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.
| Substance type | Herbo-mineral (rasa shastra) preparation, not a single plant |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Hinguleshwar Ras, HinguleshwarRas |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | 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 (long pepper) contains 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 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’s mucolytic action provide mechanistic support for the traditional anti-tussive use
- Respiratory congestion: The combination of bioenhancer (Pippali), 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?. Experimental biology and medicine (Maywood, N.J.). PMID 18445765 · doi: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. Bioengineered. PMID 31431119 · doi: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) - 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 complex (cinnabar) in nanoparticulate form; detoxified through Shodhana-Marana
Optimal Timing: With honey and 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 juice (Ardrak Swarasa); Tulsi juice
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Other clinical studies and reviews1
- 2008. Mercury in traditional medicines: is cinnabar toxicologically similar to common mercurials?Experimental biology and medicine (Maywood, N.J.). PMID 18445765 · doi:10.3181/0712-MR-336
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