Improvement in Hematological and Iron Profile Parameters Following Individualized Ayurvedic Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Case Report
Keywords:
Ayurveda, Hematopoiesis, Hypothyroidism, Iron Deficiency Anemia, Lauha Bhasma, Pandu RogaAbstract
Iron deficiency anemia is a common nutritional disorder among women and is associated with fatigue, reduced functional capacity, and impaired quality of life. Documentation of objectively measured outcomes following Ayurvedic management in routine clinical practice remains limited. This report describes the clinical and laboratory outcomes of a patient with IDA managed in an Ayurvedic outpatient setting. A 35-year-old female presented with generalized weakness, easy fatigability, and occasional giddiness. She was a known case of hypothyroidism receiving Thyroxine 50 μg/day. Clinical examination revealed marked pallor. Hematological investigations demonstrated microcytic hypochromic anemia with depleted iron stores, establishing the diagnosis of IDA. From an Ayurvedic perspective, the condition was diagnosed as Pandu Roga. The patient received individualized Ayurvedic management for more than 6 months, comprising Lauha Bhasma, Amalaki Churna, Yashada Bhasma, Swarnamakshika Bhasma, Drakshasava, and subsequently Dhatri Lauha, along with dietary counseling and lifestyle modifications. The treatment regimen was modified during follow-up according to clinical findings. Serial follow-up demonstrated progressive improvement in hematological and iron profile parameters during follow-up. Hemoglobin improved from 7.7 g/dL to 12.0 g/dL, while serum ferritin increased from 5.03 ng/mL to 30.52 ng/ mL. Serum iron improved and unsaturated iron binding capacity decreased, indicating restoration of iron status. Peripheral blood smear findings normalized from a microcytic hypochromic picture with anisopoikilocytosis to a normocytic normochromic blood picture. Clinical symptoms also improved substantially. This case demonstrates favorable clinical and laboratory outcomes following individualized Ayurvedic management of IDA. The findings provide preliminary real-world evidence and support the need for further observational studies and controlled clinical trials evaluating Ayurvedic interventions in IDA.
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