Shankha Bhasma Research Articles

An Ayurvedic approach towards management of Acute Pancreatitis: A Case Study

In acute pancreatitis, there is sudden inflammation of the pancreas, histologically characterized by the destruction of acinar cells, which can range from mild to life-threatening. A 22-year-old non-alcoholic male patient presented to the outpatient department (OPD) with acute abdominal pain, accompanied by heartburn and nausea. MRCP findings suggested acute pancreatitis, with a large heterogeneous collection observed along the body and tail of the pancreas in the lesser sac, containing internal debris and hemorrhagic contents indicative of a pancreatic pseudocyst, along with elevated serum amylase and lipase concentrations. Due to the similarity between the patient's chief complaints and the symptoms of Pittaja Gulma, treatment was administered based on the principles of Pittaja Gulma. The treatment regimen included Dashmool Kwath, Mulethi Kwath with Narikela Lavana, Drakshovin syrup, and a combination of Avipattikar Churna, Kamdhudha Ras, Praval Panchamrit Ras, and Shankha Bhasma. After 15 days of treatment, serum markers returned to normal levels, and ultrasonography reports indicated satisfactory changes. The therapy's effectiveness was deemed satisfactory, with statistically significant improvements observed in both clinical and laboratory findings.

Review on Praval Panchamrita Rasa: A Natural Calcium Supplement

Rasashastra (Itrochemistry), is a pharmaceutical subsidiary of Ayurveda that mainly deals with formulations containing minerals/metals. Praval Panchamrita Rasa is one of them which is a very versatile Ayurvedic formulation due to its multiple indications, mainly for Vata and Kapha diseases. This formulation is a combination of five Bhasmas i.e. Praval Bhasma, Mukta Bhasma, Shankha Bhasma, Shukti Bhasma and Kapardika Bhasma which are of marine origin and is triturated with Arka Ksheer (latex of Calotropis procera L.) and subjected to incineration. The latex of Calotropis procera L. plays an important role as a reducing and capping agent resulting in the green synthesis of nanoparticles. Preval Panchamrita Rasa has been mentioned in different classical texts such as Yoga Ratnakara, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, AFI, Rasa Yoga Sagar etc. Acharyas have described this formulation as “Sarvagadapahari” i.e. it can cure all diseases. XRD study of Praval Panchamrita Rasa revealed the maximum value of calcite form of calcium carbonate, while SEM study illustrated the smaller particle size range (max size ≤6μ) resulting in higher bioavailability of Praval Panchamrita Rasa. It has also been reported that calcium in calcite form is better absorbed as compared to other forms of calcium carbonate. It is a natural source of calcium which is a necessary nutrient for the proper functioning of the human body. Calcium is a crucial element that mediates muscle contraction, exocrine, endocrine and neurocrine secretion, cell growth, transportation and secretion of fluids and electrolytes.

Management of Gridhrasi (Sciatica) using Ayurvedic Panchakarma Therapies

ABSTRACT Gridhrasi is one of the most common Vata disorders usually characterized by low back pain and discomfort with pain radiating to the lower limbs, the symptoms closely relate to those associated with the sciatic nerve. The treatment in modern medicine is only symptomatic and provides temporary relief in the symptoms of pain, etc. A 36-year-old male came to the Ayurvedic hospital with lower back pain radiating to bilateral lower limbs for 8 days and was diagnosed with having Gridhrasi. The treatment plan included Shamana Aushadi of Ashwagandha, Shatavari Churna, Shankha Bhasma, Trayodashang Guggulu, Dashmool Kwath, Vatavidwans Rasa, Mahanarayan Taila, and Panchakarma procedures including Sarvanga Abhyanga and Swedana, Patra Pinda Potali Swedana, and Erandmuladi Niruha Basti. The Shamana Aushadi was given for 1 month duration while the procedures were done for 16 days. A symptomatic assessment of the patient was conducted at the onset, in the middle and at the end of the treatment and the outcome was satisfactory with quality of life of the patient significantly improved, from being able to walk 100 m in 10 min with pain, he was able to walk the 100 m in 3 min without stopping and there was the absence of pain radiating from the low back to lower limbs, also the Visual Analog Scale improved from 6\10 to 1\10. The Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies and the internal medicines are effective in the management of Gridhrasi (Sciatica), but since this is a single successful case study, it can be conducted on a larger population to create a baseline.

