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A Critical Review of Tamra and Its Toxicity
Authors: Pravanchana Sahu, Prafulla and Prashant D Math
Number of views: 382
Tamra is one of the dhatuja visha, we get ample of references regarding its therapeutic
aspects in our ayurvedic literature. It is mainly used in the form of bhasma, if bhasma are not
prepared by correct methodology, then it becomes toxic. Copper deficiency can result in the
expression of an inherited defect such as Meknes syndrome. Acquired deficiency is mainly
pathology of infants; however, it has been diagnosed also in children and adults. Most cases
of copper deficiency have been described in malnourished children. Animal and human
studies have shown that copper is involved in the function of several enzymes. Studies have
also shown that copper is required for infant growth, host defense mechanisms, bone strength,
red and white cell maturation, iron transport, cholesterol and glucose metabolism, myocardial
contractility, and brain development. The most constant clinical manifestations of acquired
copper deficiency are anemia, neutropenia, and bone abnormalities. Other, less frequent
manifestations are hypopigmentation of hairs, hypotonicity, impaired growth, increased
incidence of infections, and alterations of phagocytic capacity of the neutrophils,
abnormalities of cholesterol and glucose metabolism, and cardiovascular alterations. Acute
copper poisoning is well described in animals (especially in cows and sheep). Cases of acute
poisoning occur frequently in India.