Clinical Safety and Efficacy of Dhatri Lauha - A Classical Ayurvedic Formulation in Iron Deficiency Anaemia (Pandu Roga)

Iron Deficiency Anaemia (which is described under the disease Panduroga in Ayurveda) is a worldwide problem with the highest prevalence in developing countries. According to WHO, the prevalence of Anaemia in pregnancy in South East Asia is around 56%. In India incidence of anaemia in pregnancy has been noted as high as 40-80%. 15%- 22% of maternal mortality has been estimated due to Anaemia during pregnancy (Source: Health Information of India-2004)

In Ayurveda, detailed description concerning the etiology, pathogenesis, classification and management of Anaemia (Panduroga) is available .It is observed that the symptoms found in anaemia are similar with the symptoms that occur in Pandu Roga. It is also observed that the classical treatments administered in such conditions, alleviate the symptoms of anaemia without any side effect. The conventional iron therapy for anaemia is only palliative and associated with side effects on long term use, leaving a scope for research on alternative modalities.

This monograph is based on the data of multicentric open clinical trial of selected Ayurvedic drug in iron deficiency anaemia conducted at12 peripheral research institutes of the Council during 2007 to 2009. The scientific research studies were focused on establishing the clinical safety and efficacy of Dhatri Lauha.

The publication of this monograph could be possible with the active involvement, cooperation and sincere efforts of the Incharges, Investigators and technical/non technical staff of the participating institutes. I appreciate the efforts made by the officers and staff of the involved institutes in bringing out this monograph.

The untiring efforts made by Mr. D.G Nimje (Stenographer) and Mr. Prasanto (DEO) in bringing out this publication in attractive shape are worth mentioning.

I hope this monograph would receive the attention of academicians, scientists, physicians, research scholars and students for sustainable utilisation of benefits of research findings.

**Contents and Sample Pages**