Ayurvedic Management of Polycystic Ovarian Disease

ABSTRACT Polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) is an endocrinal disturbance affecting 4%–20% of females of reproductive age worldwide. A 35-year-old female patient presented with irregular and painful menstruation along with other symptoms such as hyperacidity and laziness for 9 months. The patient was diagnosed with PCOD based on Rotterdam criteria and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) criteria. Aim was to manage patients with Ayurvedic medications. Medicated water of Shunthi (Zingiber officinale Rosc.), Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum Linn.), and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia Wall. ex Seringe) was given for 10 days, Shankha Bhasma 500 mg and Arogyavardhini vati 500 mg ½ h before meals with water three times a day, and stomed tablet 1 g after 15 min of meals thrice a day for 10 days. After 10 days, menstruation happened. Slowly, all symptoms were completely relieved. Final follow-up was done after 3½ months of treatment at which ultrasonography finding has no abnormalities detected. It can be concluded that PCOD can be successfully managed by Ayurvedic management.

Preparation and preliminary physicochemical profile of Kaphaketu rasa

Introduction: Kaphaketu Rasa (KKR) is a classical herbomineral formulation mentioned for the treatment of deranged Kapha (~Dosha responsible for regulating body fluids and keeping the body constituents cohesive). It is made-up of Shuddha tankana (processed Borax), Pippali (Piper longum Linn.), Shankha bhasma (incinerated conch shell), Shuddha vatsanabha (Aconitum chasmanthum Stapf ex Holmes). Though, an important formulation, no published data is available till date. Herein, an attempt has been made to develop the preliminary profiles by following standard methods. Materials and Methods: KKR was manufactured by following the methods mentioned at Ayurvedic Formulary of India. The individual ingredients were processed and mixed thoroughly, levigated with the juice of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc). The preliminary analytical profile was developed by following the standard methods mentioned in respective volumes of Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Results: About 41.9% increase in the yield was noticed in the manufacturing of KKR. The High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography profile of KKR revealed eight bands at 254 nm. X-ray diffraction showed calcite (CaCO3) as a major compound with an amorphous shape and structure. Inductive coupled plasmaoptical emission spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of mercury (1.05 mg/kg), lead (2.17 mg/kg), arsenic (3.43 mg/kg), calcium (9549.75 mg/kg), and cadmium (0.03 mg/kg). Conclusion: The preliminary profile developed can be considered as baseline data for future studies.

In-process Profiling of Herbomineral Formulation from Marine Origin

Objectives: To prepare Shankha Bhasma, an antiulcer formulation from marine origin and to standardize the formulation by two different methods of preparation and to compare with marketed formulation by modern scientific tools
 Methods: Shankha Bhasma was prepared from conch shell by open and closed methods using adjuvants Kumari Swarasa and water and subjected to characterization by conventional method and AAS, XRD, EDAX, SEM, TEM, BET, TGA, IR spectroscopy. The effectiveness was checked by animal studies, toxicity by histopathology and cytotoxicity studies.
 Results: Open method takes few steps and less time and shows crystalline nature (XRD).TGA shows the decomposition temp of calcium oxide. The closed method produces smoother particle (SEM,TEM and BET) with no peaks for specific organic components (IR), elements within the prescribed limits (AAS) of Ayurveda. The adjuvant’s effectiveness was shown by in-process standardization and showed promising pharmacological effects without any toxic effects the dose selected was 25mg to 50mg
 Conclusions: The size, smoother surface and therapeutic effectiveness of the herbominerals prepared by the two methods can be attributed to the calcination steps and adjuvants. Thus, maybe dose reduction and rapid effect can be achieved.

THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF FORMULATIONS OF SHANKHA BHASMA

One of the drugs of animal origins described in Rasashastra is shankha (conch shell). Shankha is categorized under several names in different sources, including Shukla Varga, Sudha Varga, and Uparasa Varga. Since the Vedic era, it has been used medicinally to cure a variety of illnesses. Aim and objective :The current study's objective is to gather the Shankha Bhasma formulations that are mentioned in the book Bharat Bhaishayaj Ratnakar and determine their potential for medicinal use. Material & Method : From each of the five volumes of Bharat Bheshaja Ratnakar, every formulation containing Shankha bhasma is examined, and then it is further divided into groups based on the dosage forms. Observation & results: A total of 114 formulations containing shankha bhasma that are prescribed for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems and other conditions like hyperacidity (Amlapitta), irritable bowel syndrome (Grahani), abdominal colic (Udarshula), duodenal ulcers (Parinamshula), and diarrhea (Atisara) have been studied. disorders of the skin and eyes. It is recommended that these formulas be taken in several dose forms, including varti, tablets, and powder. Conclusion: The current study will be helpful in identifying more recent Shankha bhasma formulations and their medicinal uses in a range of illnesses.

