# Krimi Kuthar Rasa

> Krimi Kuthar Rasa is a rasa preparation, a herbo-mineral formulation of the rasa shastra tradition. Classical Rasashastra formulation from Bhaishajya Ratnavali; Schedule E-1 restricted medicine requiring prescription; manufactured under strict AYUSH licensing; regulatory scrutiny due to mercury and aconite content.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Classical Rasashastra formulation from Bhaishajya Ratnavali; Schedule E-1 restricted medicine requiring prescription; manufactured under strict AYUSH licensing; regulatory scrutiny due to mercury and aconite content

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Krimi Kuthar Rasa](/herb/krimi-kuthar-rasa/) |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Krimi Rogadhikara (Parasitic Diseases Chapter); also referenced in Rasendra Sara Sangraha and Bhava Prakasha

## How does it work?

- Parada (mercury) in Kajjali form (HgS) creates a hostile environment for intestinal parasites through its sharp, penetrating, and toxic properties at micro-doses
- [Vidanga](/herb/vidanga/) (Embelia ribes) contains [embelin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#embelin), a potent anthelmintic compound that paralyzes and expels intestinal worms
- Palash Beej (Butea monosperma seeds) contain butin and palasonin with established anthelmintic activity against tapeworms
- [Indrayava](/herb/indrayava/) (Holarrhena antidysenterica) has anti-amoebic and anti-dysenteric properties through conessine alkaloid content
- Shuddha [Vatsanabha](/herb/vatsanabha/) (purified aconite) in micro-doses provides Ushna Virya (hot potency) and Vishagna (anti-toxic) action against parasitic toxins
- [Loha Bhasma](/herb/loha-bhasma/) supports blood building to correct anemia caused by parasitic infection and intestinal blood loss
- Karpura ([camphor](/herb/camphor/)) has antiseptic and carminative properties aiding in intestinal environment restoration

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Intestinal parasites (Krimi Roga) including roundworms, tapeworms, and pinworms - traditional primary indication; supported by anthelmintic activity of [Vidanga](/herb/vidanga/) (embelin) and Palash seeds (palasonin)
- Digestive disorders associated with parasitic infection - traditional use supported by the carminative, digestive, and anti-amoebic properties of [Indrayava](/herb/indrayava/), Ajamoda, and Karpura

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Saper RB, Phillips RS, Sehgal A and others 2008. [Lead, mercury, and arsenic in US- and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic medicines sold via the Internet](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18728265/). *JAMA*. PMID [18728265](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18728265/) · [doi:10.1001/jama.300.8.915](https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.300.8.915)  
  One-fifth of Ayurvedic medicines purchased online contained detectable lead, mercury, or arsenic exceeding acceptable daily intake standards; relevant to mercury-containing formulations like [Krimi Kuthar Rasa](/herb/krimi-kuthar-rasa/)

*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 Purified Mercury (Parada) and Purified Aconitum ([Vatsanabha](/herb/vatsanabha/)) - two highly toxic substances requiring extreme caution and strict medical supervision
- Mercury content poses risks of mercury bioaccumulation, neurological damage, and renal toxicity with improper dosing or prolonged use
- [Vatsanabha](/herb/vatsanabha/) (aconite) is one of the most toxic plants known; even after purification, cardiac toxicity risk exists at supra-therapeutic doses
- FDA and WHO have flagged mercury-containing Ayurvedic preparations; product quality varies widely between manufacturers
- Must be taken in precise dose (125-250 mg) for limited period only as prescribed; over-dosage can cause severe poisoning
- Iron overload is a minor concern relative to mercury and aconite toxicity; however, [Loha Bhasma](/herb/loha-bhasma/) contribution still requires monitoring in patients with iron storage disorders

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mercury-based preparation (Parada) with herbal processing
- **Note:** Restricted use — requires strict Shodhana protocols and expert supervision

**Analytical Methods:** AAS/ICP-MS (heavy metals), XRD, Namburi phased spot test

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Vati

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

**Bioavailability:** Good; multi-metal Rasaushadhi with antiparasitic action

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with buttermilk or [Vidanga](/herb/vidanga/) Kwatha

**Standardized Extract:** Kajjali + Loha + Tamra bhasmas with antiparasitic herbs

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite

**Storage:** Airtight container

**Marker Compounds:** Mercury sulfide, Iron oxide, Copper oxide, [Vidanga](/herb/vidanga/) [saponins](/reference/saponins/)

**Quality Parameters:** Free metals below safety limits, standard Rasaushadhi tests

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Buttermilk, Vidanga Kwatha, or Palash seed powder

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/krimi-kuthar-rasa/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu)

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.