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www.wjpps.com Vol 4, Issue 11, 2015. 1565 Pandya. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences HARIDRA (CURCUMA LONGA LINN.) A MIRACULOUS DRUG FOR ANEMIA Megha G. Pandya* *Lecturer, Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Shri Gulabkunverba Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar. ABSTRACT Panduroga can be correlated with Anemia on the ground of its similar signs and symptoms. Panduroga (Anemia) is well described in Ayurveda since ancient time including etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, prognosis, complications and management. Haridra (Curcuma longa Linn.) of the family Zingiberaceae is commonly used drug. Haridra (Curcuma longa Linn.) is used as anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, hepatoprotective, blood-purifier, antioxidant, detoxifier and regenerator of liver tissue, antiasthmatic, antiprotozoal, stomachic, carminative etc. Here attempt was made to highlight role of drug Haridra (Curcuma Longa Linn.) in the management of Anemia (Pandu) as per ayurvedic as well as modern perspective. The data in the present review have been organized in various sections according to Ayurvedic view and with recent researches carried out on the drug. KEY WORDS: Anemia, Curcuma longa, Haridra, Pandu. INTRODUCTION Pandu Rogacan be correlated with Anemia on the ground of its similar signs and symptoms. The meaning of word Pandu is pallor of the body [1] or resembling the colour of pollen of Ketaki flower along with yellow colour. [2] Pandu has been well described in Ayurveda since ancient times including etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, prognosis, complications and management. Anemia is defined as a haemoglobin concentration in blood below the lower limit of the normal range for the age and sex of individual leads to deficiency in the number of red blood cells or in the haemoglobin content of the blood, resulting in pallor, shortness of breath and lack of energy. [3] According to Ayurveda it is not WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES SJIF Impact Factor 5.210 Volume 4, Issue 11, 1565-1578 Research Article ISSN 2278 – 4357 Article Received on 10 Sep 2015, Revised on 01 Oct 2015, Accepted on 22 Oct 2015 *Correspondence for Author Dr. Megha G. Pandya Lecturer, dept. of Kayachikitsa, Shri Gulabkunverba Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar.
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Page 1: haridra (curcuma longa linn.) – a miraculous drug for anemia

www.wjpps.com Vol 4, Issue 11, 2015.

1565

Pandya. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

HARIDRA (CURCUMA LONGA LINN.) – A MIRACULOUS DRUG FOR

ANEMIA

Megha G. Pandya*

*Lecturer, Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Shri Gulabkunverba Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Gujarat

Ayurved University, Jamnagar.

ABSTRACT

Panduroga can be correlated with Anemia on the ground of its similar

signs and symptoms. Panduroga (Anemia) is well described in

Ayurveda since ancient time including etiology, pathogenesis, clinical

features, prognosis, complications and management. Haridra

(Curcuma longa Linn.) of the family Zingiberaceae is commonly used

drug. Haridra (Curcuma longa Linn.) is used as anti-inflammatory,

cholagogue, hepatoprotective, blood-purifier, antioxidant, detoxifier

and regenerator of liver tissue, antiasthmatic, antiprotozoal, stomachic,

carminative etc. Here attempt was made to highlight role of drug

Haridra (Curcuma Longa Linn.) in the management of Anemia

(Pandu) as per ayurvedic as well as modern perspective. The data in

the present review have been organized in various sections according

to Ayurvedic view and with recent researches carried out on the drug.

KEY WORDS: Anemia, Curcuma longa, Haridra, Pandu.

