# Haratala Bhasma

> Haratala Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. Haratala's apoptotic mechanism aligns with this approved indication.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Haratala Bhasma](/herb/haratala-bhasma/) |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Arsenic trisulfide (As2S3) as primary constituent
- Arsenic in sulfide-bound form (reduced bioavailability)
- Calcium arsenate traces
- Sulfur compounds
- Organic residues from herbal processing

## How does it work?

- Anti-leukemic potential: Shodhana may enhance synergistic effect of Haratala in cellular apoptosis for leukemia treatment, analogous to arsenic trioxide (approved drug) mechanism
- Kaphahara (Kapha-reducing) action through stimulation of respiratory secretion clearance and bronchodilation, used traditionally for Shwasa (asthma) and Kasa (cough)
- Kushthahara (skin disease management) through [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) and keratolytic effects on skin lesions, traditionally used for chronic dermatological conditions
- Jvaraghna ([antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/)) action through modulation of inflammatory pathways involved in fever generation

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Skin diseases (Kushtha): Traditional use partially supported by arsenic's known keratolytic properties, though modern safer alternatives exist
- Asthma/respiratory disorders (Shwasa/Kasa): Some mechanistic support from bronchodilatory and mucolytic effects, but arsenic toxicity makes this indication unjustifiable
- Leukemia treatment: PARADOXICALLY VALIDATED - Arsenic trioxide is FDA-approved for acute promyelocytic leukemia. Haratala's apoptotic mechanism aligns with this approved indication.

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*3 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- ARSENIC IS A GROUP 1 CARCINOGEN: IARC classifies arsenic and arsenic compounds as definite human carcinogens. Long-term exposure causes multiple cancers (lung, skin, bladder, liver).
- INSOLUBLE FORM REDUCES ACUTE TOXICITY: Properly prepared [Haratala Bhasma](/herb/haratala-bhasma/) contains arsenic in insoluble sulfide form, which may reduce acute oral toxicity compared to soluble arsenite/arsenate
- BLOOD ARSENIC INCREASES: Even with purified preparation, blood arsenic levels increase significantly during use (confirmed in human volunteer study), indicating systemic absorption occurs
- PREPARATION-CRITICAL: Without proper Shodhana and Marana, Haratala causes burning sensation, tremors, blood vitiation, skin disease, and potentially death. ONLY classically prepared products should be considered.
- NO LONG-TERM SAFETY DATA: Short-term studies show apparent safety, but chronic arsenic exposure effects (cancer, neuropathy, cardiovascular disease) may take years to manifest
- FDA/WHO POSITION: Arsenic in medicines not endorsed. WHO limit for arsenic in herbal medicines is 10 mcg/g. Most Haratala preparations far exceed this.

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Arsenic trisulfide (As2S3):** Major component (orpiment)
- **Note:** Highly toxic — restricted use; Shodhana mandatory; modern practice largely discontinued

**Analytical Methods:** AAS (arsenic quantification), ICP-MS, XRD

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Bhasma (only after rigorous Shodhana)

**Standard Dosage:** 30–60 mg (strict dosing)

**Bioavailability:** Converted to non-toxic arsenic compound through proper Shodhana and Marana

**Optimal Timing:** As directed by experienced physician only

**Standardized Extract:** Purified and calcined orpiment (arsenic trisulfide) bhasma

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite

**Storage:** Airtight, labeled container; Schedule E1 drug

**Marker Compounds:** Arsenic sulfide (raw), Arsenic oxide (post-calcination), Sulfur compounds

**Quality Parameters:** Free arsenic <3 ppm (critical safety parameter), standard bhasma tests, particle size <100 nm

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Honey or ghee; only as part of specific formulations

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/haratala-bhasma/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.