Mahalakshmi Vilas Rasa
Mahalakshmi Vilas Rasa is a rasa preparation, a herbo-mineral formulation of the rasa shastra tradition.
| Substance type | Herbo-mineral (rasa shastra) preparation, not a single plant |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Mahalakshmi Vilas Rasa, MahalakshmiVilasRasa |
The evidence at a glance
2papers on this site for this drug, published 2019 to 2021, every one with a DOI.
- 1Other clinical studies and reviews
- 1Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people. Each paper is listed with what it measured on the page below. See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Mahalakshmi Vilas Rasa |
How does it work?
- Proposed multi-target action (not established for this formulation): gold bhasma is attributed immunomodulation, copper bhasma anti-microbial activity, and mica bhasma trace minerals
- 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
Traditional uses
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Upper respiratory disorders (Urdhwa Jatrugata Roga): traditionally used for rhinitis, sinusitis, and respiratory infections. The formulation includes camphor and nutmeg.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (Amavata): traditionally used for this condition. The formulation has a multi-mineral composition that includes gold bhasma.
What do recent studies 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 and Arsenic (1.0-2.0% w/w). 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
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Vati
Standard Dosage: 125–250 mg twice daily
Storage: Airtight container
Marker Compounds: Mercury sulfide, Mica-derived oxides, Tin oxide, Pippali alkaloids
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
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.