Background: Haratala is described as the Dhatu visha and it contains arsenic and sulfur. Arsenic is a heavy metal that may lead to acute or chronic heavy metal toxicity. Although Haratala is effective and popular as Rasamanikya, it is not used as Rasayana or therapeutic drug in routine practice either in pure or in Bhasma form. It is used as a main drug or an auxiliary drug to prepare formulation. Aim: To focus on the various utilities of Haratala, so that it can be safely used in the clinical practice in a wide range of indications. Review results: In the literature available, it is observed that along with therapeutic utility of Haratala, Haratala Bhasma is used as Rasayana. But arsenic present in Haratala may cause toxicity if shodhana and marana of Haratala are not conducted properly. It is observed from the previous research that shodhana may enhance the synergistic effect of Haratala in cellular apoptosis for the treatment of leukemia. Marana may provide safer bioassimilability before their use in most of the formulations in which it may act as an antagonist and subside the toxicity of the formulations. Conclusion: Haratala Bhasma is indicated in various disease conditions. Hence, it can be used as Avasthika Rasayana. But during its use, safety of the drug should be ensured by following proper shodhana and marana procedures. Clinical significance: Studies should be conducted to observe its efficacy in healthy individuals as Rasayana and in patients of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) as an adjuvant drug.

Shwetra (Vitiligo) is a skin disease which takes longer time to cure. It affects the external beauty of the body causing social stigma, shyness, loss of confidence, fear of comments marital problems, etc. The disease needs repeated shodhana and regular internal and external shaman chikitsa for longer duration. Objectives: To study the efficacy of Vishakalpa (Shwetra lepa) alone in the management of Shwetra and to provide a potent drug for sure and quick relief from Shwetra (vitiligo), this pilot study was carried out. Material and methods: Shwetra lepa was prepared and used as local application in 15 patients having newly diagnosed patches of vitiligo. The changes in shape, size and number of patches and VETI score was assessed before and after treatment. The data was analyzed with the help of parametric and non parametric tests. Results: Though there was no significant change in VETI score, minimal reduction in shape and size of patches, daha and kandu was observed with Shwetra lepa vati. Conclusion: One month study duration for local application of Shwetra lepa vati and sample size was found to be insufficient to prove the efficacy of Shwetra lepa. Hence it is recommended that Shwetra lepa should be used alone for longer period up to 6 to 9 months or it can be used along with repeated shodhana and continuous shamana chikitsa for 2 to 6 months for effective results.