Kaphaketu Rasa as a Potential Anti-Inflammatory Ayurveda Herbo-Mineral Drug

In the present scenario, people are more prone to various diseases due to poor immunity arising due to lifestyle changes, smoking, and air pollution. Poor lifestyle is responsible for Kapha predominant diseases like Kasa, Shwasa, and other metabolic as well as auto-immune disorders. In Ayurvedic pharmaceutics, Kaphaketu Rasa (KKR) consisting of Aconitum chasmanthum Stapf ex Holmes (Vatsanabha), purified Borax (Tankana), Incinerated Conch shell (Shankha Bhasma), Piper longum Linn., and Zingiber officinale Roxb. Has been indicated for Kapha related diseases. Eight varieties by the name of KKR are documented in Ayurvedic texts. To understand the rationale of mentioning these varieties and to explore the potential areas of its usefulness in contemporary clinical conditions, this study was performed. Information regarding this formulation was collected from the major Ayurveda texts as well as electronic sources for available scientific evidence, commercial availability of the formulation was also checked. The available data supports its use as a potent Kapha pacifying formulation whereas scientific evidence supports its action as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antispasmodic, anti-allergic as well as mucolytic agent. However, this formulation needs to be studied through animal and clinical studies to understand and explore its mode of action, drug interactions, dose-response relationships, adverse reactions, etc., in different clinical conditions.

Therapeutic potential of formulations of Shankha Bhasma described in Bharat Bhaishajya Ratnakar

Shankha (Conch Shell) is one of the animal origin drug mentioned in Rasashastra. According to different texts Shankha is classified under various categories such as Shukla Varga, Sudha Varga and Uparasa Varga. Its medicinal usage is known since Vedic era and was used to treat various ailments effectively. Aim of the present study is to collect the formulations containing Shankha Bhasma described in the text Bharat Bhaishayaj Ratnakar and find out its therapeutic potential. All the formulations containing Shankha bhasma are reviewed from all the five volumes of Bharat Bheshaja Ratnakar and again categorized according to its dosage forms. Total 114 formulations containing shankha bhasma have been reviewed which are indicated in gastro-intestinal and other disorders such as Amlapitta (hyperacidity), Grahani (irritable bowel syndrome), Udarshula (abdominal colic), Parinamshula (duodenal ulcer) , Atisara (diarrhoea). Eye and skin diseases. These formulations are advised to be taken in different dosage forms such as powder, tablets, varti etc. The present work will be valuable in recognition of newer formulations of Shankha bhasma and their therapeutic applications in various ailments.

Septilin: A versatile anticlastogenic, antigenotoxic, antioxidant and histoprotective herbo-mineral formulation on cisplatin-induced toxicity in mice

Septilin (Spt), a herbo-mineral formulation contains the extracts of Maharasanadi qoath, Tinospora cordifolia, Rubia cordifolia, Emblica officinalis, Moringa pterigosperma, Glycyrrhiza glabra and powders of Balsamodendron mukul and Shankha bhasma. In the present study, the anticlastogenic, antigenotoxic, antioxidant and histoprotective effects of Spt against cisplatin (Csp) induced toxicity in Swiss albino mice were investigated. The micronucleus (MN) test was used to assess the anticlastogenic potential of Spt (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg bw; p.o., 5 days) on somatic cells of mice. The sperm shape abnormality assay detects germinal nuclear damage, which induces spermatogenic dysfunction. Comet assay was employed to study the antigenotoxic potential of Spt on Csp (10 mg/kg bw; i.p.) induced DNA strand breaks in bone marrow cells of mice. The antioxidant enzyme activity of liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) and a biological antioxidant, reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured to determine its hepatoprotective property. The ability of Spt to protect against the histopathologic alterations accompanying Csp-induced liver and testicular injury was studied. The frequencies of MN induced by Csp in bone marrow and peripheral blood cells of mice were significantly decreased by the pre-treatment of Spt. Csp treatment increased the percentage of DNA strand breaks and depleted levels of SOD and GSH content along with histopathological changes. Supplementation of Spt attenuated the toxicity of Csp in liver and testes tissues possible viaimprovement of enzymatic and histological parameters toward normal. This study suggests that the protection offered by Spt against Csp-induced toxicity is partly related to the maintenance of the antioxidant system. Overall, this study shows the protective role of Spt against Csp-induced toxicity in somatic and male germinal cells of mice.

