# Shankha Bhasma

> Shankha Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. [Pharmaceutical Standardization and Physicochemical Characterization of Traditional Ayurvedic Marine Drug: Incinerated Conch Shell (Shankha Bhasma)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30445775/). PMID [30445775](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30445775/) · [doi:10.3390/md16110450](https://doi.org/10.3390/md16110450) Standardized compressed tablet form developed.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Shankha Bhasma](/herb/shankha-bhasma/) |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as predominant constituent
- Calcium oxide (CaO) formed during calcination
- Trace [strontium](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#strontium), [magnesium](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#magnesium), sodium
- Marine-derived trace minerals
- Organic matrix residues from shell protein (conchiolin)

## How does it work?

- Antacid action through direct acid neutralization by calcium carbonate and calcium oxide, buffering gastric pH and providing rapid relief from hyperacidity
- Gastroprotective effect through formation of protective calcium layer on gastric mucosa, shielding against acid and pepsin damage
- Calcium supplementation via marine-derived bioavailable calcium supporting bone metabolism, muscle contraction, and nerve impulse transmission
- Pitta-shamana (Pitta-pacifying) action through alkaline pH correction and reduction of Pitta-predominant digestive fire excess

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Hyperacidity and GERD (Amlapitta): Clinical study confirmed significant GERD symptom resolution (p < 0.005) with lemon-purified [Shankha Bhasma](/herb/shankha-bhasma/)
- Digestive disorders (Agnimandya, Ajirna): High acid neutralization capacity validated traditional use as digestive aid and antacid
- Calcium deficiency: Marine-derived bioavailable calcium content supports traditional use for bone health and Asthi Dhatu nourishment

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Chavan S, Tayade S, Gupta V and others 2018. [Pharmaceutical Standardization and Physicochemical Characterization of Traditional Ayurvedic Marine Drug: Incinerated Conch Shell (Shankha Bhasma)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30445775/). *Marine drugs*. PMID [30445775](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30445775/) · [doi:10.3390/md16110450](https://doi.org/10.3390/md16110450)  
  Standardized compressed tablet form developed. Calcium content estimation and acid neutralization capacity confirmed strong antacid properties. Physicochemical parameters established for quality control.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- GENERALLY SAFE: Properly prepared Shankha Bhasma contains negligible heavy metals and passes classical safety tests (Varitara, Rekhapurna)
- MILD SIDE EFFECTS: Possible mild constipation, alkaline reflux, or hypercalcemia with overdosage
- NO TOXIC METALS: Marine shell-based preparation without intentional toxic metal content. Lower contamination risk compared to metallic Bhasmas.
- PURIFICATION METHOD MATTERS: Lemon-purified Shankha Bhasma showed superior clinical efficacy vs sour gruel-purified, indicating preparation quality directly affects outcomes

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Calcium carbonate (CaCO3):** Major component (conch shell)
- **Calcium (Ca):** ~38%
- **Magnesium (Mg):** Trace
- **Strontium (Sr):** Trace

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Bhasma

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

**Bioavailability:** Good; calcium carbonate from conch shell with natural coral matrix

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals for hyperacidity; with meals for calcium supplementation

**Standardized Extract:** Calcined conch shell bhasma

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite

**Storage:** Airtight, dry container

**Marker Compounds:** Calcium carbonate (95%), Calcium phosphate, Trace strontium and magnesium

**Quality Parameters:** Calcium >35%, standard bhasma tests, no marine contaminants

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Honey, warm water, or lemon juice

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

## 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.