Published Paper Details:

The global resurgence of Ayurveda has placed the safety and efficacy of Herbo-Mineral Formulations (HMFs) under the rigorous lens of modern scientific scrutiny. While modern pharmacology relies on Pharmacokinetics (PK)--encompassing Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME)--to determine drug safety, Ayurveda operates through the physiological principles of Agni (digestive fire) and Paka (metabolic transformation). This article explores the critical intersection of Bioavailability and Biotransformation through the lens of Agadtantra, the Ayurvedic branch of toxicology. Agadtantra extends beyond the study of poisons (Visha); it masters the art of transforming toxic substances into potent therapeutics (Amrita) through rigorous processing techniques known as Shodhana (purification) and Marana (incineration). This paper elucidates how these ancient Samskaras serve as "pre-biotransformation" steps, altering the physicochemical profile of drugs to enhance bioavailability while mitigating toxicity. By drawing parallels between Bhutagni Paka (elemental metabolism) and hepatic biotransformation (Cytochrome P450 systems), we demonstrate that Ayurvedic drug safety is an engineered result of precise pharmaceutical processing. This comprehensive review aims to bridge the gap between traditional safety protocols and modern pharmacokinetic parameters, establishing a scientific basis for the safe use of Schedule E-1 drugs.