# Nityananda Rasa

> Nityananda Rasa is a rasa preparation, a herbo-mineral formulation of the rasa shastra tradition. [Assessment of sub-chronic oral toxicity of Nityanand Rasa: An ayurvedic herbo-metallic formulation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37054826/). An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Classical Rasashastra formulation referenced in Bhaishajya Ratnavali; classified as Schedule E-1 restricted medicine; manufactured by licensed Ayurvedic pharmacies under AYUSH guidelines; requires prescription from qualified Ayurvedic physician

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Nityananda Rasa](/herb/nityananda-rasa/) |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Shlipada Rogadhikara (Elephantiasis Chapter), Verses 33-41; authored by Kaviraj Govinda Das Sen (17th century CE)

## How does it work?

- Parada-[Gandhaka](/glossary/concepts-a-m/#gandhaka) (mercury-sulphur) Kajjali forms mercuric sulphide which acts as a potent catalyst (Yogavahi) enhancing the therapeutic potency of all other ingredients
- [Tamra Bhasma](/herb/tamra-bhasma/) (copper calx) has Lekhaniya (scraping/reducing) property, reducing excess Kapha and [Meda](/herb/meda/) (fat tissue) - relevant to obesity and elephantiasis
- Multiple metal Bhasmas (iron, tin, copper, bronze) provide mineral supplementation and metabolic activation
- [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/) enhances bioavailability of all mineral and herbal components through digestive fire stimulation
- [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) provides detoxification support, [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) protection, and gentle [laxative](/reference/laxative/) action to aid elimination of metabolic waste
- [Vidanga](/herb/vidanga/) and Chitraka provide anthelmintic and anti-parasitic action relevant to filariasis-caused elephantiasis

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Shlipada (elephantiasis/lymphatic filariasis) - primary traditional indication referenced in Bhaishajya Ratnavali; modern toxicity study supports safety at therapeutic doses enabling continued traditional use under supervision
- Gout (Vatarakta) and obesity (Sthoulya) - traditional use supported by the Kapha-[Meda](/herb/meda/) reducing (Lekhaniya) properties of [Tamra Bhasma](/herb/tamra-bhasma/) and the metabolic-enhancing actions of [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/)

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Kshirsagar SR, Kumari M, Bajad SM and others 2023. [Assessment of sub-chronic oral toxicity of Nityanand Rasa: An ayurvedic herbo-metallic formulation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37054826/). *Journal of ethnopharmacology*. PMID [37054826](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37054826/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116494](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.116494)  
  90-day study in Wistar rats at 30, 300, and 600 mg/kg: no mortality or severe behavioral changes; mild histopathological changes in liver/brain at high dose; mild genotoxicity at high dose; no detectable mercury but significant arsenic in blood at high dose; considered safe at therapeutic doses

*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 mercury (Parada) and arsenic (Haratala) - classified as a high-risk herbo-metallic preparation requiring strict medical supervision
- 2023 toxicity study showed no detectable mercury in blood but significant arsenic levels at high dose, indicating arsenic is the primary safety concern
- Mild genotoxicity and histopathological changes in liver and brain at high dose (600 mg/kg) - mandates strict dose adherence
- Considered safe at therapeutic doses (250-500 mg, 1-2 times daily for up to 1 month) based on toxicity study; duration should not exceed prescribed period
- Over-dosage may cause severe poisonous effects; periodic monitoring of liver function, renal function, and blood arsenic/mercury levels required
- Self-medication is extremely dangerous; FDA and international agencies have flagged concerns about mercury and arsenic in Ayurvedic medicines

## 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; Rasaushadhi with GI tropism

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with buttermilk or [ginger](/herb/ginger/) juice

**Standardized Extract:** Kajjali with digestive and [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) herbs

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite

**Storage:** Airtight container

**Marker Compounds:** Mercury sulfide, Hepatoprotective herbal compounds

**Quality Parameters:** Standard Rasaushadhi tests, free mercury <1 ppm

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Buttermilk or [ginger](/herb/ginger/) juice

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/nityananda-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.