# Mahalakshmi Vilas Rasa

> Mahalakshmi Vilas Rasa is a rasa preparation, a herbo-mineral formulation of the rasa shastra tradition. [Chemical characterization of an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral preparation- Mahalaxmivilas Rasa](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30466809/). Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID [30466809](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30466809/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2018.01.002](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2018.01.002) Elemental analysis confirmed presence of Mercury, Sulfur, Calcium, Copper, Gold, Iron & Tin.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Mahalakshmi Vilas Rasa](/herb/mahalakshmi-vilas-rasa/) |

## How does it work?

- Multi-target anti-inflammatory action: Gold bhasma provides immunomodulation, copper bhasma offers anti-microbial activity, and mica bhasma supplies trace minerals - collectively targeting respiratory and skin inflammation
- Respiratory action: [Camphor](/herb/camphor/) and nutmeg have documented bronchodilatory and [expectorant](/reference/expectorant/) properties; the metallic bhasmas may enhance mucosal immunity in the respiratory tract
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/): Gold, copper, and tin bhasmas have demonstrated antimicrobial properties in various studies, supporting the formulation's traditional use in infectious conditions

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Upper respiratory disorders (Urdhwa Jatrugata Roga): Clinical practice experience supports efficacy in rhinitis, sinusitis, and respiratory infections; the [camphor](/herb/camphor/) and nutmeg components have documented mucolytic and bronchodilatory properties
- Rheumatoid arthritis (Amavata): Traditional use supported by the multi-mineral anti-inflammatory composition; gold bhasma's [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) properties are relevant to autoimmune inflammatory conditions

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Srikanth N, Singh A, Ota S and others 2019. [Chemical characterization of an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral preparation- Mahalaxmivilas Rasa](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30466809/). *Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine*. PMID [30466809](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30466809/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2018.01.002](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2018.01.002)  
  Elemental analysis confirmed presence of Mercury, Sulfur, Calcium, Copper, Gold, Iron & Tin. Identified cinnabar (HgS), cassiterite (SnO2), orpiment (As2S3), and mica. Drug was tested for residual pesticides and microbiological contamination, found within permissible limits. Provided analytical characterization data for quality standardization.
- Mukhopadhyay S, Abraham SE, Holla B and others 2021. [Heavy Metals in Indian Traditional Systems of Medicine: A Systematic Scoping Review and Recommendations for Integrative Medicine Practice](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34142855/). *Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)*. PMID [34142855](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34142855/) · [doi:10.1089/acm.2021.0083](https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2021.0083)  
  Systematic review identified inadequate regulatory mechanisms for heavy metal-containing traditional medicines. Well-prepared formulations may have lesser toxicity chances, but preparation errors can lead to dangerous health issues. Called for standardized quality control and long-term safety studies.

## Recent safety updates

- CRITICAL: Contains BOTH mercury (as Kajjali/HgS) AND arsenic (as Haratala/As2S3) - arsenic is a Group 1 carcinogen (IARC); combined exposure raises serious long-term safety concerns
- Also contains tin ([Vanga Bhasma](/herb/vanga-bhasma/)) and copper ([Tamra Bhasma](/herb/tamra-bhasma/)) - the multi-metal composition increases cumulative heavy metal burden on kidneys and liver
- Analytical characterization (2019) confirmed the presence of orpiment (arsenic trisulfide) as a distinct mineral phase - this arsenic compound requires rigorous quality control to ensure proper purification
- Contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, children under 12, and patients with renal or hepatic disorders; should not be used long-term
- Requires GMP-certified sourcing with batch-wise testing for heavy metals; improperly purified Haratala poses significant arsenic poisoning risk

## 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 respiratory tropism

**Optimal Timing:** With honey and Adrak Swarasa ([ginger](/herb/ginger/) juice)

**Standardized Extract:** Kajjali + [Abhraka Bhasma](/herb/abhraka-bhasma/) + [Vanga Bhasma](/herb/vanga-bhasma/) + respiratory herbs

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite

**Storage:** Airtight container

**Marker Compounds:** Mercury sulfide, Mica-derived oxides, Tin oxide, [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids)

**Quality Parameters:** Standard Rasaushadhi tests, multi-metal assay

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Honey + [ginger](/herb/ginger/) juice; [Sitopaladi Churna](/formulation/sitopaladi-churna/)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/mahalakshmi-vilas-rasa/

## 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.