RASAYANA FORMULATIONS IN RASA SHASTRA: ANCIENT CONCEPTS AND MODERN EVIDENCE

Ayurveda

Background: Rasayana, one of Ayurveda’s core disciplines, aims to promote longevity, disease resistance, and healthy ageing. Rasa Shastra expands this pharmacopeia with potent herbo-mineral Rasayana formulations such as Swarna Bhasma, Abhraka Bhasma, Gandhaka Rasayana, Makardhwaja, and Rasasindura. Objective: To synthesize classical Ayurvedic concepts of Rasayana with contemporary analytical, preclinical, and clinical evidence, highlighting safety, mechanisms, and gaps. Methods: Narrative study of contemporary literature and classical treatises indexed in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and DOAJ, with an emphasis on toxicity, analytical characterization, and human investigations on the main Rasa-Rasayana. Results: Modern studies report that (i) Swarna Bhasma largely comprises elemental gold with crystalline nanoscale features; (ii) Abhraka Bhasma demonstrates distinct mineralogical profiles with emerging data on genotoxicity endpoints; (iii) Rasasindura is predominantly α-HgS with low solubility and distinct physicochemical signatures; (iv) Makardhwaja shows acceptable sub-chronic safety in rodent models at therapeutic multiples; and (v) Gandhaka Rasayana has early clinical signals in specific indications, with pediatric protocols underway. Conclusions: Classical Rasayana goals align with modern findings on immunomodulation, antioxidant effects, and improved bioavailability via nano-/sub-micron structuring. Stronger standardized trials and harmonized safety frameworks are needed to translate Rasayana into evidence-based integrative care.

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