Manikya Pishti
Manikya Pishti is a pishti, a ruby preparation made by fine grinding rather than calcination.
| Substance type | Mineral or metal preparation, not a plant |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Manikya Pishti, ManikyaPishti |
The evidence at a glance
1paper on this site for this drug, every one with a DOI.
- 1Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people.true See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Manikya Pishti |
How does it work?
- Anticancer: 70nm aluminum oxide nanoparticles induce mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells through loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release, and caspase cascade activation - a genuine nanomedicine mechanism
- Immunomodulatory: Ruby nanoparticles may interact with immune cells to enhance innate immunity; the chromium trace content could play a role in glucose metabolism regulation
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Immunostimulation and tuberculosis (Rajayakshma): traditionally used to enhance immunity and for Rajayakshma. Studies on ruby nanoparticles have reported anticancer and apoptotic activity.
- Cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection: traditionally used for improving Buddhi (intellect) and Smriti (memory). Preclinical studies have reported neuroprotective effects.
What do recent studies show?
- Jha S, Trivedi V 2021. Manikya Bhasma is a nanomedicine to affect cancer cell viability through induction of apoptosis. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 33358658 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2020.11.001
Manikya Bhasma (70nm particles) reduced viability of MDAMB-231, HeLa, HCT-116, DLD-1, and MG-63 cancer cells with IC50 of 105.73-155.47 micrograms/ml. Cell death followed mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis involving loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release, caspase activation, and DNA degradation.
Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.
Recent safety updates
- Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) is the primary component - while generally considered inert and safe at low doses, chronic aluminum exposure has been controversially linked to neurodegenerative conditions
- Preclinical toxicity study showed safety of traditionally prepared formulation in rats, but long-term human safety data is lacking
- The nanoparticle size (70nm) raises questions about tissue penetration and accumulation that are relevant to modern nanotoxicology frameworks
- Must be taken strictly under medical supervision at the dose given under Dosage; exceeding recommended doses not advised
What is it made of?
Mineral/Elemental Profile
- Aluminum oxide (Al2O3): Major component (ruby, corundum)
- Aluminum (Al): ~53%
- Chromium (Cr): Trace (gives red color)
- Iron (Fe): Trace
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Pishti
Standard Dosage: 15–30 mg (precious stone, precise dosing)
Optimal Timing: With honey or cream of milk
Storage: Airtight, premium container
Marker Compounds: Aluminium oxide (corundum), Chromium (gives red color), Trace elements
Vehicle (Anupana): Honey, Malai, or as part of Ratna (gem) formulations
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Laboratory and animal studies1
- 2021. Manikya Bhasma is a nanomedicine to affect cancer cell viability through induction of apoptosisJournal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 33358658 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2020.11.001
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.