# Kaharuba Pishti

> Kaharuba Pishti is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. [Characterization and antimicrobial study of Trinakantamani (Amber) Pishti](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35813362/). PMID [35813362](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35813362/) · [doi:10.4103/ayu.AYU_155_19](https://doi.org/10.4103/ayu.AYU_155_19) EDEX study showed Pishti particles reduced to 701nm from 1-2 micrometers raw size, potentially enhancing bioavailability.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Kaharuba Pishti](/herb/kaharuba-pishti/) |

## How does it work?

- [Hemostatic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hemostatic) (Rakta Stambhaka): Succinic acid and mineral traces contribute to astringent and blood-coagulation promoting effects; used traditionally in bleeding disorders including hemorrhoids, bloody diarrhea, and excessive menstruation
- Cardiotonic (Hridya): Succinic acid plays a role in the [citric acid](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#citric-acidcitric-acid) cycle (Krebs cycle) as succinate, supporting mitochondrial energy production in cardiac cells
- Anti-inflammatory: Succinic acid has documented anti-inflammatory properties; the amber matrix provides a slow-release delivery of this bioactive compound

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Bleeding disorders (Raktapitta, Raktarsha): The astringent and hemostatic properties of amber/succinic acid provide mechanistic support; traditional use in bloody diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and excessive menstruation is well-documented in clinical practice
- Heart tonic (Hridya): Succinic acid's role in the Krebs cycle and mitochondrial energy production provides modern biochemical validation for the traditional cardiotonic claim

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Joshi N, Ahuja MR, Rastogi GK and others 2020. [Characterization and antimicrobial study of Trinakantamani (Amber) Pishti](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35813362/). *Ayu*. PMID [35813362](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35813362/) · [doi:10.4103/ayu.AYU_155_19](https://doi.org/10.4103/ayu.AYU_155_19)  
  EDEX study showed Pishti particles reduced to 701nm from 1-2 micrometers raw size, potentially enhancing bioavailability. Heavy metals were below permissible limits. Microbial contamination within acceptable range. The nanoparticle size positions this as a form of traditional nanomedicine.

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

## Recent safety updates

- GENERALLY SAFE: Amber is fossilized tree resin with no heavy metal toxicity concerns; tested heavy metals (As, Hg, Cd, Pb) were below permissible limits
- Possibly safe for most people with no reported side effects at therapeutic doses; maximum daily dose should not exceed 1500 mg to avoid headache
- Microbial contamination and total microbial count found within permissible limits in analytical studies
- One of the safest Pishti preparations - no mercury, arsenic, or toxic metals; suitable for broader clinical use compared to rasa shastra formulations

## 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

**Standard Dosage:** 125–250 mg

**Bioavailability:** Moderate; amber resin in fine particle form

**Optimal Timing:** With honey or Arq Gulab

**Standardized Extract:** Amber (fossilized resin) pishti

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite

**Storage:** Airtight container

**Marker Compounds:** Succinic acid, Fossil resin compounds, Trace minerals

**Quality Parameters:** Standard pishti fineness, authenticity verification (amber fluorescence test)

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Honey, rose water

---

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