Ayurvedic medicines, like western herbal medicine, use preparations made from plants and minerals. Commonly categorised into different 'putas' of 'Louha Bhasma', different Ayurvedic preparations were chemically analysed and pharmacologically investigated for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia. A spectral study of the different putas of Louha Bhasma revealed the presence of different proportions of important metals along with varied a concentration of the amount of iron in it.

The results of the analysis showed the puta of Louha Bhasma, when compared with the standard drug Fefol, was significantly more effective in the treatment of iron deficient anaemia. The researchers believe that the strength of the Ayurvedic compound lies in its combination of metals which seem to boost the availability of the iron.

However, like all natural products, there is no standardisation and the strength of the medicine may vary, depending upon where and when the source minerals are extracted. It is, therefore, very difficult to say with precision what concentrations of iron are in the remedy unless each batch is individually tested. For this reason, until further research is carried out into the Ayurvedic chemical and pharmacological preparations of iron, patients should seek out professional help where anaemia is suspected and are cautioned not to self-prescribe iron supplements, whether ayurvedic or conventional.

© The Internet Health Library 2000