# Vasant Kusumakar Rasa

> Vasant Kusumakar Rasa is a rasa preparation, a herbo-mineral formulation of the rasa shastra tradition. [Cardioprotective Effects of 'Vasant Kusumakar Rasa,' a Herbo-metallic Formulation, in Type 2 Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in Rats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39023814/). Singh AD, Chawda M, Kulkarni YA 2024.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Vasant Kusumakar Rasa](/herb/vasant-kusumakar-rasa/) |

## How does it work?

- Pancreatic beta-cell regeneration and insulin secretion enhancement through [Swarna Bhasma](/herb/swarna-bhasma/)'s bioactive nanoparticles stimulating [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) metabolism
- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) and anti-inflammatory action: reduces oxidative stress markers (MDA, ROS) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, NF-kB) in target tissues including heart, brain, and retina
- [Neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) mechanism: modulates neurotransmitter levels ([serotonin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#serotonin), dopamine, acetylcholine) and reduces neuroinflammation in diabetic encephalopathy
- [Cardioprotective](/reference/cardioprotective/) action: improves hemodynamic parameters and reduces cardiac biomarkers (CK-MB, LDH, troponin-I) through reduction of myocardial oxidative damage

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-diabetic activity: Multiple preclinical studies (2020-2024) validate traditional use in Prameha (diabetes) showing dose-dependent blood glucose reduction, improved insulin sensitivity, and protection against diabetic complications including retinopathy, cardiomyopathy, and encephalopathy
- Rejuvenative ([Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/)) action: Traditional use as a rejuvenative tonic partially validated by studies showing antioxidant properties and multi-organ protective effects in diabetic animal models

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Singh AD, Chawda MB, Kulkarni YA 2024. [Cardioprotective Effects of 'Vasant Kusumakar Rasa,' a Herbo-metallic Formulation, in Type 2 Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in Rats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39023814/). *Cardiovascular toxicology*. PMID [39023814](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39023814/) · [doi:10.1007/s12012-024-09891-0](https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-024-09891-0)  
  VKR treatment significantly improved glycemic and lipid profiles, serum insulin, CK-MB, LDH, and cardiac troponin-I in diabetic rats, and improved hemodynamic parameters while reducing cardiac tissue inflammation.
- Singh AD, Chawda M, Kulkarni YA 2024. [Vasant Kusumakar Rasa Ameliorates Diabetic Encephalopathy by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation and Improving Neurotransmitter Levels in Experimental Animals](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39830570/). *Cureus*. PMID [39830570](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39830570/) · [doi:10.7759/cureus.75905](https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.75905)  
  VKR at doses 28 mg/kg and 56 mg/kg administered intragastrically to diabetic rats for 16 weeks showed neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and improving neurotransmitter levels in diabetic encephalopathy.

*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 as HgS (mercuric sulfide) in processed form; the Shodhana process converts elemental mercury to an insoluble sulfide form that has significantly lower bioavailability than organic mercury compounds
- A 2008 JAMA study found that 20% of Ayurvedic medicines purchased online (including rasa shastra products) contained detectable lead, mercury, or arsenic, with some products having levels 100-10,000 times above acceptable limits - highlighting the critical importance of sourcing from GMP-certified manufacturers
- Preclinical studies show safety at therapeutic doses in animal models, but long-term human toxicity data is lacking; contains multiple heavy metals (gold, silver, tin, lead, mercury) requiring strict quality control
- Contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, children, and patients with renal or hepatic impairment; must be taken strictly under qualified Ayurvedic physician supervision with periodic monitoring of renal and hepatic function
- WHO permissible limits: 10 ppm for lead, 1 ppm for mercury and arsenic - products should be lab-tested to confirm compliance before use

## 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 mg twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Excellent; premium multi-metal Rasaushadhi with broad-spectrum bioavailability

**Optimal Timing:** Morning and evening with honey, Amalaki Swarasa, or milk

**Standardized Extract:** Kajjali + Swarna + Raupya + Vanga + Abhraka + Mukta + Pravala + Loha Bhasmas with premium herbs

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite

**Storage:** Airtight, premium container

**Marker Compounds:** Gold nanoparticles, Silver oxide, Tin oxide, Pearl calcium, Coral calcium, Iron oxide, Mercury sulfide

**Quality Parameters:** Multi-metal assay (gold, silver, tin, iron verified), standard Rasaushadhi tests, free metals below limits

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Honey, Amalaki Swarasa, milk, or Praval Pishti

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/vasant-kusumakar-rasa/

## 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.