  In Ayurveda, Lauha (Iron) bhasma is primarily used to cure diseases related
with iron deficiency in humans. It is produced from purified raw metallic iron
using a combination of multi-step traditional preparation processes described
in the Ayurveda literature. Here, we present results of structural
investigation performed on the medicinal grade Lauha bhasma using various X-ray
based techniques. Our results indicate that after several rounds of heating and
cooling in specific conditions following the Ayurvedic preparation procedure,
metallic iron eventually converts to a natural iron-oxide mineral belonging to
the Magnetite group. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray standing wave
assisted fluorescence measurements carried out on powdered bhasma specimen
reveal that the Magnetite micro-particles in the bhasma specimen are usually
present in the form of agglomerates of nano-particles. We anticipate that the
Ayurvedic Lauha Bhasma has great potential for noninvasive localized target
killing of cancer cells, particularly in sensitive parts of the human body such
as brain, spinal cord, and lungs, via necrosis by application of an alternating
external magnetic field or photo electron generation through X-rays.
