Kshara Parpati
Kshara Parpati is a rasa preparation, a herbo-mineral formulation of the rasa shastra tradition. It is traditionally used for Mutrashmari (urinary calculi/kidney stones). A comparative clinical study reported litholytic and diuretic activity. In classical practice, Mutrakrichra (dysuria/painful urination) is a primary traditional indication.
| Substance type | Herbo-mineral (rasa shastra) preparation, not a single plant |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Kshara Parpati, KsharaParpati |
| 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 |
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 nitrate) is held to act as an alkalizing agent, increasing urinary pH
- Diuretic action of potassium nitrate is proposed to increase urine volume
- 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
- Traditionally used in dyspepsia; an antacid-like action in the GI tract is proposed
- Parpati Kalpana (flake preparation) method ensures rapid dissolution and absorption in the GI tract
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Mutrashmari (urinary calculi/kidney stones): traditionally used for this condition. A comparative clinical study reported litholytic and diuretic activity.
- Mutrakrichra (dysuria/painful urination): a primary traditional indication in classical practice.
What do recent studies show?
No study for this section could be traced to a published paper. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.
Recent safety updates
- This formulation contains no 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
- The preparation contains mercury (as Kajjali); heavy-metal and free-mercury testing is essential
- 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
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Parpati (flake form)
Standard Dosage: 125–250 mg twice daily
Optimal Timing: With buttermilk (Takra) or rice water (Tandulodaka)
Storage: Airtight, moisture-proof container
Vehicle (Anupana): Buttermilk (Takra), classical combination
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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