Rasa-Shastra, a specialized branch of Ayurveda

Rasa-Shastra is a specialized branch of Ayurveda. It deals with therapeutics of metals-gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, lead and zinc-for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Mercury is the main ingredient of this therapy. It contains substances of mineral, plant & animal origin, which are moderately to severely toxic to the human body. However an intriguing and tedious methodology of preparation converts these into a medicinal form. Over the years clinical data has been generated in the treatment of certain forms of cancer, chronic inflammatory, and immunological disorders. The observational and controlled studies have established the prima fascia evidence for the efficacy of Metal Based Ayurvedic Therapy (MBAT) without causing side effects. Collaborative studies are in progress to understand and standardize process methodology and chemistry of the final product to ascertain the reproducibility. Simultaneously, treatments are being made available through proficiently trained Dispensing Ayurvedic Physicians.