Synoptic review on Amavatari Rasa: A herbomineral formulation for rheumatoid arthritis

Amavatari Rasa (AR) is a well-known Kharaliya Rasayana that is frequently used in various diseases including Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis). AR has not been mentioned in Bruhattrayi and described by Rasendra Chintamani by Dhundhukanatha in 15th century for the first time, and amended for many times till today. Because of its efficacy and demand in clinical settings, many pharmaceutical companies are preparing this formulation and easily available in the market. But it is important to know details of the medicines one using in their clinical practice. This study was planned to get thorough idea related to its composition, method of preparation, therapeutic uses, organoleptic and physico-chemical parameters through various references. Various Rasa classics having same ingredients of AR or having name as Vatari Rasa or AR with different ingredients were reviewed. Rasapanchaka (Ayurveda principles of drug action) and Dosha Karma (therapeutic action) of ingredients were compiled from Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Available published articles were searched through Research gate, J-gate, Google scholar, Dhara and Pubmed for its organoleptic and analytical parameters. It was found that AR has been described in 12 classical texts. Among these texts, AR has been mentioned by different names and ingredients in nine texts. Dose for AR is given as 6 Gunja (750 mg), whereas Vatari Rasa is given as 1 Karsha (12 g). Difference in Anupana (liquid to be taken along with medicine) was also found in Vatari Rasa and AR. Screening through various texts revealed that references related to AR are available in 12 texts with few modifications inferring its efficacy in mentioned diseases since many years. This work may prove a torch bearer for future research works on Amavatari Rasa.