VASANTA KUSUMAKARA RASA: A MICRONUTRIENT-RICH RASAYANA FORMULTI-PRONGED DIABETES MANAGEMENT

Aims and Objectives: To explore the therapeutic potential of Vasanta kusumakara Rasa (VKR), a classical Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation, in the management of metabolic disorders, especially diabetes mellitus. The objective is to assess VKR’s mechanism of action beyond conventional hypoglycemic effects and reposition it as a metabolic enhancer based on modern pharmacological insights. Materials and Methods: This is a nar-rative review that synthesizes classical Ayurvedic references, pharmacognostic analyses, and recent biomedi-cal studies. Sources include Ayurvedic compendia and peer-reviewed literature examining VKR's pharmacody-namic properties, particularly its effects on oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and micronutrient regulation. Dis-cussion: Traditionally classified as Pramehaghna (anti-diabetic), VKR is rich in metals and minerals like gold, silver, calcium, and iron, which demonstrate antioxidants, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective effects. Cur-rent evidence indicates that VKR does not act solely as a glucose-lowering agent. Instead, it improves systemic metabolic functions by correcting underlying imbalances. This repositioning highlights its role in modulating oxidative stress and restoring micronutrient homeostasis, thereby supporting broader metabolic regulation. VKR’s adaptogenic and rejuvenative actions align with its classical designation as a Rasayana, making it suita-ble for long-term use, including in prediabetic states and diabetic complications. Conclusion: VKR should be considered a metabolic enhancer rather than a direct hypoglycemic drug. This expanded understanding supports its use as an adjuvant therapy in diabetes care and calls for further clinical studies to validate its integrative role in treating multipronged diabetes.