Microstructural Investigation of Commercial Ayurvedic Bhasma Samples by Optical, UV-visible and FTIR Analyses

Ayurvedic Bhasmas, the traditional metallic and mineral-based formulations with therapeutic properties, are used to manage various human ailments in Ayurveda. Despite their therapeutic applications, the scientific validation of their physicochemical properties remains limited. This study aims to characterize and better understand selected commercially available Bhasmas through optical microscopic and different spectroscopic techniques, providing insights into their structural and compositional attributes. Optical microscopy revealed their irregular morphology and powdery texture with heterogeneous particle sizes. Ultraviolet – visible (UV-visible) spectroscopy showed absorption peaks between 257 nm and 390 nm, and band gap energies between 1.94 eV and 5.36 eV, suggesting the presence of nanosized particles. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the presence of organic moieties and metal-oxygen bonds within the Bhasma samples, indicating possible herbal interactions wi