INTRODUCTION

“Pandu Roga” can be correlated with Anemia on the ground of its similar signs and

symptoms. The meaning of word Pandu is pallor of the body[1]

or resembling the colour of

pollen of Ketaki flower along with yellow colour.[2]

Pandu has been well described in

Ayurveda since ancient times including etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, prognosis,

complications and management. Anemia is defined as a haemoglobin concentration in blood

below the lower limit of the normal range for the age and sex of individual leads to

deficiency in the number of red blood cells or in the haemoglobin content of the blood,

resulting in pallor, shortness of breath and lack of energy.[3]

According to Ayurveda it is not

WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

SJIF Impact Factor 5.210

Volume 4, Issue 11, 1565-1578 Research Article ISSN 2278 – 4357

Article Received on

10 Sep 2015,

Revised on 01 Oct 2015,

Accepted on 22 Oct 2015

*Correspondence for

Author

Dr. Megha G. Pandya

Lecturer, dept. of

Kayachikitsa, Shri

Gulabkunverba Ayurved

Mahavidyalaya, Gujarat

Ayurved University,

Jamnagar.

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Pandya. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

restricted upto blood and blood forming haemopoietic system, but it is caused due to non-

sequential transformation of food into proper body components Rasa (plasma), Rakta

(blood) up to Shukra (semen) & Oja (the essence of the seven Dhatus or bodily tissues).

That‟s why Acharya Charaka[4]

has mentioned Panduroga as a disease of „Rasavaha Strota‟.

Panduroga is developed as a result of imbalance and variation of Tridoshas (Vata,Pitta,

Kapha) due to either Santarpanjanya (over nutrition) or Apatarpanjanya (under nutrition)

causes.

Panduroga can be overcome through the various traditional systems such as Ayurveda. There

are various herbal and herbo mineral formulations mentioned in Ayurvedic classics for the

management of Pandu. From the time of Atharvaveda, Haridra is being used as a medicine

for mankind. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine,

which amalgamate the medicinal goods of herbs with food. This astonishing herb has

established its way into the attention in the west because of its wide range of medicinal

benefits.[5]

Current research has focused on turmeric‟s antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory,

anticarcinogenic, and antimicrobial properties, including hypoglycemic property. However,

reports on its antianemic properties are limited and therefore this review study seeks the

effect of C. longa on Anemia. This article focuses on one the antianemic activity of turmeric

with use of ancients and contemporary knowledge.

UNDERSTANDING OF PANDUROGA

Clinical features of Pandu develop from the depletion of Rasa Dhatu which in turn becomes

ineffective in the production of Rakta Dhatu. The decreased level of circulating Rasa and

Rakta Dhatu, which have the prime functions of nourishment and providing support to the

vital functions, gives rise to the symptoms like depletion of blood and flesh, fatigue, body

ache, palpitation, periorbital Oedema, anorexia, dyspepsia, fever, dyspnoea and fainting.[6]

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The data were collected from Ayurvedic as well as contemporary literatures and scientific

journals, books etc.

HARIDRA (CURCUMA LONGA LINN)

Turmeric (Haridra) is an auspicious beauty spot, daily applied on the forehead by Hindu

females. Application of turmeric paste to the bride is an essential procedure of Hindu

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rituals.[7]

Haridra (Curcuma longa Linn.) of the family Zingeberacae has esteemed medicinal

properties referred in Ayurveda and has been widely used in India since ancient times in

Ayurveda, turmeric has been well documented for its therapeutic potentials. The great sage

Acharya Charaka has categorized it is in various Dashemani (group of ten drugs) such as

Lekhaniya[8]

(scrapping herbs), Vishaghna[9]

(anti-toxin) and Kusthaghna[9]

(anti-dermatosis).

Acharya Sushruta has classified Haridra under Haridradi Gana[10]

, Tiktaskandha[11]

(group

of bitter drugs), Mustadi Gana[12]

, Lakshadi Gana[13]

Vataprashamana Gana (vata alleviating

group)[14]

and Shleshmaprashamana Gana (kapha alleviating group).[15]

Turmeric has been

used traditionally for almost every human ailment and many of these historic uses have been

scientifically validated with application in modern times.

SYNONYMS OF HARIDRA IN SANSKRITA[16]

Rajani, Nisha, Gauri, Krimighna, Vishaghni, Yoshitpriya, Kanchani, Varavarnini,

Hattavilasinsi, Aneshta, Dirgharaga, Hemaragi, Harita, Pitika, Ratrinamika, Shobha,

Suvarna, Shyama, Vara, Varangi, Varnadatri, Varnini, Yuvati, Gandhapalashika,

Mangalaprada, Mangalya, Pavitra, Tapasvini, Uma, Mehaghni, Jayanti

Botanical name: Curcuma longa Linn. (C. domestica Valeton.)

