A CRITICAL REVIEW OF MODE OF ACTION OF DHATRYARISHTA IN PANDU ROGA WSR TO CHARAKA SAMHITA: PHARMACEUTICS AND PHARMACOLOGICAL INSIGHTS

Pandu Roga (~anaemia disorder)[1] is described in Charaka Samhita as a Pitta-predominant disorder, where aggravated Pitta subsequently disturbs Vata and Kapha, leading to systemic imbalance. The primary pathological involvement is of Rakta dhatu, which becomes depleted and functionally impaired. The clinical features of Pandu roga closely resemble the pathophysiological and clinical profile of anaemia as understood in modern medicine, providing a conceptual bridge for integrative interpretation. The line of treatment includes Shodhana and Shamana procedures, with the Shamana modalities comprising of use of medicated Ghrita, various herbal combinations in the form of Kwatha, Churna or Guti-Vati, Avalehas, Loha or Mandoora kalpas and Sandhana kalpanas. Dhatryarishta is one such Sandhana mentioned in the treatment of Panduroga in Charaka Samhita. The present review aims to elucidate mode of action of Dhatryarishta in Pandu with special reference to its pharmaceutical preparation and pharmacological mechanisms according to classical Ayurveda texts and contemporary science references. Available experimental and pharmacological studies indicate that Dhatryarishta and its constituent drugs enhance iron bioavailability, improve erythropoiesis, exert antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects, and correct inflammatory dysregulation of iron metabolism, collectively supporting its therapeutic role in Pandu Roga.