Effect of Ayurveda Medications (Kasīsa Bhasma and Dhātrī Avaleha) on Iron Deficiency Anaemia: A Randomized Controlled Study.
BACKGROUND
This paper explores the role that Ayurveda can play in the management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia, a major nutritional deficiency disorder affecting people across the globe.


METHODS
Forty (40) patients suffering from Iron deficiency anaemia as per WHO guidelines, between the age group of 20 to 60 yrs of either sex participated in the study. Study was a randomized, controlled, open label clinical study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group D (n= 20) received Dhārī avaleha 10 g twice a day after food. Group K (n= 20) received capsules Kasīsa bhasma 125 mg thrice a day. Both interventions were administered for 30 days and the subjects were followed up for next 30 days with placebo capsules to assess the sustainability of the effects. Assessments were done at baseline, 30thand 60thdays. Primary outcome measure was hemoglobin estimation (Hb) and secondary outcome measures were the other hematological parameters such as Red blood cell (RBC) indices, total RBC count, Packed Cell volume (PCV) and Peripheral Blood smear study.


RESULTS
Both interventions produced significant improvements (P< 0.001).Kasīsa bhasmawas better compared todhātrī avalehain terms of primary (P< 0.0001) and secondary outcomes. Comparison of outcomes from base line - 30thday, base line - 60thday and 30th- 60thday showed significant (P< 0.0001) improvement in both the groups in parameters such as haemoglobin, MCV and MCH. Hence improvements sustained during placebo intervened sustainability period also.


CONCLUSIONS
Study effectively shows that Kasīsa bhasma is better thenDhātrī avaleha. Improvements by both interventions were sustained even during the sustainability period.
Department of Kayachikitsa, KLEU BMK Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Belgaum, Karnataka, India.
Basavaraj Ramappa
BR
Tubaki
Department of Pharmacology, KLEU JN Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka, India.
Jyoti Mahadev
JM
Benni
Department of Panchakarma, SDM College of Ayurveda, Udupi, Karnataka, India.
Niranjan
N
Rao
Department of Kayachikitsa, SDM College of Ayurveda, Udupi, Karnataka, India.
Uchangi Nagaraja Rao
UN
Prasad
Ayurveda; dhātrī avaleha; haemoglobin; iron deficiency anaemia; kasīsa bhasma