Chemical phases of some of the Ayurvedic heamatinic medicines

Abstract

Chemical phases of iron in some of the Ayurvedic medicines are investigated through Mössbauer Spectroscopy and FTIR. In all the four medicines studied, iron is found in oxide form, either Fe₂O₃ or Fe₃O₄ or both. The size distribution of iron particles is different for different medicines. FTIR spectra are characteristically different for different drugs. These oxide particles are dispersed in a base probably consisting of ash of herbs or compound used as the medium for the preparation of these medicines which might control the efficacy and concentration of iron in these drugs.

Keywords: Mössbauer Spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, Ayurveda, heamatinic medicines

International Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology, Vol. 2, No. 8, 2010, pp. 25-32