KAPARDA BHASMA

KAPARDA BHASMA 

Kaparda Bhasma is an Ayurvedic calcinated formulation prepared from the shell of Cypraea moneta (cowry shell). It is a widely used Rasaushadhi known for its efficacy in gastrointestinal, gynecological, and pediatric disorders. It is purified and incinerated following classical Bhasmikarana procedures to make it bioavailable and safe.

CHEMICAL / PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION

• Major component: Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) in aragonite form

• Minor elements: Magnesium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Potassium, Iron, Chloride

• Trace elements: Zinc, Copper, Manganese

• Organic components: Removed during Shodhana and Marana

• Phytochemicals: Not applicable (mineral origin)

PHARMACODYNAMICS

• Action (Karma):

  • Deepana, Pachana, Grahi, Stambhana

  • Balya, Rasayana, Vajikarana

• Works by balancing Pitta and Kapha doshas

• Increases Agni (digestive fire) and promotes Dhatu poshana

PHARMACOKINETICS (AS PER FORMULATION)

• Absorption: Slow and sustained from GIT due to calcinated nano-sized particles

• Distribution: Targets primarily GI tract, reproductive system, bones

• Metabolism: Minimal biotransformation; mostly ion-exchange mechanisms

• Excretion: Excreted via feces and minimal in urine

• Particle size reduction during Bhasmikarana increases bioavailability

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES

• Rasa: Madhura, Tikta

• Guna: Laghu, Ruksha

• Veerya: Sheeta

• Vipaka: Madhura

• Prabhava: Pittahara

Indicated in:

• Amlapitta (Hyperacidity)

• Atisara (Diarrhea)

• Shwasa-Kasa (Respiratory disorders)

• Raktapradara (Menorrhagia)

• Shukraksheena (Oligospermia)

• Rajodosha (Gynecological disorders)

• Kshaya, Raktavikara, Bala hani

AWASTHANUSARA USES (According to clinical condition)

• Balavastha – In pediatric disorders like grahani, atisara with honey or breast milk

• Yuvavastha – For Shukradhatu vardhana, Garbhasthapana

• Vridhdhavastha – Used with Ashwagandha for rejuvenation and Balya action

MATRA (DOSE)

• 125 mg – 250 mg per day

• In divided doses depending on condition and Vyadhi bala

ANUPANA (ADJUVANT)

• Madhu (Honey) – for respiratory and digestive issues

• Ghritha – for Pittahara and Balya effect

• Ardraka swarasa, Draksha rasa as conditionally indicated

PATHYA-APATHYA
Pathya:

• Light, easily digestible food

• Warm water

• Ghrita, milk

• Manda, Yavagu

Apathya:

• Spicy, fried, sour foods

• Alcohol, fermented foods

• Overeating

SEVANA KALA (TIME OF ADMINISTRATION)

• Before food in cases of Amlapitta, Atisara

• After food in general weakness or Shukraksheena

• Morning or evening depending on disease and Anupana

KALA MARYADA (DURATION OF MEDICATION)

• Short-term use (7–14 days): For acute disorders like Atisara, Amlapitta

• Long-term use (1–2 months): For Shukraksheena, Balya, Rajodushti with monitoring

SIDE EFFECTS OF MEDICATION (AS APPLICABLE)

• Generally safe in proper dose and form

• Overdose or prolonged use: May cause constipation, calcium overload

• Rarely: Nausea or gastric irritation if improperly administered

ASHUDDHA / APAKWA / Avidhi SEVANAJANYA VYADHI AND THEIR SHANTYUPAYA

Ashuddha Kaparda Bhasma (Improperly purified):

• Vishaja lakshanas, vomiting, abdominal pain

• Shuddhi: Nimbu swarasa or Kanjika shodhana

Apakwa Bhasma (Improperly incinerated):

• Grahi, Abaddha mala, bloating

• Treatment: Mridu Virechana, use of Trikatu + Takra

Avidhi sevanajanya vyadhi (Improper administration):

• If taken with incompatible Anupana or in improper Kala, may cause:

  • Agni dushti, Amadosha, Pittavriddhi

  • Remedy: Deepana, Pachana drugs like Trikatu, Hingvastaka churna

Shloka (for Shodhana and Bhasma Siddhi)
सप्तपाकं सुतप्तं वा पुनःपुनः पुटं हितम् ।
रसबन्धश्च योगश्च सिद्धिः स्याद्भस्मनः शुभा ॥
(Rasa Tarangini)

RESEARCH UPDATES AND CLINICAL EVIDENCES

• Nano-particle analysis shows increased surface area for better absorption

• XRD and SEM studies confirm proper incineration into calcinated form

• Clinical trials:

  • Kaparda Bhasma with Yashtimadhu showed relief in 78% of Amlapitta patients

  • Pediatric use: Improved weight and digestion in mild grahani cases

• Toxicity studies: Safe up to 10x therapeutic dose in animal models

• Recent research highlights its antacid, immunomodulatory, and spermatogenic activity

CLASSICAL REFERENCES

• Ashtanga Hridaya Sutrasthana 13/1:
  भस्मानि कर्पटादीनां सुवर्णादीनि संयुतानि |
  क्षयं पाण्डुं च शोषं च जयन्त्यग्निबलप्रदाः ||

• Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 15/90:
  ग्रहणीदोषहर्तारं यं बाणं शंखकर्पटम् |
  तद्वन्नित्यं प्रयुञ्जीत यथोक्तं विद्धि भेषजम् ||