Family: Zingiberaceae.

Regional Names[17]

English: Turmeric

Assam; Haldhi, Haladhi

Bengali: Halud, Haldi

Gujarati : Haldar

Hindi: Haldi, Hardi

Kannad: Arishina

Malayam: Manjala

Marathi: Halad

Punjabi: Hardakh

Tamil: Manjal

Telugu: Pasupu

Urdu: Haldi.

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Habitat:[18]

Cultivated all over India, particularly in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and

Maharashtra.

Geographical Source[19]

Haridra consists of the dried rhizomes of Curcuma longa Linn. (Fam. Zingiberaceae), a

perennial herb grows to a height of three to five feet extensively cultivated in all parts of the

country, crop is harvested after 9-10 months when lower leaves turn yellow rhizomes

carefully dug up with hand-picks between October-April and boiled, cleaned and dried,

yielding a yellow powder.

Description of the drug: The plant is perennial herb with short stem and tufted leaves.

Primary tubers are ellipsoidal and bear many rhizomes showing pattern of monopodial

growth. The leaves are acuminate, ascending and pubescent beneath, consists of cone shaped

collection of numerous ovate bracts and about 10-18 cm long and 5 cm broad. The flowers

are pale yellow borne in pairs in the axils. The seeds are black and shining with large,

lacerate and white aril. Flowering and fruiting take place in winter.[20]

Rhizomes are ovate, oblong or pyriform (round turmeric) or cylindrical, often short branched

(long turmeric), former about half as broad as long, latter 2-5 cm long and about 1-1.8 cm

thick, externally yellowish to yellowish-brown with root scars and annulations of leaf bases,

fracture horny, fractured surface orange to reddish brown, central cylinder twice as broad as

cortex: odour and taste characteristic.[21]

Chemical Constituents

Turmeric is an excellent source of both iron and manganese. It is also a good source of

vitamin B6, dietary fiber, and potassium.[22]

The primary active constituent of turmeric and

the one responsible for its vibrant yellow color is curcumin. Curcumin is the most well

studied constituent. The main constituents groups are polyphenolic curcuminoids which

include: curcumin (diferuloylmethan), demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and

cyclocurcumin.[23]

Turmeric also contains: sesquiterpenes (turmerone, atlantone, zingiberone,

turmeronol, germacrone, and bisabolene), carbohydrates, protein, resins and caffeic acid.[24]

Parts Used: The rhizome, leaves and flowers are used medicinal purpose.

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Common adulteration[20]

Turmeric powder is sometimes adulterated with yellow earth, rice or maize starch, sand, grit

and talc while the whole turmeric is policed with lead chromate or metanil yellow.

Dose[25]

1-3 gm of the drug in powder form

Properties: Screening the various classical texts, Rasa (taste), Virya (potency), Vipaka (post

digestion effect) and Guna (property) of Haridra are mentioned in the table 1.

Table 1: Properties of Haridra (Curcuma Longa Linn.)

Text

Rasa

(Taste)

Guna

(property)

Virya

(potency)

Vipaka

(post digestion effect) Doshaghnata

(pacification

of Dosha) Katu

(pungent)

Tikta

(bitter)

Ruksha

(dry)

Ushna

(hot)

Katu

(pungent)

A.S. [26]

+ + - - - KP

B.P. [27]

+ + + + + KP

D.N.[28]

- + + + + -

R.N.[29]

+ + - + + K

K.N.[30]

+ + + + + KP

A.S.- Ashtanga Sangraha, B.P – Bhavaprakasha nighantu; D.N – Dhanwantari nighantu; R.N

– Raja Nighantu; K.N – Kaiyadeva nighantu; K-Kaphadosha, P- Pittadosha

Medicinal applications:[31]

Anemia, atherosclerosis, diabetes, oedema, haemorrhoids,

hepatitis, hysteria, indigestion, inflammation, skin disease, urinary disease, wound and bruise

healing, psoriasis, anorexia, cough, liver disorders, rheumatism, sinusitis.

