Preparation and Characterization of Metal Oxide as Nano Particles – Varatika Bhasma

Varatika bhasma is a herbomineral formulation coming under the holistic concept of Ayurveda. Varatika is the outer covering shell of marine organism Cyprea moneta Linn or commonly known as Money cowry. Chemical composition of Varatka is Calcium carbonate. The present study involves the processing of varatika in to metal oxides by a special process known as Bhasmikaran in Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine. Varatika is subjected to calcination there by the Calcium carbonate present in varatika is converted fine particles of calcium oxide, producing potent, biosafe and efficacious nanoparticles with less side effects are produced. The evaluation of the final product are done for physicochemical parameters and by sophisticated analytical tools like Xray, SEM, AFM, Zeta potential EDAX, particle size analysis and by Thermogravimetric curves. The produced bhasma was found as very fine nano particle which may produce very potent and biosafe antiulcer activity.