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.
| 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 |
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
- 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 reducing (Lekhaniya) properties of Tamra Bhasma and the metabolic-enhancing actions of 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. 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
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 juice
Standardized Extract: Kajjali with digestive and 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 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
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