Article Details

Abstract

Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) continues to be a major public health challenge in India, primarily due to inadequate
dietary intake, chronic blood loss, and poor tolerance to conventional oral iron supplements, which often results
in low patient compliance. In parallel, peptic ulcer disease has shown an increasing prevalence owing to faulty
dietary habits, stress, and lifestyle-related factors, significantly impairing quality of life. In Ayurvedic literature,
conditions such as Panduroga (anemia), Annadrava Shoola (gastric ulcer), and Parinama Shoola (duodenal ulcer)
closely resemble iron-deficiency anemia and peptic ulcer disease respectively. Dhatri Lauha, a classical herbo-
mineral formulation described in Bhaishajya Ratnavali, has been traditionally employed in the management of these disorders; however, systematic scientific evaluation and standardization remain limited. The present study
aims to evaluate the clinical safety, therapeutic efficacy, and quality control parameters of Dhatri Lauha in patients
suffering from iron-deficiency anemia and peptic ulcer-related conditions. Clinical findings demonstrated
significant improvement in hemoglobin levels, iron indices, and gastrointestinal symptoms without the occurrence
of serious adverse events. Furthermore, physicochemical analysis and X-ray diffraction were utilized to establish
analytical fingerprinting and quality benchmarks. The study supports the potential of Dhatri Lauha as a safe,
effective, and economical Ayurvedic intervention with scope for integration into national health programs.