Abstract

ADVERSE EFFECTS OF METALLIC RASA DRAVYAS WITH THEIR ANTIDOTES ACCORDING TO RASA JALA NIDHI – A NARRATIVE REVIEW

*Saumya Gupta, Shraddha N. Dhundi, Prashant D. Math

Abstract

Background: Rasa Shastra, a specialized branch of Ayurveda, extensively employs metals and minerals for therapeutic purposes. Despite their clinical efficacy, improper processing, dosage errors, or prolonged use of metallic Rasa Dravyas may lead to Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR). The Rasa JalaNidhi, an authoritative 20th-century treatise authored by Bhudev Mukherjee, provides a systematic documentation of these toxic manifestations alongside their specific Pratyoushadha (antidotes). Aim: To critically analyze the adverse effects of improperly prepared metallic medicines and the corresponding management protocols as described by B. Mukherjee in Rasa JalaNidhi. Materials and Methods: A critical literature review was conducted to investigate the toxic manifestations and management protocols associated with metallic Rasa Dravyas. The study focuses exclusively on a thematic analysis of the classical text Rasa JalaNidhi to synthesize and evaluate its established clinical guidelines. Results: The study identifies that the majority of metallic toxicities arise from incomplete Shodhana. Bhudev Mukherjee meticulously details symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal distress to systemic organ failure, prescribing specific herbal decoctions, dairy products, and minerals as immediate antidotes to neutralize these bioaccumulative effects. Conclusion: The documentation of adverse reactions and their antidotes in Rasa JalaNidhi highlights the well-established safety framework in Rasa Shastra. Understanding these classical guidelines is essential for the rational, safe, and effective clinical application of metallic formulations. Further scientific validation may strengthen the global acceptability of Rasa Aushadhis.

Keywords: Antidote, Rasa JalaNidhi, Metallic toxicity, Adverse drug reactions, Pratyoushadha.