Jasada bhasma, a Zinc-Based Ayurvedic Preparation: Contemporary Evidence of Antidiabetic Activity Inspires Development of a Nanomedicine

The roles of metals in human physiology are well established. It is also known that many metals are required in trace amounts for normal metabolism and their deficiency leads to diseases. In Ayurveda, metal-based preparations, that is,bhasmas, are indicated for the treatment of several diseases. Standard textbooks of Ayurveda recommendJasada bhasma(zinc basedbhasma) as the treatment of choice for diabetes. Modern medicine also recognizes the important role of zinc in glucose homeostasis. Yet, studies that validate the use ofJasada bhasmaare few and uncomprehensive. There is an imminent need for a systematic study on physicochemical characterization, pharmacological efficacy, and toxicity assessment of severalbhasmapreparations to generate scientific evidence of their utility and safety. Interestingly, recent studies suggest thatbhasmascomprise submicronic particles or nanoparticles. Thus abhasma-inspired new drug discovery approach could emerge in which several metal based nanomedicines could be developed. This would help in utilizing the age old, time-tested wisdom of Ayurveda in modern medicine. One such study on antidiabetic activity ofJasada bhasmaand the corresponding new drug, namely, zinc oxide nanoparticles, is briefly discussed, as an example.