Dhatri Loha
Dhatri Loha is a compound iron preparation containing Loha Bhasma with herbal ingredients.
| Substance type | Mineral or metal preparation, not a plant |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Dhatri Loha, DhatriLoha |
| Pharmacopoeia status | Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI); recognized as classical Ayurvedic medicine under CCRAS (Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India |
The evidence at a glance
1paper on this site for this drug, every one with a DOI.
- 1Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people.true See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Dhatri Loha |
Where is it described in the classical texts?
Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Shoolaroga Adhikara, Chapter 30, Verses 142-147; also referenced in Rasaratna Samuchaya
How does it work?
- Loha Bhasma provides iron, which the body uses for hemoglobin synthesis and erythropoiesis
- Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) is rich in vitamin C, markedly enhancing non-heme iron absorption in the GI tract and acting as a potent antioxidant
- Yashtimadhu (licorice) provides gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing GI irritation from iron supplementation
- Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) has immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective properties, supporting liver function for optimal iron metabolism
- Ushna virya (mildly heating potency) of Loha Bhasma kindles Agni (digestive fire), transforming Ama (metabolic toxins) and improving Dhatu (tissue) nourishment
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Pandu Roga (iron deficiency anemia): traditionally used for this condition. Clinical studies have reported improvement in hemoglobin levels.
- Digestive disorders with acid peptic symptoms: traditionally used for these complaints. The formulation includes Amalaki and Yashtimadhu as components.
What do recent studies show?
- Srikanth N, Rao BC, Yadav B and others 2021. Dhatri Lauha in the management of iron deficiency anemia: A prospective open-label single-arm multi-center trial. Ayu. PMID 37153071 · doi:10.4103/ayu.ayu_379_21
Multi-center trial across 12 centers (40 participants/site) showed Dhatri Lauha 500 mg twice daily for 45 days significantly improved hemoglobin, RBC, and iron metabolism parameters in IDA patients; well tolerated and clinically safe
Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.
Recent safety updates
- The multi-center trial listed above reported Dhatri Lauha was well tolerated with no significant adverse effects at 500 mg twice daily for 45 days
- Prolonged unsupervised use may lead to iron overload (hemochromatosis-like symptoms) - serum ferritin monitoring recommended beyond 8 weeks
- Contraindicated in patients with hemochromatosis, thalassemia major, or conditions with existing iron overload
- Loha Bhasma toxicity study showed safety at therapeutic dose and 5x therapeutic dose; only at highest doses were biochemical alterations evident (study not identified in the source notes)
- Heavy metal contaminant testing should confirm compliance with API limits for lead, arsenic, and mercury
What is it made of?
Mineral/Elemental Profile
- Primary component: Amalaki, Lauha Bhasma and Yashtimadhu, processed with Guduchi decoction (Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 21:2)
- Note: Composition varies by specific preparation method
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Vati/tablet
Standard Dosage: 250–500 mg (1–2 tablets) twice daily
Optimal Timing: After meals with honey or warm water
Storage: Airtight container; cool, dry place
Marker Compounds: Iron oxide (from Loha Bhasma), Ascorbic acid/tannins (from Dhatri)
Vehicle (Anupana): Honey, warm water, or Amla juice
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Laboratory and animal studies1
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.