Praval Pishti: Uses, Benefits and Side effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh

Introduction:

Rasa Shastra is the ancient Indian Alchemy that deals with preparing varieties of Ayurvedic formulations and medications benefiting humankind for centuries. One such Ayurvedic formulation is called Praval pishti. Pishti is a finely ground powder of raw materials that cannot tolerate heat treatment. Pishti has fineness and softness with a distinct colour. Praval, also known as Coral, is a naturally occurring form of calcium and mineral. Praval belongs to the species Coelenterate (cup-shaped aquatic animals). Praval is a type of tiny marine organism found in tropical oceans. It produces a high amount of calcium carbonate to form a solid skeleton. They appear deep red due to their iron-calcium carbonate complex. It has a soft and smooth texture with a long and bulky branch. Praval is described under the Sudha Varga (group of calcium drugs). Ancient Acharyas used to make Praval pishti. Coral Praval pishti is an Ayurvedic preparation made from coral with edible rose water (Gulab Jal). Let us learn more about the potential uses of Praval pishti, its benefits, side effects and more.​^1–3​ 

Did you know?

• Praval Pishti is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions like acidity and heartburn. source: nyc.gov
• Praval Pishti is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. source: nyc.gov
• Praval Pishti is also used in Ayurveda to promote healthy digestion and improve calcium absorption. source: nyc.gov
• Praval Pishti is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions like ulcers, and bleeding disorders. source: nyc.gov
• Praval Pishti is made from coral and is known for its cooling and calming properties. source: nyc.gov

Nutritional Value of Praval Pishti:

Praval pishti is composed of two major ingredients, including coral calcium and rose water. ^2,3 

The nutrients of Praval pishti may include: 

• Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃): 20% 
• Magnesium: 10% 

Properties of Praval Pishti:

Praval pishti may include the following health-benefitting properties: 

• It may have cooling properties. 
• It may have a soothing effect (on the body). 
• It may benefit mental health. 
• It may act as a digestive stimulant. 
• It may have an anti-osteoporosis effect (may recover bone-mineral density). 
• It may have an anti-inflammatory effect. 
• It may act as an expectorant (help remove cough).​^1–3,5–8​ 

Potential Uses of Praval Pishti:

The following may be the potential uses of Praval pishti: 

1. Potential Uses of Praval Pishti for Osteoporosis

Our bones are made up of calcium. At the same time, calcium deficiency makes our bones weak and brittle, directly affecting our bone health and leading to osteoporosis. Praval pishti is a natural source of calcium carbonate and trace minerals. A study by Lonsdorf 1995, suggests that Praval pishti may provide enough calcium to the body and help restore bone mineral density. Hence, Praval pishti might help the bone formation and benefit against osteoporosis.^5,8 However, this information is insufficient; more human research is needed to develop the uses of Praval pishti for osteoporosis. If you have osteoporosis, consult a qualified physician and get proper treatment. Do not self-medicate. 

2. Potential Uses of Praval Pishti for Teeth

Teeth are composed of approximately 99% calcium. The natural sources of calcium may include coral calcium. Coral calcium products such as Praval pishti are derived from the coral exoskeleton (external body). Praval pishti may be composed of calcium carbonate and magnesium. Praval pishti may be used as a calcium supplement for maintaining the integrity of tooth enamel.​⁴​ However, this claim needs to be validated in humans; therefore, more studies are required. If you have dental problems, consult a qualified dentist. 

3.Potential Uses of Praval Pishti for Hot Flashes

Women in their fifties often experience hot flashes, sweating, and mood swings affecting their quality of life. A clinical study conducted on women by Modi et al., 2012 found that Praval pishti might have a cooling and soothing effect on the body. Praval pishti is a herbal preparation that might help regulate certain hormones that cause hot flashes and sweating. It may also help overcome Pitta aggravation and calcium deficiency experienced by women.⁶ However, more studies are required to successfully use Praval pishti to overcome hot flashes; consult your doctors if you experience such a problem.  

4. Potential Uses of Praval Pishti for Digestion 

Herbal preparations such as churna, bhasma and pishti have been used for various digestive problems. A literature study by Satpute et al., 2021 describes that Praval pishti may have digestive properties. In addition, ayurvedic preparations like Praval pishti may provide a good amount of calcium and minerals, increasing bile juice production and enhancing the functions of the digestive system.^2,3 We need more research to develop the uses of Praval pishti for human health. If you have digestive issues, consult a specialist and do not self-medicate. 

Other Potential Uses of Praval Pishti

• Praval pishti may have a cooling and soothing effect on the body.¹  
• A Literature review by Khairnar et al., 2017 suggests that Praval pishti may be used in mental conditions like psychoneurosis (a personality disorder recognized by disturbed emotions, fears and depression.).¹  
• Praval pishti contains rose water. An animal study by Samyak et al., 2015 found that it may have analgesic properties that might help overcome pain in the body.³ 
• Praval pishti may have anti-inflammatory properties; it might help lower body temperature and relieve high fever, as observed during the cold and cough.⁷ 

Though studies show the potential uses of Praval pishti in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to develop the scope of the benefits of Praval pishti on human health.  

