Changes in Hemoglobin Concentration Following Drakshapanak Administration in Adults with Previously Diagnosed Iron Deficiency Anemia
Keywords:
Ayurveda, Drakshapanak, Hemoglobin, Iron deficiency anemia, Pandu roga, Pilot studyAbstract
Background: Iron deficiency is a major contributor to anemia globally. Ayurveda describes Pandu Roga with clinical features that overlap with anemia, and dietary formulations (Ahara Kalpana) may have a supportive role. Drakshapanak is a polyherbal beverage containing fruit-based, sweetening, and aromatic ingredients and was investigated in a pilot clinical study.
Materials and Methods: This prospective, single-arm, pre–post interventional pilot study enrolled 10 adults aged 18–45 years at the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, India. Participants had previously diagnosed iron deficiency anemia, with baseline hemoglobin concentrations within the study-defined mild-to-moderate range. Drakshapanak was administered daily for 60 days, with follow-up visits on days 15, 30, 45, and 60. The primary outcome was the change in hemoglobin concentration from baseline to day 60. Baseline and post-intervention values were compared using a paired t-test.
Results: All 10 participants completed the study. Mean hemoglobin concentration increased from 11.05 ± 1.14 g/dL at baseline to 11.63 ± 1.32 g/dL on day 60. The mean paired increase was 0.58 ± 0.38 g/dL (95% confidence interval, 0.31–0.85), representing a 5.25% increase from baseline (t = 4.83; P = 0.0009).
Discussion: The statistically significant mean increase of 0.58 g/dL in hemoglobin suggests a potential supportive effect of Drakshapanak; however, the small sample size, absence of a control group, and lack of iron-status biomarkers limit definitive interpretation of the findings.
Conclusion: Drakshapanak administration was associated with a modest increase in hemoglobin concentration over 60 days. Larger controlled studies incorporating iron-status biomarkers are required
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