# Shukti Bhasma

> Shukti Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists. Relatively low contamination risk.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Shukti Bhasma](/herb/shukti-bhasma/) |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as predominant constituent
- Calcium phosphate
- [Magnesium](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#magnesium) oxide (MgO)
- Aluminium oxide (Al2O3)
- Organic matter (conchiolin protein matrix residues)

## How does it work?

- Antacid and gastroprotective action through calcium carbonate-mediated acid neutralization and mucosal barrier formation in the stomach and duodenum
- Calcium supplementation through bioavailable marine-derived calcium supporting bone mineralization, with 2.5% lumbar spine density improvement demonstrated in clinical study
- Pitta-shamana (cooling) action through alkaline buffering of Pitta-excess states including hyperacidity, inflammatory conditions, and burning sensations
- Mucosal healing through calcium and trace mineral provision supporting epithelial cell regeneration in peptic ulcer and gastritis conditions

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Hyperacidity and peptic ulcer (Amlapitta): 68% symptom reduction in heartburn validated in clinical trial, confirming traditional antacid use
- Osteoporosis and bone disorders (Asthi Kshaya): 2.5% lumbar spine BMD improvement in 25 osteopenic subjects over 6 months validates calcium supplementation claim
- Respiratory and musculoskeletal diseases: Cross-system review (Ayurveda, Siddha) confirms traditional use for diverse conditions including respiratory and joint disorders

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*4 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

- SAFE AT RECOMMENDED DOSES: 125-250 mg once or twice daily considered safe under medical supervision
- MILD SIDE EFFECTS: Overuse may cause dryness or constipation due to calcium carbonate excess
- NO TOXIC METALS: Marine shell-based preparation without intentional toxic heavy metal content. Relatively low contamination risk.
- MEDICAL SUPERVISION REQUIRED: Self-medication discouraged. Dose should be adjusted based on individual calcium needs and serum calcium levels.

## 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:** Bhasma

**Standard Dosage:** 250–500 mg

**Bioavailability:** Good; oyster shell calcium with natural biomineral matrix

**Optimal Timing:** With meals

**Standardized Extract:** Calcined pearl oyster shell bhasma

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite

**Storage:** Airtight container

**Marker Compounds:** Calcium carbonate (aragonite), Conchiolin (protein matrix), Trace minerals

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

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Honey or warm water

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