# Pravala Pishti

> Pravala Pishti is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. [Effect of Praval bhasma (Coral calx), a natural source of rich calcium on bone mineralization in rats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14527824/).

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Pravala Pishti](/herb/pravala-pishti/) |

## How does it work?

- Calcium supplementation: CaCO3 from coral provides bioavailable calcium for bone mineralization; the marine-derived form may have superior absorption compared to geological calcium carbonate due to trace mineral co-factors
- Acid-neutralizing antacid: Calcium carbonate directly neutralizes excess gastric HCl, providing rapid relief from hyperacidity - mechanistically identical to pharmaceutical antacids
- Pitta-pacifying and [hemostatic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hemostatic): The cooling property reduces Pitta-related bleeding disorders; calcium is essential for the coagulation cascade, supporting the traditional use in bleeding conditions

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Calcium deficiency and bone disorders: Preclinical study (2003) demonstrated prevention of calcium and estrogen deficit bone loss; multicenter clinical study (2020) supported safety and efficacy in menopausal calcium management
- Hyperacidity (Amlapitta) and bleeding disorders (Raktapitta): The calcium carbonate content provides direct mechanistic validation for antacid use; calcium's role in coagulation cascade supports the traditional hemostatic indication

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Reddy PN, Lakshmana M, Udupa UV 2003. [Effect of Praval bhasma (Coral calx), a natural source of rich calcium on bone mineralization in rats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14527824/). *Pharmacological research*. PMID [14527824](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14527824/) · [doi:10.1016/s1043-6618(03)00224-x](https://doi.org/10.1016/s1043-6618(03)00224-x)  
  Praval Bhasma was effective in the prevention of calcium and estrogen deficit bone loss in experimental models, supporting its use as a natural calcium supplement for bone health.

*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: Like [Mukta Pishti](/herb/mukta-pishti/), [Pravala Pishti](/herb/pravala-pishti/) is a non-toxic mineral preparation containing no heavy metals when properly prepared - essentially a natural coral calcium supplement
- Dose-dependent side effects: Excess intake (>2500 mg/day) can cause abdominal distension, flatulence, loss of appetite, and risk of kidney stone formation due to hypercalcemia
- Environmental concern: Coral harvesting raises ecological sustainability questions; sourcing from sustainable or cultivated coral stocks is recommended
- Quality control: Marine-derived products should be tested for marine pollutants, microbiological contamination, and heavy metal residues; GMP-certified sourcing essential

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Calcined mineral/metal oxide (after Shodhana and Marana)
- **Particle size:** Sub-micron to nanoparticle range
- **Note:** Exact composition depends on source material and preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES/ICP-MS, SEM-EDS, Particle size analysis, Namburi phased spot test

## Dosage forms and preparation

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

**Standard Dosage:** 250–500 mg twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Excellent; coral calcium carbonate with natural marine mineral matrix — one of the most bioavailable calcium forms

**Optimal Timing:** With honey or Malai; with meals for calcium supplementation

**Standardized Extract:** Red coral pishti — cold-processed coral calcium

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite

**Storage:** Airtight, dry container

**Marker Compounds:** Calcium carbonate (85–90%), [Magnesium](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#magnesium) (2–3%), [Strontium](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#strontium), Iron, Trace elements (70+ from marine origin)

**Quality Parameters:** Calcium >30%, magnesium >1%, standard pishti tests, coral authentication (not synthetic), marine pollutant screening

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

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