Abstract

Bhasma preparations constitute an important class of herbo-mineral formulations in Ayurveda and are extensively used in Rasashastra therapeutics. Despite their clinical significance, concerns regarding safety, reproducibility, and quality control have necessitated scientific standardization. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe elaborate procedures including shodhana, marana, jarana, and amritikarana for detoxification and incineration of metals and minerals. However, variations in raw materials, processing parameters, heating patterns, and equipment introduce variability in the final product. Modern regulatory requirements demand validated protocols incorporating physicochemical, spectroscopic, and toxicological evaluation. This review critically examines the need for standardization in bhasma preparation, classical guidelines, modern analytical advancements, regulatory perspectives, and prevailing challenges. The integration of traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific tools is essential to ensure safety, efficacy, and global acceptability of Ayurvedic metallic formulations (1–4).