Various formulations of Haridra in the Management of Panduroga

Table 2: Formulations of Haridra

Sr. no. Name of formulation Ingredients Reference Anupana

(Vehicle)

Few Churna (Powder) preparation of Haridra

1 Ajasakrutadi churna Aja Sakruta, Bid lavana,

Haridra, Saindhava S.S.U. 44/25;292 Honey

2 Haridra, Triphala Yoga Triphala, Haridra S.S. U. 44/19; 291 Ghee, Honey

3 Murvadi Yoga Murva, Haridra, Amalaki,

bhavna by Gomutra S.S.U. 44/28; 292 Honey

Few Kshara (alkali) preparation of Haridra

1. Ksharamruta

Kshara of Musta, Palasha,

Arjuna, Dhava, Apamarga,

Dhatura, Haridra, Vasa, Tila

H.S. 3rd

Sthana,

4/16-17; 230

Not

mentioned

Few Ghrita–Taila (Medicated Ghee and Oil) preparation of Haridra

1 Bruhtayadi Ghrita Bruhati, Kantakari, Haridra, S.S. U. 44/22 p. 291 Kshira (Milk)

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Kakamachi, Bimbi, Alambusha,

ghee,

2 Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu

Nimba, Patola, Vasa, Guduchi,

Kantakari, Su. Guggulu, Ghee,

Pippali, Haridra, Devdaru,

Triphala Manjistha

B.R. 54/233-236;

632

Not

mentioned

3 Bruhat Panchagavya Ghrita

Dwi Panchamula, Triphala,

Haridra, Daruharidra, Vacha,

Saptaparna, Nilini, Katurohini,

Trivrita, Chitraka

C.K. 21/17-22; 180 Not

mentioned

4 Katukadhya Ghrita

Katuki, Rohini, Musta, Haridra,

Daruharidra, Vatsaka, Patola,

Chandana, Nimba,Bhunimba

Devdaru

C.S.Chi. 16/47-49;95

95, (Vol. IV)

Not

mentioned

5 Mahabhallataka Guda

Nimba, Bhallataka, Shariva,

Katuki, Triphala, Trikatu,

Haridra, Vacha, Khadira,

Patola, Vatsaka, Vidanga,

Vasa, bhunimba,

B.R. 54/207-221 Kshira (Milk)

6 Murvadya Ghrita

Murva, Katuki, Haridra, Vasa,

Pippali, Chandana, Parpata,

Patola,Trayamana, Bhunimba,

Kshira, Ghee

B.R. 12/136-137;

276

Not

mentioned

7 Tiktaka Ghrita

Triphala, Haridra,

Daruharidra, vasa, Parpata,

Patola, Katuki, Nimba,Pippali,

Chandana, Indrayava

B.R. 54/239-242;

633

Not

mentioned

8 Vyoshadhya Ghrita

(Mrudbhakhanaja Pandu)

Trikatu, Bilva, Haridra, Musta,

Daruharidra, Triphala, Patha,

Punarnava, DevdaruLauha

Bhasma

C.S.Chi. 16/119-20;

111 (Vol IV)

Not

mentioned

Few Leha (linctus) preparation of Haridra

1 Rajanyadi Leha

Haridra, Daruharidra, Bruhati,

Shaliparni, prishniparni,

Shatahva

C.K.64/22, Balaroga;

523 Honey, Ghee

2 Khadiravaleha

Khadira Kwatha, Vidanga,

Dhanyaka, Bala, Katuki, Sita,

yashtimadhu, Triphala,

Haridra, Daruharidra

Bangasena 44/127-

128; 548 Honey, Ghee

Few Guggulu /Modaka/ Vati (Pills) preparation of Haridra

1 Punarnava Mandura

Punarnava, Trivrita, Trikatu,

Vidanga, Daruharidra,

Chitraka, Kushtha, Haridra,

Daruharidra, Danti, Chavya,

Musta, Pippali,

Pippalimula,Suddha madura,

Gomutra

C.S.Chi. 16/93-96;

