European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

DRUG REVIEW ON DARVYADI LOHA: AN AYURVEDIC FORMULATION FOR PANDU W.S.R TO IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN CHILDREN

*Dr. Visal S. Kumar

ABSTRACT

The pediatric population suffers from a variety of disorders, nutritional deficiency disorders being one among the major one. Nutritional Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common cause of anemia in India. It is estimated that iron deficiency affects about 30% of the world population and about 70-90% in the developing countries, including India. Pandu Roga is one among the Rasa Pradoshaja Vikaras and is associated with Rakta Alpata and Pandura Varna. IDA in childhood can adversely affect a child’s growth and development, behaviour, cognition and intelligence. Without treatment, the condition can worsen and the health consequences associated with anemia are not sudden and loud but are gradual and destructive. The side effects of oral hematinic drugs are frequently encountered, and hence the scope of a safe and effective Ayurvedic formulation has got relevance. Darvyadi Loha is a herbo-mineral preparation mentioned in Ayurvedic classics under Pandu Roga Chikitsa Prakarana, which contains the ingredients like Daarvi (Berberis aristata Dc.), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis Gaertn), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica Roxb.), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz.), Pippali (Piper longum Linn.), Maricha(Piper nigrum Linn.), Shunti(Zingiber officinalis), Vidanga(Embelia ribes Burm. f.), Loha Bhasma (incinerated iron). Anupana mentioned was Ghruta and Madhu. In this article, the review of the drug Darvyadi Loha has been described.

Keywords: Darvyadi Loha, Pandu, Iron Deficiency Anemia, Loha Bhasma