Swarna Parpati
Swarna Parpati 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 | Swarna Parpati, SwarnaParpati |
| Pharmacopoeia status | Classical Rasashastra Parpati Kalpana formulation from Rasa Tarangini; classified as Schedule E-1 restricted medicine; manufactured by select licensed Ayurvedic pharmacies with Rasashastra expertise; expensive formulation due to gold content |
The evidence at a glance
2papers on this site for this drug, published 2001 to 2011, 1 with a DOI.
- 2Laboratory 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 | Swarna Parpati |
Where is it described in the classical texts?
Rasa Tarangini, Chapter 27, Verses 45-47; also referenced in other Parpati Kalpana texts of Rasashastra tradition
How does it work?
- Swarna Bhasma (gold nanoparticles) has been reported to have immunomodulatory effects, enhancing T-cell and macrophage function
- Gold nanoparticles at Bhasma scale (~56-60 nm) have been reported to show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- Parada-Gandhaka Kajjali (HgS) acts as Yogavahi (catalytic carrier) enhancing tissue penetration and bioavailability of gold
- Rasayana (rejuvenative) effect of gold strengthens Ojas (vital essence/immunity) and promotes tissue regeneration in wasting diseases
- Parpati Kalpana (flake form) ensures rapid GI dissolution and enhanced absorption compared to Bhasma form
- Classically described as having Agni Deepana (digestive fire enhancement) property
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Rajayakshma (tuberculosis/chronic wasting diseases): traditionally used for this condition, which is its primary classical indication. Safety studies have reported immunomodulatory properties of gold nanoparticles, which are traditionally regarded as Rasayana.
- Chronic bronchial diseases and respiratory conditions: traditionally used for these conditions. Preclinical studies have reported anti-inflammatory and immunoenhancing properties of Swarna Bhasma.
What do recent studies show?
- Sharma DC, Jha J, Sharma P and others 2001. Evaluation of safety and efficacy of a gold containing Ayurvedic drug. Indian journal of experimental biology. PMID 11831371
Cumulative intake of 160 mg gold at 4 mg/day showed no toxic effects on human body as evidenced by clinical examination, stable body weight, absence of urinary pathology, and normal results on 30 biochemical and enzymatic tests - Paul W, Sharma CP 2011. Blood compatibility studies of Swarna bhasma (gold bhasma), an Ayurvedic drug. International journal of Ayurveda research. PMID 21897638 · doi:10.4103/0974-7788.83183
Swarna Bhasma demonstrated blood compatibility
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 substantial mercury (Parada, 48 g) alongside gold - mercury toxicity is the primary safety concern despite traditional purification
- Gold (Swarna Bhasma) at therapeutic doses appears safe based on clinical evidence (160 mg cumulative without toxicity), but long-term effects of gold nanoparticle accumulation remain understudied
- Mercury bioaccumulation and neurotoxicity risk requires strict dose limitation and periodic blood mercury monitoring
- Not recommended for prolonged use; traditional texts prescribe limited treatment courses
- Iron overload is not a concern for this formulation as it contains no iron; primary concerns are mercury-related
- Must be prepared by expert Rasashastri following strict classical protocols; improperly prepared gold-mercury Parpati can be acutely toxic
What is it made of?
Mineral/Elemental Profile
- Primary component: Mineral-derived preparation
- Note: Composition varies by specific preparation method
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Parpati (flake form)
Standard Dosage: 15–30 mg
Optimal Timing: With honey or specific vehicle per condition
Storage: Airtight, premium container
Marker Compounds: Gold nanoparticles, Mercury sulfide, Sulfur
Vehicle (Anupana): Honey, buttermilk, or specific herbal vehicle
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 studies2
- 2011. Blood compatibility studies of Swarna bhasma (gold bhasma), an Ayurvedic drugInternational journal of Ayurveda research. PMID 21897638 · doi:10.4103/0974-7788.83183
- 2001. Evaluation of safety and efficacy of a gold containing Ayurvedic drugIndian journal of experimental biology. PMID 11831371
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.