Dhatrilauha : Right choice for iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy

Abstract

Background:Anemia in pregnancy is multi-factorial. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common one. Major cause is increased demand of iron during pregnancy. In Ayurveda, under Pandu-Roga the features of anemia are described. It is characterized by Vaivarnyata or Varnanasha (change/destruction in normal color of the body), a disorder of Pitta vitiation. Ayurvedic management is an effective way of curing anemia in general by a large number of Lauha preparations of which Dhatrilauha has been used widely for centuries.Aim:To evaluate the effect of Dhatrilauha in the management of IDA based on the scientific parameters among pregnant patients.Materials and Methods:A total of 58 cases were selected by simple randomized sampling method as per inclusion criteria of pregnant women between 4th and 7th months of pregnancy with a clinical diagnosis and laboratory confirmation of IDA. Dhatrilauha 500 mg in two divided doses after food with normal potable water were given for 45 days with three follow-ups, each of 15 days intervals. Final assessment was done after completion of 45 days and results were statistically analyzed by using Cochran's Q-test and Student's t-test.Results:Dhatrilauha showed statistically significant (P < 0.01) improvement in the majority of sign-symptoms and objective parameters such as weakness, fatigue, palpitation, effort intolerance, breathlessness, heartburn, pallor, constipation, hemoglobin, red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, RBC distribution width, mean platelet volume, serum iron, and total iron binding capacity.Conclusion:Dhatrilauha possesses many fold effectiveness in anemia (IDA), which was evidenced with the significant results obtained in the majority of parameters in this study.

Haematopoietic Effects of Amloki (&lt;i&gt;Emblica officinalis&lt;/i&gt;) in Pregnancy with Iron Deficiency Anaemia

“…Almost similar types of results were observed by different researchers [5] [6] [17]. The increase in total count of WBC (p = 0.387) and decrease in total count of platelet (p < 0.198) in amloki and iron supplemented group was not statistically significant in comparison to only iron supplemented group.…”

Effect of Emblica Officinalis (amloki) on iron status in pregnant women with iron deficiency anaemia

“…Estimation of serum ferritin is the most accurate test to diagnose iron deficiency anaemia. A progressive increase in serum ferritin level is the sign that the therapeutic agent is effective in replenishing the body iron store 8,25,26 . Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is an indicator of the extent of iron deficiency.…”

“…Pregnancy also reduces the erythropoietic function of bone marrow. All these factors make a pregnant woman iron deficient, though she was previously healthy [8][9] .…”

“…WHO has classified IDA amongst the top ten selected health risks 10 . Iron deficiency anemia is associated with increased incidence of preterm labor and low birth weight babies and adverse obstetric outcomes like cardiac failure, puerperal sepsis, decreased lactation due to inability to cope with the stress of child birth 8,11 .…”

Ayurvedic preparations for the management of Iron Deficiency Anemia: A systematic review

“…Three studies focused on the management of anemia during pregnancy with Ayurvedic preparation. [ 19 20 21 ] In these three studies, two different drugs have been studied for their clinical efficacy against anemia among pregnant women which includes Dhatrilauha Vati [ 20 21 22 ] and Pandughni Vati . [ 19 ] Anemia is one of the most common complications of pregnancy and contributes directly or indirectly to 20% of deaths in third world countries.…”