105,06

Takra

(Buttermilk)

2 Trikutadi Vati

Trikuta (Trikatu), Triphala,

Haridra, Nilini fruit, Musta,

manjistha, Katurohini,

Bangasena, 42/54-

57; 542

Tandulambu

(rice water)

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Shatavari, Shigrubija,

Gajapippali,

Shaliparni,Bhallataka, Danti

3 Chandraprabha Gutika

Karpura, Vacha, Musta,

Haridra, Ativisha, Trivrita

Danti, Twaka, Ela, Chitraka,

Guggulu, Shilajatu

B.R. 37/102-110;

514

Not

mentioned

Few Asava- Arishta (fermented liquor) preparation of Haridra

1 Gaudarishta

Manjistha, Haridra, Draksha,

Balamula, Lauha

Bhasma,Lodhra

C.S. Chi. 16/105;108

(Vol. IV)

Not

mentioned

2 Moolasava

Haridra, Dashamula,

Shatavari, Rushabhaka, Jivaka,

Musta, Manjistha, Vidanga,

Madhuka, Lodhra

C.S. Chi. 15/156-159 Not

mentioned

3 Pippalyasava

Pippali, Maricha, Chavya,

Haridra, Chitraka, Vidanga,

Lodhra, Patha, Dhatri, Ushira,

Chandana, Lavanga, Ela,

Twaka, Jatamansi

Sha.S., Madhyama

Khanda 10/28-33

Not

mentioned

4 Kumaryasava

Kumari, Lavanga, Chaturjata,

Chitraka, Haridra,

Daruharidra, Pippalimula,

Vidanga, Gajapippali, Chavika,

Kramuka, katurohini,Musta,

Triphala, Danti, kapikachhu

Sha.S. Madhyama

khanda 10/19-27;

236

Not

mentioned

5 Dashamularishta

Dashamula, Chitraka,

Pushkaramula, Guduchi,

Lodhra, Dhatri, Manjistha,

Devdaru, Pathya, Vidanga,

Jatamansi, Haridra,

Nagkeshara, Musta, Indrayava

Sha.S. Madhyama

Khanda, 10/78- 92;

239

Not

mentioned

Kharaliya Rasayoga (Herbomineral preparation) of Haridra

1 Nisha Lauha Lauha churna, Haridra,

Triphala, daruharidra, Katuki B. R. 12/29; 270 Honey, Ghee

2 Dhatri Lauha Amalaki, Haridra, Trikatu,

Suddha Lauha B.R. 12/30, 270 Honey, Ghee

3 Panchamrita Lauha Mandura

Lauha, Tamra Bhasma, Kajjali,

Trikatu, Triphala, Musta,

Vidanga, Chitraka, Haridra,

Daruharidra, Shati, Chavya,

Yamani, Jirakadwaya

B. R. 12/52-58; 271 Honey

4 Pandupanchanana Rasa

Lauha, Tamra Bhasma, Danti,

Chavika, Trivrita, Kutaja,

Katuki, Haridra, Suddha

Mandura

B.R. 12/99-102; 274 Ushna Jala

(hot water)

5 Punarnava Mandura

Punarnava, Trivrita, Trikatu,

Vidanga, Haridra, Musta,

Pippali, Madura, Gomutra

C.S. Chi. 16/93-96;

105-106

Takra

(buttermilk)

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C.S.[4]

- Charaka Samhita, S.S.[10]

- Sushruta Samhita, B.R.[32]

- Bhaishajya Ratnavali,

K.S.[33]

- Kashyap Samhita, H.S.[34]

- Harita Samhita, C. K.[35]

- Chakradatta, Sha.S.[36]

-

Sharngadhara Samhita, Chi.- Chikitsa sthana, U.- Uttaratantra

PROBABLE MODE OF ACTION OF TURMERIC (CURCUMA LONGA) IN

PANDUROGA

Katu Rasa (pungent) can promote Agni (digestive and metabolic fire) by their Dipana

