AYURVEDIC NANOMEDICINE: BRIDGING ANCIENT AND MODERN SCIENCE

Abstract

Rasashastra (Iatrochemistry) and nanomedicine share several conceptual similarities, though their applications differ. The classical objective of Rasashastra was not only treatment of diseases but also transmutation of base metals like Iron, Zinc etc into higher, noble metals like Gold (no longer practiced). Presently, with the advent of technology, the metals have been converted into nanoparticles using physical and chemical methods which are not eco-friendly. To address this limitation, sustainable and eco-friendly biological methods of employing fungus, bacteria, yeast and plant extracts have recently gained prominence. Among these, the plant extract-mediated synthesis known as green synthesis closely parallels the Ayurvedic process of Bhasmeekarana.  Nanomedicine like Rasashastra is intended for therapeutic purposes, and also as a drug delivery agent, for diagnosis, control release, nano sensors, tissue engineering and stem cell manipulation.  This article attempts to compare the traditional Ayurvedic techniques and contemporary methods for the synthesis of Nanomedicine. A comprehensive literature review was undertaken on classical treatises such as Rasaratna Samuchchaya, Rasa Tarangini, Ayurveda prakasha to collate all the information on Bhasma (Nanoparticle) alongside scientific literature from databases including PubMed, Google scholar, AYUSH research Portal and ResearchGate were explored to compile information on research articles related to Bhasma and Green synthesis approach in nanomedicine. Although the concept remained same, there were variations in the preparation methods and philosophical foundations. The convergence of ancient innovation and cutting-edge technology can result in amelioration of the present healthcare setup.