Abstract
In order to scientifically evaluate the effect of copper bhasm, it was orally administered in a dose of 2 mg/day for seven days to one month old male chicks. There was significant fall in total red cells, and rise in plasma iron, PCV and MCV indicating hemolysis, compensated by increased heme synthesis. A significant increase in plasma iron binding capacity points to beneficial effect of copper bhasm on liver as transferrin is synthesized in liver. Ferritin (storage iron) was unaltered in seven days treatment. The effect of copper bhasm on tissue distribution of essential elements was variable. Calcium, sodium and potassium were significantly increased in all the tissues. The last two may have been contributed by the bhasm itself. Magnesium behaviour was similar to calcium. Iron and zinc showed variable effects. Copper level in whole blood, plasma and erythrocytes increased significantly showing that copper bhasm was well absorbed and the effect observed can be ascribed to it. The bhasm was well tolerated and no growth retardation was seen.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Sharma DC, Riyat M. Biochemistry for Dental Students, B.I Publications Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi 2007; pp 311–313.
Sharma DC. Text book of Biochemistry. Paras Medical Publisher, Hyderabad 1999; pp 319.
Nadkarni AK. Indian Materia Medica. Vol.2, 3rd ed, Popular Prakashan, Bombay 1976; pp 47–51.
Tripathi YB, Singh VP. Role of Tamra bhasm, an ayurvedic preparation in the management of lipid peroxidation in liver of albino rats. Ind J Exp Biol 1996; 34: 66–70.
Block JH, Roche EB, Soine TO, Wilson CO. Inorganic medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry. Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia, 1986; pp 48–77 and 325–30.
Seelig MS. Review: The relationships of copper and molybdenum to iron metabolism. Am J Clin Nutr 1972; 25: 1022–1037.
Gipp WF, Pond WG, Tasker J, Compen D, Vankrook L, Visek WJ. Influence of level of dietary copper on weight gain, hematology and liver copper and iron storage of young pig. J Nutr 1973; 103: 713–719.
Fernandes A, Mira ML, Azevedo MS, Manso C. Mechanisms of hemolysis induced by copper. Free Radic Res Commun 1988; 4: 291–298.
North MO. Commercial chicken production manual. 3rd ed, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York 1984; pp 485–495.
Dacie JV, Lewis SM. Practical Hematology. 8th ed, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburg 1994; pp 44–82, 412–4.
Sharma DC, Riyat M. Practical Medical Biochemistry, B.I Publications Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi 2007b; pp79–83.
Sharma DC. Analysis of trace elements. Ind J Clin Biochem 1988; 3(Suppl): 128–134.
Jha CB. A textbook of rasa shastra. 2nd ed. Chaukhambha Surabharati Publishers, Varanasi 1998; pp 325–334.
Mahajan BK. Methods in biostatistics for medical students and research workers Jaypee Brothers, New Delhi 1991; pp146,151.
Danks DM. Copper deficiency in humans. Ann Rev Nutr 1988; 8: 235–257.
Orten JM, Orten AU, Sardesai VM, Chang LC. The role of coper in the biosynthesis of heme. Monograph 1990; pp 643–665.
Bradley BD, Graber G, Condon RJ, Frobish LT. Effect of graded levels of dietary copper in copper and iron concentration in swine tissue. J Anim Sci 1983; 56: 625–630.
Luo XG, Dove CR. Effect of dietary copper and fat on nutrient utilization, digestive enzyme activities and tissue mineral level in weanling pigs. J Anim Sci 1996; 74: 1888–1896.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sharma, D.C., Kochar, B., Bhardwaj, A. et al. Effect of ingestion of copper bhasm on red cell indices, iron parameters and essential elements in chicks. Indian J Clin Biochem 24, 245–249 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12291-009-0046-6
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12291-009-0046-6