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.
| Substance type | Herbo-mineral (rasa shastra) preparation, not a single plant |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Mahalakshmi Vilas Rasa, MahalakshmiVilasRasa |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | 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 and nutmeg have documented bronchodilatory and expectorant properties; the metallic bhasmas may enhance mucosal immunity in the respiratory tract
- 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 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 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. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 30466809 · doi: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. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.). PMID 34142855 · doi: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) and copper (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 juice)
Standardized Extract: Kajjali + Abhraka Bhasma + Vanga Bhasma + respiratory herbs
Shelf Life: Indefinite
Storage: Airtight container
Marker Compounds: Mercury sulfide, Mica-derived oxides, Tin oxide, Pippali alkaloids
Quality Parameters: Standard Rasaushadhi tests, multi-metal assay
Vehicle (Anupana): Honey + ginger juice; Sitopaladi Churna
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
- 2021. Heavy Metals in Indian Traditional Systems of Medicine: A Systematic Scoping Review and Recommendations for Integrative Medicine PracticeJournal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.). PMID 34142855 · doi:10.1089/acm.2021.0083
Laboratory and animal studies1
- 2019. Chemical characterization of an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral preparation- Mahalaxmivilas RasaJournal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 30466809 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2018.01.002
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