# Mukta Pishti

> Mukta Pishti is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. [Anti-ulcerogenic activity of the marine-pearl derived medicine mukta Pishti in Rat model of pylorus ligation-induced peptic ulcer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39828143/).

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Mukta Pishti](/herb/mukta-pishti/) |

## How does it work?

- Acid-neutralizing and gastroprotective: Calcium carbonate (aragonite form) directly neutralizes gastric acid; the ultra-fine particle size from traditional trituration enhances surface area and buffering capacity
- [Anxiolytic](/reference/anxiolytic/) and cardiac calming: Conchiolin [peptides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#peptides) may cross the blood-brain barrier and modulate GABAergic and serotonergic neurotransmission; calcium supplementation stabilizes cardiac rhythm, reducing palpitations
- Pitta-pacifying cooling action: The high calcium content combined with organic pearl matrix provides systemic cooling effect; reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels, attenuating stress and improving sleep
- Bone mineralization support: Bioavailable calcium from aragonite form is absorbed and contributes to bone mineral density

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anxiety and palpitations (Hridrava, Chittodvega): Clinical practice evidence and mechanistic rationale (calcium-mediated cardiac stabilization, conchiolin peptide neurotransmitter modulation) support the traditional use for heart and mind calming
- Gastric disorders (Amlapitta, Parinamashoola): 2025 preclinical study validated anti-ulcerogenic activity; the calcium carbonate-based acid neutralization mechanism directly supports the traditional antacid use

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Balkrishna A, Sinha S, Shukla S and others 2025. [Anti-ulcerogenic activity of the marine-pearl derived medicine mukta Pishti in Rat model of pylorus ligation-induced peptic ulcer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39828143/). *Journal of ethnopharmacology*. PMID [39828143](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39828143/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jep.2025.119378](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.119378)  
  [Mukta Pishti](/herb/mukta-pishti/) treatment significantly reduced ulcer index in stomach region and protected against epithelial damages, hemorrhages, and edema induced by pylorus ligation. Demonstrated gastroprotective properties through multiple mechanisms.

*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: [Mukta Pishti](/herb/mukta-pishti/) is one of the safest Ayurvedic mineral preparations as it contains no heavy metals (mercury, arsenic, lead) - it is essentially a processed natural calcium supplement
- Likely safe in pregnancy at recommended doses; used traditionally for pregnancy-related Pitta conditions under physician guidance
- Dose-dependent caution: Exceeding 250 mg twice daily may cause bloating, constipation, or calcium imbalance; maximum recommended daily dose should not exceed 500 mg
- Quality control concern: Without proper Shodhana, impurities like aragonite microshards can damage GI lining - always use authenticated, laboratory-tested products from GMP-certified manufacturers

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Calcium carbonate (CaCO3):** Major component (pearl-derived, >90%)
- **Calcium (Ca):** ~38%
- **Conchiolin protein:** Trace (organic matrix)
- **Strontium (Sr):** Trace
- **Magnesium (Mg):** Trace

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Pishti, Bhasma (Mukta Bhasma also available)

**Standard Dosage:** 60–125 mg twice daily (Pishti); Bhasma: 30–60 mg

**Bioavailability:** Excellent; nacre calcium carbonate (aragonite) with protein matrix — 3× more bioavailable than limestone calcium

**Optimal Timing:** With honey, Malai, or Gulkand; best taken at bedtime for calming effect

**Standardized Extract:** Pearl pishti — cold-processed natural pearl preparation

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite

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

**Marker Compounds:** Calcium carbonate (aragonite 82–86%), Conchiolin protein (3–5%), [Magnesium](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#magnesium), [Strontium](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#strontium), Trace minerals

**Quality Parameters:** Calcium >30%, particle size <25 μm, nacre structure preserved (XRD verification), no synthetic pearl

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

### Stability Notes

Stable indefinitely if kept dry. Aragonite crystal structure maintained in Pishti; converts to calcite in Bhasma (heat-processed)

*Generated for the AgeAyurveda Herb Catalogue*

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