Scholars International Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (SIJTCM)
Volume-3 | Issue-05 | 90-99
Original Research Article
Characterization of Conch Shell Nanoparticles (Shanka Bhasma) Synthesized by the Classical Method
Sanwal Savita, Yadav Yadevedra, Sharma Usha, Rawat Sushma, Sharma Khemchand
Published : May 17, 2020
Abstract
Shankha (Conch) is one of member of Sudha varga (A class of calcium containing compound). It is used in various stomach ailments from many centuries. Shankha Bhasma (Conch Ash) is chief ingredient of many formulations. Physical and chemical characterization is fundamental step to understand the importance of determining efficacy and evaluating the clinically approved medicines of Tradition and complementary medicine (TCM). The physical characterization of Conch Ash was done by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDX), and Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) and particle size analysis by sieving technique and composition of heavy metals and its limits was determined using by Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). For chemical characterization pH, Loss on drying, total ash, Acid insoluble ash, Water soluble ash was performed. The results revealed that Bhasmikarana (Incineration) process use in preparation ultimately changes the most stable polymorph of calcium carbonate of Shankha aragonite form into calcite from, along with formation of Portlandite and Lime in majority. FTIR spectra also confirm this assertion. Cubic-like calcite crystals of Conch Ash and rod-like aragonite crystals of conch shell powders were observed by SEM. The prepared formulation has nanoparticles with the average particle size ranging from to 62-90 nm as estimated using SEM and crystal size analysis by XRD.