Evaluation of Relative Oral Bioavailability of Shankha bhasma Prepared by Two Different Methods in Healthy Volunteers: A Study Protocol

Background: Rastarangini Shankha (Conch Shell) Bhasma is one of the traditional medicines reported to be used for centuries in the treatment of calcium deficiency disorders. It proves to be a good source of calcium. But reports on its bioavailability are hardly available. This study aims to assess the methods of preparation of Shankha Bhasma and assess its relative oral bioavailability in healthy volunteers.
 Materials and Methods: This study will include preparation of Shankha Bhasma in Rasashastra department. The traditional method will be giving Putas. Another method includes heating Shudhha Shankha on gas flame. The products obtained with these procedures will undergo Bhasma Pariksha that includes organoleptic characteristics, physicochemical parameters, microbial contamination and other relevant tests. This will be randomized single blind control study of 90 healthy volunteers (30 in each group). The data on oral bioavailability in healthy volunteers will be analyzed by using Pair and unpaired “t” Test, One way ANOVA and descriptive statistics.
 Results: The relative oral bioavailability of Shankha Bhasma is expected to show all pharmaceutico analytical parameters within normal range and reflect significant effects on healthy volunteers.
 Conclusion: Significant efficacy of this product directs a new gateway for the management of bioavailability of calcium drugs.

Management of IUGR with Pregnancy induced hypertension by Ayurveda Regimen: A Case Report

A Christain women aged 29 yrs visited OPD of NIA demmed to be university on (24/04/2021) with the complaint of Amenorhoea 9 months (G2P1A0L1) associated with itching on upper and lower extremities since 3 month. She also complaints of swelling in her leg, which resembles us towards the pedal edema. She also complaints of severe hyperacidity, chest pain on and off, occasional headache since 10 days in the first visit. Her L.M.P.-15/08/2020, E.D.D: 22/05/21 and P.O.G.-35 weeks 6 days. Diagnostic assessment was done by USG and Laboratory investigations and Clinical examination. The findings of USG revealed Single live intrauterine pregnancy of 34 weeks 6 days with mild IUGR, mild oligohydramnios. Loop of cord around neck, Normal fetoplacental blood flow pattern. Placenta was Grade III With calcified. In Ayurvedic classics lakshanas of Garbhakshaya, Garbhasosha, Vatabhipanna Garbha are near to signs and symptoms of IUGR. Ksheera vasti was planned along with it oral medications Avipatikar Churna, Pittantak Churna , Kapardika Bhasma, Shankha Bhasma and Gokshura Churna in combination, Phalasarpi, Swarna Vasanta malati rasa and Punarnavastak Kwatha. Patient got relief from Severe oedema. The other complaints like severe hyperacidity, Headache were relieved. Then after her B.P. was 110/70 throughout. Fetal movements were good after Vasti procedure due to which patient felt well relaxed. Patient got her labor pain and delivered on 8th May with the weight 2.2kg male child at Government Hospital. The delivery was uneventful. After ksheeravasti there was increase in weight of the baby around 118gms. Just in six days Vasti provided such a enormous change.
 Keywords: IUGR, Pregnancy Induced hypertension, Ksheera Vasti, Punarnavastak kwatha, Gokshura Churna

A CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF AN AYURVEDIC FORMULATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF AMLAPITTA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO NON–ULCER DYSPEPSIA

