Metallic preparations form an important part of Ayurvedic therapeutic armamentarium. Metallic preparations have advantages like smaller doses, and quick action. Zinc is one such metal that plays a key role in various biological processes in humans.¹

Yashada bhasma or zinc is a natural mineral used for the treatment of various skin ailments. It has the potential to inhibit bacterial growth on the skin, and inflammation.² Yashada bhasma has an important role in the normal functioning of skin. It affects collagen synthesis and possesses antimicrobial properties. It enhances the moisture holding capacity of the skin and works as a rejuvenator.³ It has also been noted to relieve itching, eruption and burning sensation in eczema.¹ Topical zinc therapy is emphasized on account of its role in auto debridement, its anti-infective action, and promotion of epithelialization. A study revealed zinc preparation to relieve pruritus in patients with eczema.⁴

Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties and enhances re-epithelialization. It is a potential soothing and antipruritic agent. Topical zinc preparations can have strong antioxidant and antibacterial action and can be used to treat skin conditions characterized by the impairment of the skin-barrier function, increased oxidative cellular stress, and bacterial colonization.⁵ Zinc inhibits mast cell degranulation and decreases the secretion of histamine which is an important mediator of inflammatory response and induces itch. Thus, zinc is a useful treatment option in pruritic conditions.⁵

Topical preparation containing yashada bhasma therefore seems effective in relieving pruritus.

References

1. Chandran S, Patgiri B, Galib R, Prasanth D. A Review through Therapeutic Attributes of Yashada bhasma. International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archives 2016;7(5):6-11.
2. Verma SR, Sultana S, Thiyagarajan OS, et al. Yashad bhasma (Zinc calx) and Tankana (Borax) inhibit Propionibacterium acne and suppresses acne induced inflammation in vitro. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014 Aug;36(4):361-8.
3. Datta HS, Mitra SK, Patwardhan B. Wound Healing Activity of Topical Application Forms Based on Ayurveda. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011; 2011: 134378.
4. Rani M, Kashyap CP, Sankhyan JR. A study on the effect of yashadamrita malhara and yashad bhasma with sikth taila in vicharchika with special reference to eczema. International Ayurvedic Medical Journal 2017;5(9):3398-405.
5. Gupta M, Mahajan VK, Mehta KS, Chauhan PS. Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review. Dermatology Research and Practice Volume 2014, Article ID 709152, 11 pages.