(appetizer), & Pachana (digestive) properties which can nullify the Agnimandhya (weakened

digestive fire), Aruchi (anorexia) like symptoms of Pandu roga. Further, Katu Rasa has been

said as margan vivrunoti [37]

(penetrates obstruction in channels) and reach even minutes

level and increase micro circulation of the Rasa all over the body. By virtue of Dipana,

Pachana property it increases the Jatharagni (digestive and metabolic fire) and Dhatvagni

(tissue metabolism) and thus may helpful to break the pathogenesis of Panduroga. Ruksha

(dry) property of Haridra can revert back the conditions like Dhatu Shaithilya (flabbiness in

tissues) found in Panduroga.

Owing to its hepatoprotective effect,[38]

maintains normal function of Yakrita (Liver) to

convert Rasa into Rakta and thus produce excellent quality of Rakta Dhatu (blood). By virtue

of Appetizer, Digestive, Hepatoprotective, Cholagogue activity of Haridra, it improves

digestion and metabolism, ultimately absorption of nutrition. As curcuma longa is proved as

antioxidant,[39]

it has been found to be a very good immune enhancer. It improves general

health, immunity, vigor and luster of the skin etc. in patients having anemia. Moreover, Iron

deficiency anemia can be overcome through turmeric rich in iron which are essential

components in the formation of red blood cells.[40]

Role of Liver dysfunction in the development of Anemia

Liver performs vital roles in maintaining homeostasis and health. Liver is the major storage

site for iron, Vit B12 and folic acid. The liver is involved in or is responsible for various

hematological abnormalities due to its unique portal circulation and its synthetic (clotting

factors, thrombopoietin) and immune functions. Primary liver problems like cirrhosis can

lead to hematological abnormalities and primary hematological diseases can in turn affect the

liver and its functioning. Abnormalities in hematological indices are frequently encountered

in cirrhosis.[41]

Moreover, The liver plays an important role in the digestion and processing of

food. A person with a damaged liver may have impaired bile production and flow. When this

happens, the body may not be able to properly absorb nutrients. The frequent association of

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anemia with chronic liver disease and/or hepatocellular failure provides a rationale for

examining the role of the liver in the formation and destruction of red blood cells. Indeed, a

variety of different mechanisms may be implicated in the development of anemia in patients

with liver disease.[42]

In Ayurvedic texts Yakrita (Liver) has given more importance in connection with metabolic

functions. Yakrita (Liver) is said to be the seat of Pitta. All the functions of Pitta, especially

Ranjaka Pitta are attributed to liver. Again liver and spleen are considered as, the root of

Raktavahasrotas. So, liver is very much important in all diseases concerned with Raktavaha

Srotas.

Alcohol and Anemia[42]

Drinking of alcohol is said to be one of the cause of Panduroga by Acharya Sushruta.

Alcohol is toxic to the liver. Drinking alcohol in excess can give rise to acute alcoholic

hepatitis, fatty liver, alcoholic intoxication and cirrhosis of the liver. It is difficult to

overcome addiction to alcohol as in several cases. Alcohol is implicated in the pathogenesis

of chronic liver disease; it may contribute to anemia secondary to its direct effects on the liver

and also to other diverse mechanisms. Folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies develop

frequently in patients with cirrhosis. These deficiencies may be related to inadequate food

intake or intestinal malabsorption. Anemia in an alcoholic may also arise as a consequence of

the direct toxic effects of alcohol on erythrocyte precursors in the bone marrow.

Hepatoprotective activity of Curcuma Longa Linn.

Curcumin, the most common antioxidant constituent of Curcuma longa rhizome extract, was

reported to enhance apoptosis of damaged hepatocytes which might be the protective

mechanism whereby curcumin down-regulated inflammatory effects and fibrogenesis of the

liver. The ethanolic extract of Curcuma Longa rhizomes showed a significant

hepatoprotective effect when orally administrated in doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, and

the protective effect was dose dependent.[43]

Thus, by counter acting the liver pathology,

anemia is corrected by curcuma longa.

