Become A Member

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The well known metal mostly used in Ayurveda includes mercury, gold, silver, copper, arsenic, lead and tin. The review of ancient Rasa literature revealed that the ancient Rasaacharyas have recognized doshas (untoward effect) in almost all drugs including metals, minerals and mercury. To remove these untoward effects they have described suitable techniques and procedures such as Shodhana, Marana etc and these processes were used to convert the metal and minerals in to the pharmaceutically suitable and ideal forms. Harmful heavy metals are difficult to excrete from the body if people particularly have chronic illnesses. are toxic or not. Result: The APO-E 4/3 and 4/4 genotypes have been found to be the worst excretors of heavy metals. The highest propensity for developing neurological problems from exposure to neuro-toxic heavy metals, especially mercury when it is present in combination with other metals, will be found in those with this variant of APO-E protein abundant in cerebral spinal fluid surrounding the brain. Conclusion: The elaborate preparation protocol involved in the traditional medicines is believed to modify the toxic nature of the precursor (metal) and adds therapeutic value. Many factors such as preparation based factors, chemical nature based factors, vehicle used, therapy associated factors, pharmacological factors, etc, determine whether the traditional medicines

Keywords:  Lead toxicity, Metal toxicity, Naga bhasma