Abstract

AN AYURVEDIC REVIEW OF PANDU ROGA (ANAEMIA)

Dr. Rosy Gupta and Dr. Monika*

Abstract

Pitta predominant Tridosha vitiate the Rasa- Rakta Dhatu, leading to the condition of Pandu Roga. Pandu has been described in almost all Ayurveda treatises. Five types of Pandu roga (Vataj, Pittaj, Kaphaj, Tridoshaj, Mritbhakshan janya) have been described in Ayurveda classics as per the prevalence of causative factors and the prominent symptoms but Panduta is common to all. Pandu is generally clinically correlated with present day Anaemia. Anaemia is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency disorder the world over. Here the reduction of Haemoglobin (Hb %) or the number of RBCs per cu mm of blood results in decreased oxygen carrying capacity and thus people exhibit the symptoms of tiredness, weakness and pallor of skin (described as Pandu varna in Ayurveda). Dietary deficiency of Iron is the most important and common cause, but not the sole one. This deficiency can be absolute or relative (metabolic or absorption incompetency). Relative deficiency occurs due to faulty dietary habits and lifestyle which cause Agni Dushti at the level of Jatharagni, Rasagni and/or Raktagni promoting Ama production, which in turn results in improper Rasa, Rakta Dhatu formation leading to Pandu Roga. 'Ama' is the name given to the toxins being generated in the body due to weak digestion and metabolism, which is very common in present era and is the cause of most of the metabolic and malabsorption related diseases. This article discusses the deep insights of Ayurvedic perspective of Pandu Roga and its correlation with Anaemia.

Keywords: Pandu Roga, Pitta, Ahara, Vihar, Ama, Anaemia.