The dietary habits of present day, changing lifestyle, stress and strain related to job or domestic worries adversely impact the normal functioning of agni (digestive fire). Such individuals are prone to suffer from Amlapitta (Non-ulcer dyspepsia). The present study was conducted to explore the therapeutic potential of an Ayurvedic formulation containing shankha bhasma, madhuyashti and khadira in the management of Amlapitta with special reference to non-ulcer dyspepsia. The study was conducted on 30 patients selected from O.P.D. and I.P.D. of R.G.G.P.G.A.C., Paprola. Investigations were done to rule out any pathology. The subjective criteria included the symptom complex comprising hrita kantha daha (retro-sternal burning), amlodgara (sour eructations), utklesha (nausea), avipaka (indigestion) chhardi (vomiting), aruchi (loss of appetite), kukshi daha (epigastric burning), udaradhamana (flatulence) and klama (mental fatigue). Most of the patients showed moderate to marked improvement (~86%) in their symptoms as analyzed on visual analogue scale and grade score. The results obtained in the study revealed that the trial drug was quite effective and safe in treating Amlapitta.

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

Natural resources such as plants, animals and minerals have always been used by mankind to develop drugs and marine world is no exception. Marine by-products like conches, pearls, mother of pearl shells, corals and so forth have been used by traditional Ayurvedic practitioners for centuries. The unique methods of these preparations are scientifically designed to eliminate unwanted impurities and convert them into bioavailable form. In this study, Conch (Xanchus pyrum) was used as a marine resource of calcium carbonate and was converted pharmaceutically from its aragonite form to calcite. All the steps of preparations and changes in the properties therein were documented and validated. Further, traditional as well as modern analytical tools were used to study its physical and chemical characters to develop a monograph. The physical characterization included particle size, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR). Metal composition and heavy metal limits were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICPOES). This study revealed the rearrangement of aragonite crystals into calcite form by grinding, trituration with aloe vera juice and incineration under controlled conditions. Moreover, the finished product was found to be devoid of organic matrix that is nacre. This study creates a foundation for the development of a master formula for commonly used Shankha Bhasma in Ayurvedic medicines.

Ayurvedic management of cervical spondylosis radiculopathy

Radiculopathy, commonly referred as pinched nerve, refers to a set of conditions in which one or more nerves are affected and their functioning is hampered. This phenomenon is termed as neuropathy. This can result in pain or more precisely in radicular pain. In a radiculopathy, the problem occurs at or near the root of the nerve, shortly after its exit from the spinal cord. However, the pain or other symptoms often radiate to the part of the body served by that nerve. The management available in the current era of medicine is not satisfactory. Here, we are presenting a case of cervical spondylosis (CS) radiculopathy which was treated with a combination of Panchkarma procedures and Ayurvedic oral drugs. Greeva stambh was considered as the Ayurvedic diagnosis for the case. The treatment protocol designed for the particular case was Panchatikta ksheera Basti (enema with medicated milk) for 16 days along with Shalishastic pind sweda. The oral medication prescribed was Ashwagandha churna (Withania somnifera Dunal), Shatavari churna (Asparagus recemosus Wild), Gokshur churna (Tribulus terrestris L.) each in a dose of 2 g, Sarpgandha churna (Rauvolfia serpentina (L) Benth. Ex Kurz) 1 grms, Shankha bhasma 500 mg with Luke warm water, Yograj guggulu-3 tablet with Dashmool kwath in a dose of 40 ml, Ashwagandha avaleha 10 g with lukewarm water. All these drugs were prescribed for twice a day. Visual analog scale and range of motion were the parameter used to assess patient and considerable improvement was noticed in the case after a month of treatment which sustained in follow-up duration of 2 months. The case study demonstrate that CS radiculopathy may be successfully managed with Ayurvedic treatment.

Standard manufacturing process of Lekhana Putapaka

Putapaka is one of the best local and effective applications for the treatment of eye disorders. Putapaka when used properly then it will treat burning sensation, inflammation, pain, feeling of friction, discharges, itching sensation, stickiness, muddy secretions and congestion of blood vessels. In classics there are three types of Putapaka are described Snehana Putapaka, Lekhana Putapaka and Ropana Putapaka. Lekhana Putapaka is prepared mainly with the help of Lekhana Dravyas. It is used for scrapping of the Doshas. Lekhana Putapaka is composed of the liver and flesh of wild animals with the drugs of Lekhana group and Lauha Bhasma, Tamra Bhasma, Shankha Bhasma, Saindhava, Samudrafena, Kasisa, Srotanjana and Dadhi Mastu. In this study, the ingredients for Lekhana Putapaka has been taken as per the reference of Sushruta Samhita but prepared by some modification (in pressure cooker). The yield of three batches of Putapaka was 85ml, 90ml and 100 ml respectively. The physico-chemical parameters like pH, specific gravity and solid content and phytochemical parameters like glycocides, saponin, tannin, steroids, amino acids, proteins etc has been carried out.

