ICMR study finds Ayurvedic formulations effective in treating anaemia

An ICMR-led clinical trial involving Hyderabad institutions found Ayurvedic formulations therapeutically equivalent to conventional iron-folic acid supplements in treating anaemia. Researchers said the traditional alternatives may offer safer treatment options with fewer gastrointestinal side effects for patients struggling with synthetic supplements.

Hyderabad: In a clear sign of traditional medicine taking big strides in matching clinical evidence of modern medicine, researchers from a consortium of institutions, including a few from Hyderabad, have showcased Ayurvedic formulations to be therapeutically equivalent to conventional iron-folic acid supplements in treating anemia.

The findings of the study trials, presented recently during Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Annual Clinical Trial meet, pave the way for providing a safe alternative to anemic patients looking for traditional Indian medicines for treatment, instead of depending on supplements.

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While the study was a large-scale multicentric effort, several researchers from Hyderabad-based National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (NIIMH), which falls under AYUSH and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bibinagar, served as key research partners for the national project.

The phase-III Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) involved nearly 4,000 non-pregnant women aged 18–49 years across India. Over a 90-day period, researchers compared the effectiveness of the Ayurvedic formulations Punarnavadi Mandura, administered alone and in combination with Drakshavaleha, against the standard synthetic Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) protocol.

According to ICMR, the results from RCT were conclusive. The Ayurvedic approach demonstrated therapeutic equivalence to the standard medical treatment, opening the door for a possible broader policy adoption.

At the heart of the ICMR study are two well-known Ayurvedic preparations, including Punarnavadi Mandura and Drakshavaleha, which have long been used in traditional practice to manage anemia.

In the study, the researchers said that Punarnavadi Mandura is a herbo-mineral formulation rich in natural iron. Beyond its primary role in increasing haemoglobin levels, the preparation is known for its rejuvenative (Rasayana) properties, which help regulate metabolism and boost strength.

The primary ingredient of Punarnavadi Mandura is extracted from Boerhavia diffusa, a herbaceous plant known for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.

Drakshavaleha, used in combination with Punarnavadi Mandura, is a grape-based preparation that is traditionally believed to enhance the body’s digestive system.

According to researchers, by improving absorption during digestion, Drakshavaleha helps the body better utilise the iron content of the Mandura, potentially mitigating the gastrointestinal distress often reported with synthetic iron supplements.

The researchers pointed out that the traditional alternatives to treat anemia could go a long way in helping patients who often struggle with side effects of iron supplements like nausea, gastric irritation, and constipation.

Anaemia study

ICMR study showcases the equivalence of traditional Indian medicine to iron supplements

Punarnavadi Mandura and Drakshavaleha were used in clinical trials

Phase-III trials have proved they are equivalent to allopathic iron supplements

Study paves the way for traditional Indian medicine to treat anemia

NIIMH and AIIMS, Bibinagar, to standardise integrative protocols for wider public use