Nityananda Rasa
Nityananda 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 | Nityananda Rasa, NityanandaRasa |
| 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 |
The evidence at a glance
1paper on this site for this drug, every one with a DOI.
- 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.true See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | 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 (mercury-sulphur) Kajjali forms mercuric sulphide which acts as a potent catalyst (Yogavahi) enhancing the therapeutic potency of all other ingredients
- Tamra Bhasma (copper calx) has Lekhaniya (scraping/reducing) property, reducing excess Kapha and Meda (fat tissue) - relevant to obesity and elephantiasis
- Multiple metal Bhasmas (iron, tin, copper, bronze) provide mineral supplementation and metabolic activation
- Trikatu enhances bioavailability of all mineral and herbal components through digestive fire stimulation
- Triphala provides detoxification support, antioxidant protection, and gentle laxative action to aid elimination of metabolic waste
- In classical description, Vidanga and Chitraka are regarded as anthelmintic
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Shlipada (elephantiasis/lymphatic filariasis): primary traditional indication, referenced in Bhaishajya Ratnavali. A toxicity study reported no safety concerns at the doses tested.
- Vatarakta (gout) and Sthoulya (obesity): traditionally used for these conditions. In classical description, Tamra Bhasma is Kapha- and Meda-reducing (Lekhaniya), and Trikatu is described as metabolism-enhancing.
What do recent studies show?
- Kshirsagar SR, Kumari M, Bajad SM and others 2023. Assessment of sub-chronic oral toxicity of Nityanand Rasa: An ayurvedic herbo-metallic formulation. Journal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 37054826 · doi: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
Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. 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 the doses given under Dosage 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
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Vati
Standard Dosage: 125–250 mg twice daily
Optimal Timing: Before meals with buttermilk or ginger juice
Storage: Airtight container
Marker Compounds: Mercury sulfide, Hepatoprotective herbal compounds
Vehicle (Anupana): Buttermilk or ginger juice
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.
Laboratory and animal studies1
- 2023. Assessment of sub-chronic oral toxicity of Nityanand Rasa: An ayurvedic herbo-metallic formulationJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 37054826 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116494
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.