Effectiveness of Saptamrita Loha on Panduroga (iron deficiency anemia) in children an open-label prospective clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: Panduroga is a systemic disorder that presents with pallor; it is correlated to anemia. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency on the globe that contributes to the highest incidences of anemia. Oral iron therapy is the treatment in iron deficiency anemia (IDA), which is associated with adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal irritations on long-term usage. Saptamritaloha is a frequently prescribed herbo-mineral drug from Ayurveda pharmacopeia in the context of eye disorders and it is also used to treat Panduroga. Hence, Saptamritaloha was subjected to a safety and efficacy trial. The aim of the trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of Saptamritalohavati in children with Panduroga (IDA). Materials and Methods: An open-label, controlled, prospective clinical trial in children aged 12–16 years was conducted over a period of two months. Assessment was done based on changes in clinical features and complete blood count analysis before and after therapy. The changes were assessed using paired and unpaired t test, Friedman test, and Wilcoxon sign-rank test. Results: A total of 43 children (22 in the study group and 21 in the control group) were registered in the trial, out of whom 20 in each trial and the control group completed the study. The present study shows that Saptamritaloha is effective in improving the clinical features and hematological parameters significantly and the results were comparable with the standard control used, namely Dhatriloha. The mean improvement in hemoglobin (Hb) was 1.17 g% in the trial group during the course of treatment (P < 0.001). No adverse drug reactions were noted in the study. Discussion: Saptamritaloha vati increases Hb and red blood corpuscles (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) by virtue of its ingredients. The herbal ingredients in the formulation, namely Triphala (group of three drugs, namely Haritaki [Terminalia chebula Retz.], Bibitaka [Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.)Roxb], Amalaki [Phyllanthus emblica L], Yashtimadhu [Glycyrrhiza glabra L], Madhu [Honey], and Ghrita [Ghee]), possess Tridoshashamana, Anulomana, and Rasayana property, which aids in better bioavailability, drug absorption and also minimizes the gut irritation after oral iron usage. Conclusion: Saptamritaloha is effective in the management of Panduroga in children.