Therapeutic Indications of Shankha Bhasma: A Review

Abstract

Shankha Bhasma is a calcium containing formulation which is widely prescribes in practice since ancient time. In the classics of Rasa shastra, Shankha Bhasma recognized as a sole medicines primarily in the treatment of (gastrointestinal disorders) like Amlapitta(~hyperacidity), Grahani(~irritable bowel syndrome), Udarshula (~abdominal colic), Parinamshula(~duodenal ulcer) and Atisara(~diarrhoea). Moreover, Shankha Bhasma provides a good supplementation of calcium as properly manufactured Bhasma. Here an attempt has been made to compile the formulations of Shankha Bhasma in context of different classics, therapeutic indications and recent research works etc. Total 46 formulations are found during the study. By this effort formulations of Shankha Bhasma can be found collectively and could be used widely to get better efficacy to cure the many diseases.

Preliminary Evidence on Effectiveness of Raktda (Ma 321), an Ayurvedic Supplement, for Optimum Management of Anaemia – A Short Review

“…These herbs also work on Yakrut (Liver) which is the site of Ranjak Pitta responsible for production of red blood cells and its color. 2) Pitta Dosha (Metabolism): The combination of Sudha Chaturthak (Praval Pishti [33] , Muktashukti Pishti [34] , Varatika Bhasma [35] , and Shankh Bhasma [36] ) along with Giloy Sattva [16] reduce the Dravibhuta Sam Pitta (Liquefied Pitta), a main component of Samprapti (Acquisition) of Pandu Rog; 3) Rasa Dhatu (Nutritive Fluid) -Shankh Bhasma [36] , Yashtimadhu [37] , Chuhhara [38] , Pippali [39] , and Mishri stimulate nutrition; 4) Rakta Dhatu (Blood): Kant Lauh Bhasma [40] and Mandoor Bhasma [41] provide direct nutrition and better iron absorption. 5) Rasayana (Homeostasis): Shudh Shilajeet [42] , Amalaki [43] , and Pippali [39] form a potent Rasayana which prevents Rakta Kshaya (Blood Deficiency) due to Rasa Kshaya (Nutritive Fluid Deficiency).…”

Pharmaceutical Standardization and Physicochemical Characterization of Traditional Ayurvedic Marine Drug: Incinerated Conch Shell (Shankha Bhasma)

“…It also showed in vivo dose dependent protection against gastric ulcer and anti-peroxidative effect without altering serum calcium level, but additional mucin production as compared to standard Ranitidine [9]. It has also shown antispasmodic effect on acetylcholine induced excised rat ileum compared to atropine, therapeutic response to acetic acid induced writhing test in rats and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity related to inhibition of protein denaturation [10]. However, protocol standardization and characterization data which are the basis of further investigations are found to be insufficient in the literature.…”