COMPARATIVE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF AYURVEDIC INTERVENTIONS IN MANAGING GARBHINI PANDU (GESTATIONAL ANEMIA): A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Pregnancy increases nutritional and metabolic demands, and inadequate fulfillment commonly results in Garbhini Pandu (anemia in pregnancy). Garbhini Pandu is not described as a distinct disease in Ayurveda, it is understood through Pandutva (pallor), Vivarnatva (discoloration), and Rasapradoshaja Vikara (disorders from impairment or vitiation of Rasa Dhatu) arising from Mandagni (decreased digestive fire), Rasa–Rakta Dhatu Kshaya (depletion of plasma and blood tissues), impaired Dhatu Poshana (tissue nourishment and metabolism.), and Pitta predominance. Clinically, it manifests as pallor, weakness, giddiness, palpitations, and low hemoglobin, posing risks to maternal and fetal health.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic formulations in Garbhini Pandu, with emphasis on hematological outcomes and Samprapti-based therapeutic rationale.

Materials and Methods: Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, AYUSH Research Portal, and DHARA were searched for studies (2016–2025) on Ayurvedic interventions such as Lauha- Mandura formulations, Ghrita, and Avaleha. Outcomes included hematological parameters, clinical symptoms, safety, and tolerability.

Results & Discussion: The majority of studies demonstrated statistically significant improvement in hemoglobin levels, red cell indices, and iron stores, along with marked relief in clinical symptoms. Lauha-Mandura based drugs such as Punarnava Mandura, Dhatri Lauha, Lakshmana Lauha, Shatavari Mandura, Mandura Bhashma produced faster hematological correction through Raktavardhana (hematopoiesis) and Agni Deepana (Stimulation of digestion and metabolism) actions, while Ghrita (clarified butter) and Avaleha (herbal paste) preparations improved digestion, nutrient assimilation, tolerability, and patient compliance. No major adverse maternal or fetal outcomes were reported. Ayurveda interventions correct anemia acting at the levels of Agni (digestion and metabolism), Rasa formation (formation of plasma nutrients), Rakta Poshana (formation of red cell mass), and Srotas (microcirculatory channels) function, rather than providing isolated iron supplementation. When compared with conventional iron–folic acid therapy, several Ayurvedic formulations showed comparable or superior efficacy with better tolerability.

Conclusion: Ayurvedic management of Garbhini Pandu is effective, safe, and holistic, offering a rational integrative approach to anemia in pregnancy. Further well-designed, multicentric randomized controlled trials are warranted to strengthen evidence and facilitate wider clinical adoption.