# Kshara Parpati

> Kshara Parpati is a rasa preparation, a herbo-mineral formulation of the rasa shastra tradition. Mutrashmari (urinary calculi/kidney stones) - traditional use supported by comparative clinical study showing litholytic and diuretic efficacy Mutrakrichra (dysuria/painful urination) - traditional primary indication validated through pharmaceutical review and clinical practice observations

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in Siddha Yoga Sangraha; recognized as a classical Ayurvedic Parpati Kalpana; included in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI); classified under mineral preparations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Kshara Parpati](/herb/kshara-parpati/) |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Siddha Yoga Sangraha, Ashmari Mutrakrichra Adhikara (Urinary Stones and Dysuria Chapter)

## How does it work?

- Surya Kshara ([potassium](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#potassium) nitrate) acts as a potent alkalizing agent, increasing urinary pH to dissolve uric acid and calcium oxalate stones
- [Diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) action of potassium nitrate increases urine volume, flushing out small calculi and preventing new stone formation
- Sphatika (alum) has astringent and antiseptic properties, reducing urinary tract inflammation and infection
- Navasadara (ammonium chloride) has urine-acidifying properties at certain concentrations but in Parpati form acts synergistically as a balanced urinary modifier
- Antacid-like action in the GI tract alleviates dyspepsia and acid-related digestive disorders
- Parpati Kalpana (flake preparation) method ensures rapid dissolution and absorption in the GI tract

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Mutrashmari (urinary calculi/kidney stones) - traditional use supported by comparative clinical study showing litholytic and diuretic efficacy
- Mutrakrichra (dysuria/painful urination) - traditional primary indication validated through pharmaceutical review and clinical practice observations

## 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

- This is a purely chemical/mineral formulation without iron - no iron overload risk
- Potassium nitrate (Surya Kshara) in high doses may cause methemoglobinemia; strict dose adherence essential (125-500 mg)
- Ammonium chloride may cause metabolic acidosis at high doses or in patients with renal impairment
- Heavy metal contamination is not a primary concern for this mineral-salt formulation, but quality testing should verify absence of contaminants
- Contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia, severe renal impairment, and cardiac conditions sensitive to potassium levels

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Parpati (flake form)

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

**Bioavailability:** Enhanced; Parpati form (thin flake) has increased surface area for absorption

**Optimal Timing:** With buttermilk ([Takra](/herb/takra/)) or rice water (Tandulodaka)

**Standardized Extract:** Kajjali melted with Kshara (alkaline substance) and poured on banana leaf

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite

**Storage:** Airtight, moisture-proof container

**Marker Compounds:** Mercury sulfide, Potassium/sodium carbonates (from Kshara), Sulfur

**Quality Parameters:** Thin flake formation, uniform thickness, standard Parpati tests, free mercury <1 ppm

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Buttermilk ([Takra](/herb/takra/)) — classical combination

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu)

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.