Engineered nanoparticles: Revisiting safety concerns in light of ethno medicine

Abstract

The nanoparticles are a miracle invention of the century that has opened novel avenues of applications in various fields. The safety aspect of exposure to nanoparticles for humans, plants, animals, soil micro-flora, and ecosystem at large has been questioned. The safety concern can be addressed by laboratory studies to assess the actual risk and recommend exposure limits and related regulation. There is also a suggestion for considering the nanoparticle form of conventional compounds as a new chemical and subject it to safety assessment in line with the chemical regulatory agencies. In the light of the current scenario of popularity and safety concerns regarding nanoparticles, the use of ancient metal based forms like, Bhasma is revisited in the present article. The current approach of green synthesis of nanoparticles is compared with the Ayurveda Rasayana Shastra guidelines of Bhasma preparation and modern preparation of engineered nanoparticles. Since the benefits of nanotechnology are undeniable, and safety concerns are also not ungrounded, there is a pressing need to revisit the ways nanoparticles are manufactured, and to carry out safety assessment by the techniques specially adapted for this novel compound.

Keywords: Bhasma; Rasa Shastra; conventional nanoparticles; engineered nanoparticles; ethnomedicine; metal based Ayurvedic preparations; regulatory guidelines; safety evaluation.

Figure 1

Entry routes of nanoparticles in the body

Figure 2

Methods to make nanoparticles

Figure 3

Preparation of Bhasma

Figure 4

Processing of minerals