Abstract

Yeshada Bhasma, marketed by various drug manufacturers is observed prepared by using different methods. The label Yeshada Bhasma prohibits differentiation between these products. Prepared, using different plant materials, these formulations differ in characteristics. The situation underlines the need to assess the uniformity and difference in their physical and chemical characteristics. Considering this need, seven marketed samples of Yeshada Bhasma were analysed in this study with an object to study the uniformity or its absence in their physico-chemical characteristics, using XRF, XRD and Particle size analysis. Hexagonal crystals of ZnO were detected in all the samples irrespective of their method of preparation in this study. In addition, ZnS, ZnSO3 and ZnSO4 were also detected in two samples. Zinc and light elements, the principal elements, with iron, calcium and other elements in traces to significant amounts, were detected in the analysed samples. Not much difference was observed in the particle size and shape distribution of these samples. The present study concludes that variation in physico-chemical characteristics observed in the marketed samples of Yeshada Bahsma is likely to affect its therapeutic efficacy.

Key words: Yeshada Bhasma, Zinc oxide, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X -ray Diffraction (XRD), Particle Size Analysis