Traditional haematinic Herbo-mineral compounds in ayurvedic pharmaceutics: A classical review

Abstract

A haematinic is a nutrient required for the formation of blood cells in the process of haematopoiesis. Deficiency in haematinics can lead to anaemia. Anaemia is the most common blood disorder affecting about a third of the global population. The most common nutritional cause of anaemia is iron deficiency. The treatment of Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) involves supplementation with external iron containing drugs, of which several types of modern medicines are available in the market. It has been reported that long- term treatment of IDA with these drugs is associated with constipation, heartburn, nausea, gastric discomfort and diarrhoea. In ayurveda, the disease pandu roga can be compared to IDA, especially owing to the clinical manifestation of ‘panduta’ or pallor in the whole body. Ayurvedic anaemia correcting agents have been practiced for centuries. Ayurvedic formulations have also been abundantly consumed and available in the market due to their effectiveness. In this study, major texts of Ayurveda and rasa shastra were searched for drugs which are indicated in pandu. It is found that not only iron containing drugs, other metallic and mineral drugs also found to be indicated in pandu. It is found that many hematinic multi-ingredient ayurvedic formulations contain triphala which is a mild laxative and counters constipating property of iron, trikatu which enhances the appetite and address malabsorption, vidanga which is effective in nullifying worm infestation induced anaemia. Similarly, cow’s urine is a good bio enhancer of iron. All these are clear indicators of continued relevance and effectiveness of haematinics in ayurveda.