, the concentration of GNPs keeps increasing, leading to heat generation. This generated heat in the GNP’s will eventually destroy the cancer cells, leaving the healthier cells intact. This delivery of drugs into the cancer cells using Swarna Bhasma as a drug delivery agent will help significantly reduce the size of the cancer cells, which is very much necessary in the successful treatment of any cancer. Along with this, the administration of anti-cancer Ayurvedic drugs with Swarna Bhasma will also help to reduce the complications that occur as a result of Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy.
Since a complete cure of any cancer can be challenging both physically and mentally for the patients regardless of their age or gender, using Swarna Bhasma as a drug delivery vehicle can help the patient evade the complications of radiation therapy or Other available treatment modalities significantly.
