Abstract

Abhrak Bhasma (Shatputi) is a time tested classical Ayurvedic formulation, prepared from mica, as well as the juices of numerous other indigenous substances. In this work, we focus on the efficacy of Abharak Bhasma on anticancer activity and immunomodulatory effects using breast cancer Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 cell line and macrophage cell line Robert Abelson leukemia virus 264.7. The in vitro anti-cancer activities of the formulation were evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The percentage of cell death against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 cell breast cancer cells increases with an increase in the concentration of Abhrak Bhasma. A high percentage of cell death (49.22±1.504 %) was observed at the concentration of 200 µg/ml of Abhrak Bhasma. The corresponding half-maximal inhibitory concentration value of Abhrak Bhasma was found to be 193.2±10.72 µg/ml. There was a dose-dependent decrease in the nitrite level in Robert Abelson leukemia virus 264.7 incubated with Abhrak Bhasma at the concentration ranges from 50 to 200 µg/ml. A significant reduction in nitrite level was found to be about 489.3±35.92 at 200 µg/ml. Lipopolysaccharide (1 µg/ml) treated was served as a control with a maximum nitrite level of about 1873±83.59 µg. The present study reveals that the percentage of cell viability in the macrophage cell line decreases with an increase in the concentration of Abhrak Bhasma. The least viability of the cell was observed at the concentration of 200 µg/ml showing 53.85±1.211 %. Our study highlights dual qualities of Abhrak Bhasma as a potential drug against breast cancer and as an immunomodulatory drug showing anti-inflammatory properties.