# Hinguleshwar Ras

> Hinguleshwar Ras is a rasa preparation, a herbo-mineral formulation of the rasa shastra tradition. [Mercury in traditional medicines: is cinnabar toxicologically similar to common mercurials?](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18445765/). Experimental biology and medicine (Maywood, N.J.). PMID [18445765](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18445765/) · [doi:10.3181/0712-MR-336](https://doi.org/10.3181/0712-MR-336) Cinnabar (HgS) is insoluble and poorly absorbed from the GI tract.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Hinguleshwar Ras](/herb/hinguleshwar-ras/) |

## How does it work?

- Cinnabar (HgS) has documented sedative and anti-anxiety properties, possibly through modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission and ion channel activity, relevant to its traditional use in calming cough
- [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) (long pepper) contains [piperine](/reference/piperine/) which has mucolytic, anti-tussive, and bronchodilatory properties; also enhances bioavailability of other formulation components through inhibition of hepatic and intestinal CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein
- The combination provides anti-inflammatory action at respiratory mucosal surfaces while processed aconite contributes [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) effects through sodium channel modulation

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Cough and cold (Kasa-Pratishyaya): Cinnabar's documented sedative/anti-tussive properties and [Pippali](/herb/pippali/)'s mucolytic action provide mechanistic support for the traditional anti-tussive use
- Respiratory congestion: The combination of bioenhancer ([Pippali](/herb/pippali/)), [expectorant](/reference/expectorant/), and anti-inflammatory ingredients aligns with traditional use in respiratory disorders

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Liu J, Shi JZ, Yu LM and others 2008. [Mercury in traditional medicines: is cinnabar toxicologically similar to common mercurials?](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18445765/). *Experimental biology and medicine (Maywood, N.J.)*. PMID [18445765](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18445765/) · [doi:10.3181/0712-MR-336](https://doi.org/10.3181/0712-MR-336)  
  Cinnabar (HgS) is insoluble and poorly absorbed from the GI tract. Absorbed mercury from cinnabar accumulates mainly in kidneys, resembling inorganic mercury disposition. In risk assessment, cinnabar is less toxic than many other forms of mercury. Adverse effects at therapeutic doses of sulfide drugs like cinnabar are rare, generally reversible and tolerable.
- Jain A, Sarsaiya S, Wu Q and others 2019. [New insights and rethinking of cinnabar for chemical and its pharmacological dynamics](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31431119/). *Bioengineered*. PMID [31431119](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31431119/) · [doi:10.1080/21655979.2019.1652491](https://doi.org/10.1080/21655979.2019.1652491)  
  Cinnabar after traditional Shodhana significantly reduces heavy metal levels to safe limits. The processed HgS form has sedative, hypnotic, and anti-anxiety properties potentially related to GABAergic system modulation.

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

## Recent safety updates

- Contains cinnabar with approximately 86% mercury by weight - although processed HgS has lower bioavailability than organic mercury, the high absolute mercury content requires strict dose adherence
- CRITICAL: Also contains Aconitum ferox ([Vatsanabha](/herb/vatsanabha/)) - even after purification, this is one of the most toxic plants known; cardiac arrhythmias and death possible from overdose
- Cinnabar is classified as less toxic than organic mercury forms, but chronic kidney accumulation remains a concern with extended use; renal function monitoring recommended
- Not suitable for self-medication under any circumstances; both mercury and aconite content demand physician supervision and short-course therapy only

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Vati (pill)

**Standard Dosage:** 125–250 mg twice daily

**Bioavailability:** [Mercury-sulfide](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mercury-sulfide) complex (cinnabar) in nanoparticulate form; detoxified through Shodhana-Marana

**Optimal Timing:** With honey and [ginger](/herb/ginger/) juice; before meals

**Standardized Extract:** Purified Hingula (cinnabar/HgS) processed with herbal media

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite (Rasaushadhi)

**Storage:** Airtight glass container

**Marker Compounds:** Mercury sulfide (HgS, metacinnabar), Sulfur compounds, Herbal bioactives

**Quality Parameters:** Free mercury <1 ppm (critical), standard Rasaushadhi tests, particle size <100 nm

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Honey + [ginger](/herb/ginger/) juice (Ardrak Swarasa); [Tulsi](/herb/tulsi/) juice

---

Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/hinguleshwar-ras/

## 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.