European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ANEMIA CONTROL AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS THROUGH AYURVEDIC INTERVENTION: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Deepak Kumar*

ABSTRACT

Anaemia continues to be a significant public health concern among adolescent girls in India, adversely impacting their physical growth, cognitive development, and future maternal health outcomes. Despite decades of large-scale iron and folic acid supplementation programmes under initiatives such as Anemia Mukt Bharat and Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS), the prevalence of anaemia remains alarmingly high. This situation underscores the need for integrative and culturally rooted approaches to prevention and management. Ayurveda, through its holistic understanding of Pandu Roga—a condition analogous to anaemia—offers a multidimensional therapeutic model that encompasses dietary regulation (Ahara), lifestyle modification (Vihara), and herbal-mineral formulations (Aushadha). Classical Ayurvedic preparations such as Krimimudgar Rasa, Punarnava Mandura, Drakshavaleha have been documented for their haematinic, hepatoprotective, and metabolic corrective properties. Recent clinical trials and systematic reviews indicate that these formulations can effectively improve haemoglobin levels, enhance digestion and nutrient assimilation, and reduce the side-effects often associated with conventional iron salts. Moreover, their safety, affordability, and cultural acceptability make them viable for large-scale community implementation. This critical review explores the Ayurvedic concept of Pandu Roga, evaluates evidence from contemporary research, and analyses the potential role of Ayurvedic interventions within adolescent anaemia control programmes. The findings suggest that integrating Ayurveda with existing public-health strategies can provide a sustainable, holistic solution addressing both the nutritional and metabolic dimensions of anaemia, thereby supporting the national goal of ―Anaemia-Free India.‖

Keywords: Anaemia, Adolescent girls, Pandu Roga, Ayurveda, Iron deficiency, Nutritional anaemia, public health.