Pandu Roga, described in Ayurvedic classics, is a condition characterized by pallor and a decrease in the essential vitality (Ojas) of the blood, associated with deficiencies in Rakta (blood tissue). It aligns closely with the modern concept of anemia, where there is a deficiency of hemoglobin or red blood cells, leading to weakness and fatigue.

In Ayurveda, Pandu Roga results from an imbalance primarily of Pitta dosha, which affects the quality of blood tissue. The depletion of Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue) leads to the diminished nourishment of body tissues, causing weakness, fatigue, and a pale complexion. The pathogenesis includes an impaired digestive fire (Agni), leading to the production of Ama (toxins) and improper assimilation of nutrients, resulting in Rakta Dhatu deficiency.

• Consumption of sour, spicy, and excessively salty foods that aggravate Pitta dosha.
• Eating incompatible foods (e.g., fish with milk), which impairs digestion and creates Ama.
• Excessive intake of dry, processed, and refined foods lacking in nutritional value, leading to malnourishment of blood tissue.

• Excessive physical exertion that depletes body strength and vitality.
• Lack of adequate sleep and stress, which disturb the balance of doshas and weaken the Agni.
• Inadequate exposure to sunlight, affecting the body's metabolism and essential nutrient absorption.

Pandu Roga arises when:

• Pitta dosha aggravates and penetrates into Rakta Dhatu, leading to an imbalance in the blood tissue.
• Agni (digestive fire) becomes weak, causing incomplete digestion and Ama production.
• Accumulated Ama hinders proper nourishment of Rakta Dhatu, causing the blood tissue to weaken and the body to become deficient in vitality.

Sloka Reference:

• Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana 16.6): "असृग्दोषमपाकृत्य पित्तं तत्र प्रवर्तते।"
  • This highlights how vitiated Pitta leads to blood impurities and disorders such as Pandu Roga.

1. Blood tests to assess hemoglobin levels and identify types of anemia.
2. Physical examination to evaluate pallor, breathlessness, and pulse.
3. Stool test in case of suspected malabsorption or worm infestation.

• Weakness and mild fatigue.
• Dizziness and feeling faint.
• Poor appetite and low digestive power.

• Pale skin and yellowish discoloration of the eyes and nails.
• Fatigue, weakness, and lethargy
• Loss of interest in food
• Breathlessness
• Dizziness and fainting
• Edema (swelling)
• Decreased strength and immunity

• Pale skin and yellowish discoloration of the eyes and nails.
• Fatigue, weakness, and lethargy.
• Loss of interest in food or poor digestion.
• Breathlessness and rapid heartbeat upon exertion.

1. Vataja Pandu: Anemia with symptoms of dryness, blackish discoloration, and emaciation.
2. Pittaja Pandu: Marked by yellowish discoloration, burning sensation, and heat intolerance.
3. Kaphaja Pandu: Symptoms include heaviness, pallor, and lethargy.
4. Sannipataj
5. Mrud Bhakshna janya

Sloka Reference:

• Sushruta Samhita (Nidana Sthana 13.20): "वातपीत्तश्लेष्मजाः स्युस्त्रिविधाः पाण्डुरोगिणः।"
  • This verse explains the types of Pandu Roga based on the predominant dosha.

1. Jaundice and liver dysfunction.
2. Splenomegaly or enlarged spleen due to overworking in blood processing.
3. Heart complications due to increased workload to supply oxygen.

The prognosis of Pandu Roga depends on the type, cause, and chronicity. Early-stage anemia can be treated effectively, while chronic cases may require long-term management.

1. Deepana and Pachana (digestive stimulants and Ama-pachaka) like Trikatu (three-pungent compounds) to enhance digestion.
2. Rakta Vruddhikara (blood-enhancing herbs): Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) and Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa).
3. Pitta Shamana (balancing Pitta): Use of cooling herbs like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) to pacify Pitta.
4. Rasayana (rejuvenation therapy): Including iron-rich herbal formulations like Lohasava or Mandura Bhasma.

Sloka Reference:

• Ashtanga Hridayam (Chikitsa Sthana 15.11): "मण्डूरं पाण्डुरोगे स्यात् रक्ता दोषे च शस्यते।"
  • This mentions the use of Mandura (iron-based formulations) in treating Pandu and blood-related disorders.

• Easily digestible, iron-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, beetroot, and pomegranate.
• Avoid sour, salty, and spicy foods which aggravate Pitta dosha.
• Incorporate ghee and unctuous substances that strengthen Rakta Dhatu and aid in nutrient absorption

• Avoid fasting or restrictive diets that reduce nutrient intake.
• Limit pungent, sour, and salty tastes as these aggravate Pitta and hinder Rakta nourishment.

Anemia is a condition marked by a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen transport in the blood. Causes can include nutritional deficiencies, malabsorption, chronic diseases, or bone marrow disorders.

• Complete blood count (CBC) to assess hemoglobin, hematocrit, and RBC indices.
• Peripheral blood smear to evaluate the shape and structure of red blood cells.
• Iron and vitamin assays to check for nutritional deficiencies.