Age Ayurveda Nighantu

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/).

Key facts
Substance typeMineral or metal preparation, not a plant
Also known asMukta Pishti, MuktaPishti

Names and identification

LanguageName
EnglishMukta 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 and cardiac calming: Conchiolin 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?

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 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, 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

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

  1. 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 ulcerJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 39828143 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2025.119378

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.