# Rasamanikya

> Rasamanikya is a rasa preparation, a herbo-mineral formulation of the rasa shastra tradition. [Process standardization of rasamanikya](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22131676/). PMID [22131676](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22131676/) · [doi:10.4103/0974-8520.68195](https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.68195) Established standardized manufacturing procedures. Shodhana significantly reduced arsenic content compared to raw orpiment.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Rasamanikya |

## How does it work?

- Arsenic sulfide (As2S3) in processed form has demonstrated [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) and anti-proliferative properties - similar to the mechanism by which arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is used in modern oncology for acute promyelocytic leukemia treatment
- Anti-dermatological action: Arsenic compounds modulate keratinocyte proliferation and immune cell activity in skin, relevant to traditional use in skin diseases; may act through inhibition of NF-kB and modulation of apoptotic pathways
- The insoluble sulfide form provides a slow-release mechanism with lower peak blood arsenic levels compared to soluble arsenic compounds, potentially providing therapeutic effects at reduced toxicity

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Skin diseases (Kushtha): Traditional use in psoriasis and chronic dermatoses has indirect validation from historical Western medical use of arsenic for psoriasis (Fowler's solution, 19th century) and modern understanding of arsenic's anti-proliferative effects on keratinocytes - however, the practice was abandoned in Western medicine due to carcinogenic risk
- Fever and respiratory conditions: Traditional use in Jwara (fever) and Shwasa (asthma) partially supported by arsenic's documented immunomodulatory properties, but no specific clinical trials validate these indications for Rasamanikya

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Srimannarayana K, Patgiri BJ, Prajapati PK 2010. [Process standardization of rasamanikya](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22131676/). *Ayu*. PMID [22131676](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22131676/) · [doi:10.4103/0974-8520.68195](https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.68195)  
  Established standardized manufacturing procedures. Shodhana significantly reduced arsenic content compared to raw orpiment. ICP-AES confirmed arsenic and sulfur as major constituents. Different preparation methods yielded products with varying arsenic concentrations.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- CRITICAL: Arsenic is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by IARC. Chronic arsenic exposure even at low levels is associated with skin cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and cardiovascular disease
- Clinical pilot study showed increased blood arsenic levels after just 15 days of use - while acute clinical toxicity was not observed, the long-term carcinogenic risk of elevated blood arsenic is well-established
- Historically, arsenic was used in Western medicine for psoriasis (Fowler's solution) but was abandoned due to recognized carcinogenic and chronic toxicity concerns - the same scientific evidence applies to Rasamanikya
- The arsenic sulfide form (As2S3) is less acutely toxic than arsenic trioxide (As2O3) due to lower solubility, but chronic exposure still poses carcinogenic risk; no long-term carcinogenicity studies specific to Rasamanikya exist
- Cases of chronic arsenic poisoning following Ayurvedic medication use (including Rasamanikya) have been documented in medical literature; symptoms include skin hyperpigmentation, keratoses, neuropathy, and organ damage

## 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 or powder

**Standard Dosage:** 60–125 mg twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Arsenic sulfide converted to non-toxic form through processing

**Optimal Timing:** With honey or ghee; after meals

**Standardized Extract:** Shuddha Haratala (purified orpiment/arsenic trisulfide) processed to ruby-red compound

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite

**Storage:** Airtight, labeled container; Schedule E1

**Marker Compounds:** Arsenic sulfide (processed), Sulfur compounds

**Quality Parameters:** Free arsenic <3 ppm (critical), characteristic ruby-red color (Manikya = ruby), standard tests

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Honey, ghee, or [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) Khand

---

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

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.