I have some interesting information to share about the effect of Praval pishti along with other herbal formulas. When tested on rats, it showed positive effects on learning and memory formation. These findings suggest that along with other herbal formulas, Praval pishti may have the potential to enhance memory and cognitive abilities. However, further studies are required to properly understand its impacts.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

How to Use Praval Pishti?

You may use Praval pishti in tablet form and taken with water. 

You should consult a qualified doctor before having Praval pishti in large quantities. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing modern medical treatment with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation of praval pishti without consulting an ayurvedic physician. They will guide you with its form and dosage per your health condition. 

Did you know that Praval is used in Ayurveda for its varied medicinal properties? To the best of my knowledge, Praval is used in the form of Bhasma and Pishti. Traditionally, it has been used to manage various diseases like kshay (tuberculosis), kasa (cough), raktpita (bleeding disorders), and timir (vision problems).

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Side Effects of Praval Pishti:

There is no scientific evidence suggesting the side effects of Praval pishti in humans. However, 

• Praval pishti contains calcium carbonate; excess intake might increase the calcium level in the body (hypercalcemia), affecting various bodily systems.⁴  
• Praval pishti may contain traces of lead and toxic substances that may cause concern for its safety in humans.⁴ 
• Excess calcium may cause constipation, gas, bloating and flatulence.⁴  

Therefore, take it under medical supervision to avoid harmful effects. In case you encounter any side effects, consult your doctors. 

Precautions to Take with Praval Pishti:

Taking Praval pishti at a prescribed dose might be safe. However, eating in larger amounts is not advisable. Below are precautions that need to be followed:  

• People should not use Praval pishti to self-medicate on their own. It is essential to take a doctor’s advice and have it if prescribed. 
• Pregnant and lactating women must consult Ayurvedic doctors before having Praval pishti to avoid any complications. 
• One must take medical advice while giving it to small children and the elderly as it might produce harmful effects on their health. 

Interactions with Other Drugs:

No major study reports the interactions of Praval pishti with other drugs. However, it may contain traces of lead and other heavy metals, which might cause interactions with other drugs.⁴  

More research is needed to study such interactions. Therefore, you should avoid having Praval pishti with any medicine to avoid herb-drug interactions. It is better to consult with doctors before having Praval pishti.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

References:

1. Khairnar DrB, Barve M, Khedekar S, Sawant P. A Review on Pishti Kalpana. J of Ayur and Integr Med Sci. 2017;2(02):212–4. Available from: https://www.jaims.in/jaims/article/view/169 

2. Satpute M, Rathi B, Wanjari A. Comparative Pharmaceutical Standardization and Oral Bioavailability Study on Praval Pishti and Praval Bhasma J of Pharma Res Interna. 2021;54–60. Available from: https://journaljpri.com/index.php/JPRI/article/view/2522/5053 

3. Thakare P, Deshbhratar K, Suryawanshi M. A Brief Review on Therapeutic Effects of – “Ornamental Plant” Ros. Intern J of Ayur and Pharma Res. 2017;5(12):46–52. Available from: https://ijapr.in/index.php/ijapr/article/download/816/711/ 

​4. Trailokya A, Srivastava A, Bhole M, Zalte N. Calcium and Calcium Salts. J of the Associa of Physi of India. 2017; 65:100–3. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nitin-Zalte/publication/313717335_Calcium_and_Calcium_Salts/links/5b4db379aca27217ff9b5da5/Calcium-and-Calcium-Salts.pdf

​5. Ramaswamy Sandhiya. Ayurveda-An ancient healing system’s gifts to the Modern Woman. California College of Ayur. 2010;1–43. Available from: https://www.ayurvedacollege.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Ayurveda-SandhiyaRamaswamy.pdf 

​6. Modi M, Donga S, Dei L. Clinical evaluation of Ashokarishta, Ashwagandha Churna and Praval Pishti in the management of menopausal syndrome . Ayujournal. 2012;33(4):511–6. Available from: https://www.proquest.com/openview/80d067d8c48b14a55b50b9770073a4c1/1.pdf?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2035636 

​7. Balkrishna A, Verma S, Sharma P, Tomer M, Srivastava J, Varshney A. Comprehensive and rapid quality evaluation method for the ayurvedic medicine Divya-Swasari-vati using two analytical techniques: UPLC/QToF MS and HPLC-DAD. Pharmaceuticals.2021;14(4):297. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/14/4/297 

​8. Kumar P, Prof A. Ayurvedic Management of Sandhivata (Janu Sandhi): A Case Report. Intern J of Ayurv and Herbal Med. 2017;7(5):2866–28705. Available from: https://web.archive.org/web/20180602181959id_/http://interscience.org.uk/images/article/v7-i5/3ijahm.pdf  

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