Effect of Shankha Bhasma on Gastrointestinal Tract Ulcer in Guinea Pig (White Rat)

Effect of <i>Shankha Bhasma</i> on Gastrointestinal Tract Ulcer in Guinea Pig (White Rat)

Clinical efficacy of Kapha Ketu Rasa on Tamaka Swasa

Context: Compound drugs are scientifically formulated aiming to get the desired therapeutic effects through synergy. Kapha Ketu Rasa is one such compound drug which is a classical herbo mineral marine Khalvi Rasayana judicially containing Shankha Bhasma, Vatsanabha, Tankana and Pippali. Treating GERD along with the treatment of bronchial asthma will enhance the clinical success rate. At this juncture, it is worth to notice the pharmacology of Kapha Ketu Rasa in the same perspective. Aims: To study the clinical effect of Kapha Ketu Rasa on Tamaka Swasa (Bronchial asthma). Materials and Methods: 30 Patients of Tamaka Swasa irrespective of age, sex, religion etc., were randomly selected and treated with 125 mg of Kapha Ketu Rasa capsules twice a day with Ardraka Swarasa before meals for 21 days, then followed for 21 more days. Results: The clinical study showed statistically highly significant improvement in both subjective and objective parameters viz. Kasa (91%), Ghurghurata (83%) and Swasakruchrata (82%) including decrease in AEC, ESR, Differential eosinophil count and PEF was also statistically significantly improved. Conclusions: Kapha Ketu Rasa is an effective Vyadhi Pratyanika herbo mineral Shamana Rasayana in the management of Tamaka Swasa.

A COMPARATIVE PHARMACEUTICAL STUDY ON CA (ION) SUBSTANCES OF VARIOUS AYURVEDIC CALCIUM COMPOUNDS

Various Ayurvedic calcium compounds, which are among the sudha vargiya dravya, are a rich source of calcium. These calcium compo unds have wide range of therapeutic application. In chemical composition these compounds are same hence the present study was aimed to identify the rich percentage of calcium (as CaO ) in these Bhasma s . Preparation of Ayurvedic calcium compounds i.e. praval bhasma, shankha bhasma, shukti bhasma, varatika bhasma, g odanti bhasma and k ukkutandatvak bhasma was done by subjecting t hese to shodhan and marana and physiochemical analysis of p r epared bhasma s . The prepared bhasma s were subjected to qualitative and qua ntitative analysis. The comparative quantity of calcium was more in case of shukti b hasma and less in godanti b hasma . Acid s oluble matter percentage wa s higher in praval bhasma and lower in godanti bhasma. In all bhasmas the acid neutralizing capacity (pH value) wa s higher but especially in praval bhasma. Kukkutandatvak bhasma provided more ash value as compared to other bhasma.

Comparison of two purification products of shankha bhasma: A prospective randomized control trial

Background:Shankha bhasma is widely used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients.Aim:To compare the efficacy of two purification methods of shankha bhasma in relieving GERD symptoms. In method A, purification was done with lemon juice and method B with sour gruel.Materials and Methods:Patients with heartburn since at least four days/week but who did undergo endoscopy to assess esophageal mucosa could participate. In this single-phase, single-center, prospective, randomized control trial, the patients were randomized to receive either shankha bhasma purified by method A or by method B. The primary efficacy variable was the proportion of patients with resolution of heartburn at week 4 and week 8.Design:Single-phase, single-center, prospective, randomized control trial in a hospital setting.Results:Of the total 70 patients who received samples A and B in a randomized double-blind manner, 65% of the patients showed resolution of symptoms in sample A and 28% in sample B at the end of four weeks, whereas, 71% of the patients showed resolution of symptoms in sample A and 31% in sample B at the end of eight weeks; P value was statistically significant for resolution of symptoms (P <0.005).Conclusion:Purification of shankha bhasma by lemon juice method is better than sour gruel method in terms of clinical outcome in GERD patients and is hence recommended.