Role of Inflammation in the development of Anemia and Anti-inflammatory activity of

Curcuma Longa

Anemia of inflammation (AI) has historically been termed the “anemia of chronic disease”

and is most commonly observed in association with infection, rheumatologic disorders,

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malignancy, and other chronic illnesses. It seems more likely that the oxidative stress that

accompanies the evolution of our life is the real cause of the chronic inflammatory conditions

and that the same oxidative stress is actually a major cause of this anemia. The results of

preclinical and clinical studies, researchers have suggested the following main mechanisms

by which inflammation may affect anemia. Just as important seems to be the direct role of

inflammatory mediators in interfering with erythropoiesis by suppressing the bone marrow.

In fact, patients with chronic inflammatory diseases have been demonstrated to have

decreased red cell survival, disorders of erythropoiesis, EPO levels low for the degree of

anemia.[44]

Curcumin is the phytochemical derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa. Curcuma longa

(turmeric) has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for inflammatory

conditions.[45]

The role of curcumin is supported by a number of scientific papers that have

confirmed its anti-inflammatory actions both in vitro and in vivo. [23],[46],[47]

Data of Clinical studies done on Haridra in Panduroga

1. Study Design: Kumawat N et al[48]

studied and given Nisha lauha (Haritaki, Amalaki,

Bibhitaki, Haridra, Kutki, Daruharidra in equal ratio and Lauha Bhasma in six ratio) in a

dose 500 mg twice daily and Phalatrikadi kwath (Haritaki, Amalaki, Bhibhitaki, Kutki,

Gudichi,Vasa, Nimbha, Bhunimba) in a dose 40 ml twice daily orally before taking meal with

Anupana (vehicle) of Madhu. Ferrous Sulphate was given in a dose of 200 mg thrice a day

orally after taking meal with water. Duration of trial was for 60 days.

Result: Highly significant improvement was observed in hemoglobin level after sixty days

treatment in both groups A and B. The intergroup comparison showed equal results in both

the groups which are statistically insignificant. In case of ESR, PCV, MCH, MCHC, TRBC,

S. Iron, TIBC in both groups statistically highly significant results observed in both the

groups (<0.001).

2. Study Design: In this study[49]

Virechana (with Trivrita powder) was given followed by

Shamana treatment Tab. Nisha Loha (250mg) twice a day with Anupana of Honey for 45

days in group A. While in group B Tab. Nisha Loha was given without doing Virechana.

Result: Study done by James Chacko showed 48% of moderate improvement, 32% patients

were assessed under improvement by Shamana group i.e. Nisha Loha. Only 12% showed

marked improvement. 8% were under unchanged category, whereas nobody included under

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complete relief. Moreover, Nisha Loha provided highly significant relief (p<0.001) in the

management of Panduta and Arohana ayasa by 48% and 44% respectively. Study revealed

that Hb% was significantly increased by 48% by Nisha Lauha.

3. Study Design:[50]

30 children having IDA were given Dhatri Loha compound (Amalaki,

Lohabhasma, Haridra, Trikatu, Amalakikashaya as per need for bhavana (lavigation))

(250 mg) twice a day for period of 2 months.

Result: Study done by Ragamala KC et al revealed that Dhatri Lauha provided statistically

highly significant change (P = <0.001) resulted in the signs and symptoms of IDA. There was

a statistically highly significant response in hemoglobin concentration in the group (P

=<0.001).

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that the Haridra (Turmeric) has a lot of potentials in the treatment of

Anemia owing to its multiple pharmacological activities such as haematinic, digestive,

appetizer, antioxidant, Hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory.

Experimental data suggests that curcumin acts as antioxidant and hepatoprotective which

may beneficial in treating patients of anemia with compromised liver and decreased

immunity. Various clinical research works have also proved the role of Haridra in Pandu

(anemia). Thus, it can be concluded that, Haridra may play an important role in the treatment

of Anemia.

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