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.
| Substance type | Mineral or metal preparation, not a plant |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Shukti Bhasma, ShuktiBhasma |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Shukti Bhasma |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as predominant constituent
- Calcium phosphate
- 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
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.