Introduction

Mukta (pearl) has held a significant place in Rasashastra due to its high therapeutic value, especially in Pittaja vyadhi, Hridroga, and Rasayana chikitsa. It is considered one of the finest Ratnas used in Ayurveda, described as Shita, Madhura, Pittahara, and Medhya. Classical texts such as Rasa Tarangini, Rasa Ratna Samucchaya, and Ayurveda Prakasha have mentioned its uses in various disorders, including psychiatric, cardiovascular, and digestive ailments. The two most commonly employed forms are Mukta Bhasma and Mukta Pishti, which differ in their pharmaceutical processes and possible therapeutic responses.^[1] The preparation of Mukta Bhasma involves Shodhana and Marana, which include incineration using traditional Puta systems to enhance the bioavailability, reduce toxicity, and ensure Samskara transformation. On the other hand, Mukta Pishti is prepared by levigating purified Mukta with organic liquids like Gulab Arka under controlled conditions, avoiding thermal incineration and thereby retaining more of its original molecular and crystalline structure. These divergent preparation techniques are likely to alter the final product’s physical, chemical, and pharmacological properties.^[2] Modern research supports that Bhasma preparations undergo profound changes at microscopic and molecular levels during incineration. Analytical tools such as XRD, SEM, FTIR, and Zeta Potential analysis have demonstrated that such formulations may exhibit nanoparticle dimensions and altered crystalline nature, influencing their biological interaction and absorption mechanisms. Hence, understanding the comparative analytical profiles of Mukta Bhasma and Mukta Pishti is vital for evidence-based and safe Ayurvedic prescribing.^[3] There is a growing need to validate traditional Ayurvedic formulations using modern scientific parameters, especially those involving mineral and metallic preparations. Despite Mukta being widely used in both classical and modern formulations, there is limited comparative literature evaluating its Pishti and Bhasma forms using both classical Bhasma Pariksha and advanced instrumentation. This creates a significant gap in standardization and rational clinical application.^[4] Therefore, this study is designed to conduct a comparative analytical evaluation of Mukta Bhasma and Mukta Pishti using classical and contemporary parameters.

For Marana, the powdered Mukta was triturated with Kumari Svarasa (Aloe vera juice) and made into uniform pellets (Churna-Lavana). These pellets were dried under shade and placed in a Sharava Samputa (sealed earthen dish). The Samputa was subjected to Gajaputa - a traditional incineration process using approximately 100 cow dung cakes. This procedure was repeated three times to ensure complete transformation into Bhasma.^[8]

Each cycle of Puta lasted 8–10 hours, followed by natural cooling for another 12 hours. After the final Puta, the Bhasma was collected and stored in airtight glass containers. The yield and weight loss during each cycle were recorded for evaluation.

Classical Bhasma Pariksha

The finished Mukta Bhasma and Mukta Pishti were subjected to the following classical tests to ensure pharmaceutical quality:

• Rekhapurnatva: The ability of the formulation to enter the fine lines of the skin, indicating micro-fineness.
• Varitaratva: The capacity of the sample to float on still water, indicating lightness and micro-particulate size.
• Nischandratva: Absence of metallic luster when observed under sunlight, reflecting incineration completion.
• Apunarbhava: Mixing the sample with Nava Neeta (fresh butter) and heating with silver foil to confirm non-regeneration of metallic form.
• Niruttha: Resistance to reaction with strong alkaline substances, confirming stable transformation.^[9]

Modern Analytical Parameters

To scientifically validate the classical findings, modern instrumentation techniques were used:

• X-ray Diffraction (XRD): To analyze the crystallinity and confirm conversion to calcium oxide or carbonate forms.
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): To observe surface morphology, agglomeration, and particle size at the micro/nano scale.
• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR): For identification of functional groups such as carbonate, hydroxyl, or residual organic elements.

Mukta Bhasma met all five classical test parameters efficiently. Mukta Pishti was suitable for tests like Rekhapurnatva and Varitaratva but could not be subjected to Apunarbhava and Niruttha due to its non-incinerated nature.

2. Organoleptic and Physical Observations

The presence of rose water in Mukta Pishti influenced the aroma and slight tackiness, while Mukta Bhasma appeared neutral and dry with complete transformation in texture.

3. Modern Analytical Findings

A) Particle Size Analysis

• Mukta Pishti: Particle size ranged between 500–900 nanometers.
• Mukta Bhasma: Particle size ranged between 100–250 nanometers.

The smaller particle size of Mukta Bhasma suggests enhanced surface area, which could improve bioavailability and systemic absorption.

B) Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

• Mukta Pishti: Showed irregular, layered flakes and mild agglomeration.
• Mukta Bhasma: Revealed uniform, spherical, well-dispersed nanoparticles with smoother surface.

The morphological analysis confirmed the finer and more consistent texture of Bhasma compared to Pishti.

C) X-ray Diffraction (XRD)

• Mukta Pishti: Showed semi-crystalline nature with major peaks of CaCO₃.
• Mukta Bhasma: Showed increased crystallinity and well-defined peaks of CaCO₃ and possible traces of CaO.

This suggests successful transformation of raw material into a more stable crystalline structure in Bhasma.

and analytical profiles of Mukta Bhasma and Mukta Pishti, two prominent formulations prepared from natural pearl (Mukta) in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics. Though both originate from the same raw material, their unique preparation methods—Bhasma through incineration and Pishti through levigation - result in considerable differences in their physical properties, chemical composition, and potential therapeutic behavior.Classical Bhasma Pariksha revealed that Mukta Bhasma passed all standard tests with more clarity and consistency than Mukta Pishti. The absence of luster (Nischandratva), the ability to float on water (Varitaratva), and the micro-fineness (Rekhapurnatva) were more prominent in Bhasma, suggesting effective conversion through Marana. Mukta Pishti also showed fine quality but retained mild luster and did not meet the incineration-specific tests like Apunarbhava or Niruttha. From a modern analytical perspective, Mukta Bhasma exhibited finer particle size (100–250 nm) compared to Mukta Pishti (500–900 nm), which is a significant determinant for bioavailability. The spherical morphology observed in SEM analysis and the higher zeta potential value further indicated greater dispersion stability of Bhasma. These features support the concept that incineration, when done properly, transforms minerals into more absorbable and biologically compatible forms. FTIR analysis showed that Pishti retained organic functional groups, likely from Gulab Arka, contributing to its cooling and soothing properties. Bhasma, in contrast, displayed pure carbonate signatures, suggesting complete inorganic transformation, and possibly a more sustained systemic effect. The difference in calcium concentration between the two was marginal but slightly higher in Bhasma, affirming the efficiency of incineration in concentrating mineral content. Therapeutically, the distinction is crucial. Mukta Pishti -owing to its partially organic nature and larger particle size - may act more locally and swiftly in Pitta-related acute conditions like hyperacidity, burning sensation, and mental irritability. Meanwhile, Mukta Bhasma, with its nano-sized, crystalline, and stable characteristics, may be more effective in chronic systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, osteoporosis, anxiety, and neurodegenerative conditions. Furthermore, Bhasma's complete transformation ensures its longer shelf life, easier formulation in tablets and capsules, and improved compatibility with other Rasoushadhis.