# Akika Pishti

> Akika Pishti is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Akik Pishti |

## How does it work?

- Pitta-pacifying cooling action: [Silica](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#silica)-based mineral matrix provides systemic cooling effect, calming aggravated Pitta dosha in conditions of heat, inflammation, and acute irritability
- Cardiac tonic: Trace minerals (iron, [magnesium](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#magnesium), calcium) in the agate matrix support cardiovascular function; the cooling property reduces stress-related cardiac symptoms
- [Hemostatic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hemostatic): [Silicon](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#silicon) dioxide and trace minerals may contribute to strengthening vascular walls and supporting coagulation, relevant to traditional use in bleeding disorders

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Pitta disorders (heat, inflammation, irritability): The cooling mineral composition of silica-based agate provides mechanistic rationale for Pitta-pacifying claims, though rigorous clinical validation is lacking
- Cardiac conditions and bleeding disorders: Trace mineral content (iron, magnesium, calcium) provides partial mechanistic support, but no controlled clinical trials specifically validate these indications

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- GENERALLY SAFE for oral ingestion: Silicon dioxide is classified as safe when taken orally at recommended doses; no significant toxicity concerns at therapeutic doses
- CRITICAL WARNING: Must NOT be inhaled - inhalation of silica powder can cause silicosis, a serious and irreversible lung fibrosis condition
- Lab testing should verify heavy metal levels (lead, arsenic, mercury) are within Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia limits, as natural agate may contain trace impurities depending on geological source
- Clinical trial evidence is extremely limited - most data comes from small observational studies, case reports, or animal experiments

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Calcined mineral/metal oxide (after Shodhana and Marana)
- **Particle size:** Sub-micron to nanoparticle range
- **Note:** Exact composition depends on source material and preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES/ICP-MS, SEM-EDS, Particle size analysis, Namburi phased spot test

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Pishti (fine trituration with rose water)

**Standard Dosage:** 125–250 mg twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Superior to bhasma due to low-temperature processing retaining natural matrix

**Optimal Timing:** With honey, cream of milk (Malai), or Gulkand

**Standardized Extract:** Agate stone triturated with Gulab Jal (rose water) — cold-processed

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite

**Storage:** Airtight container; cool, dry place

**Marker Compounds:** Silicon dioxide (chalcedony), Iron oxide, Trace minerals

**Quality Parameters:** Particle size <50 μm (Pishti fineness), heavy metals within AYUSH limits

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Honey, Gulkand, cream of milk (Malai), or pomegranate juice

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/akika-pishti/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.