Role of Suvarna Bhasma with ghee and honey (Suvarnaprashan) for the anti-oxidative potential

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in regulating cell signaling mechanisms and redox balance of the cells, while their imbalance contributes to cellular damage and the pathogenesis of diseases. Redox status is very important for its immune homeostasis, and the dysregulation of which is involved in many diseases. Suvarnaprashan, an Ayurvedic formulation consisting of Suvarna Bhasma, Ghee, and Honey, has been known since ancient times for its use as an immunity booster, for general well-being, and enhancing cognition and memory in adolescents. However, underlying molecular mechanisms, which are modulated by Suvarna Bhasma, are still not explored. The present study aimed to prepare Suvarnaprashan, assess its cytotoxicity, and modulate redox balance inside the cells. Firstly, Suvarna Bhasma was characterized via various techniques, including heavy metal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, to confirm its physicochemical properties. Then, Suvarnaprashan was prepared with Suvarna Bhasma, ghee, and honey as per Ayurvedic literatures. Further, cell cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay for 24 h with Suvarna Bhasma and Suvarnaprashan (100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, and 0 µg/mL), ghee (100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, and 0 mg/mL), and honey (5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625, 0.3125, and 0%). Intracellular ROS levels were quantified using a DCFH-DA assay to evaluate antioxidant activity. The results demonstrated that Suvarna Bhasma exhibited structural and elemental similarity to pure gold. No significant toxicity of Suvarna Bhasma was observed at different concentrations (p>0.05), while Suvarnaprashan, ghee and honey showed little toxicity. Suvarnaprashan and its ingredients significantly reduced intracellular ROS levels compared to untreated controls (p<0.05), indicating notable antioxidant activity. In conclusion, Suvarnaprashan is low-toxic and exerts significant antioxidant effects by modulating intracellular ROS levels, suggesting its potential role in maintaining redox homeostasis and supporting immune function. Further studies are required to elucidate its detailed molecular mechanisms.