Loha Bhasma
Loha Bhasma is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination.
| Substance type | Mineral or metal preparation, not a plant |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Loha Bhasma, LohaBhasma |
The evidence at a glance
3papers on this site for this drug, published 2016 to 2023, every one with a DOI.
- 3Laboratory 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 | Loha Bhasma |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3/Fe3O4) in 50-200 nm range
- Magnetite phase (Fe3O4) as primary constituent
- Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio approximately 40%:60%
- Trace carbon, sodium, and zinc as contaminants
- Organic compounds from herbal processing media (Triphala, etc.)
How does it work?
- Iron supplementation via bioavailable nano-iron oxide particles that enhance intestinal absorption through smaller particle size and increased surface area, bypassing typical ferrous iron GI side effects
- Hematopoietic stimulation through provision of elemental iron in oxide form, supporting hemoglobin synthesis and red blood cell production in iron-deficiency states
- Digestive fire (Agni) enhancement through iron-mediated stimulation of metabolic enzymes and improvement of nutrient absorption in the gastrointestinal tract
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Iron-deficiency anemia (Pandu Roga): traditionally used for iron-deficiency anemia.
- Digestive disorders: traditionally used to improve digestion and appetite, described as Agni-deepana (digestive fire enhancement). Clinical observations have reported improved digestion and appetite.
- General debility and weakness (Daurbalya): traditionally used for general debility and weakness. Clinical studies have reported improved hemoglobin levels and improved clinical symptoms.
What do recent studies show?
- Tiwari MK, Singh A, Khooha A and others 2023. Structural investigation of Ayurveda Lauha (Iron) Bhasma. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 36822148 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100690
Medicinal grade Lauha Bhasma comprises slightly modified magnetite structure with Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio of approximately 40:60. SEM/XRD studies reveal nanocrystalline iron oxide with potential for targeted cancer cell killing via alternating external magnetic field. - 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 clinical trial at 12 centers assessed clinical safety and efficacy of Lauha-based formulation in iron-deficiency anemia patients. - Joshi N, Dash MK, Dwivedi L and others 2016. Toxicity study of Lauha Bhasma (calcined iron) in albino rats. Ancient science of life. PMID 27143800 · doi:10.4103/0257-7941.179870
No signs of toxicity or mortality observed up to 100x therapeutic dose in acute toxicity study. Safe at 1x and 5x therapeutic dose in subacute study. Some biochemical alterations at highest dose levels (10x) with histopathological changes.
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
- SAFE AT HIGH DOSES: No mortality or toxicity signs up to 100x therapeutic dose in acute study; safe at 5x therapeutic dose for 60 days in subacute study
- FEWER GI SIDE EFFECTS: Clinical trials showed significantly fewer gastrointestinal complaints (constipation, nausea) compared to conventional ferrous sulfate, likely due to nano-particulate oxide form
- DOSE-DEPENDENT CAUTION: At 10x therapeutic dose, some biochemical and histopathological alterations observed. Strict therapeutic dose adherence recommended.
- IRON OVERLOAD RISK: Prolonged unsupervised use may lead to iron overload (hemochromatosis-like symptoms). Periodic hemoglobin and serum ferritin monitoring advised.
- STANDARDIZATION CONCERN: Different preparation methods yield different particle sizes and iron oxide phases, affecting bioavailability and safety. Only classically prepared products recommended.
What is it made of?
Mineral/Elemental Profile
- Iron (Fe2O3/Fe3O4): Major component (>90%)
- Calcium (Ca): Trace
- Silicon (Si): Trace
- Manganese (Mn): Trace
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Bhasma
Standard Dosage: 125–250 mg twice daily
Optimal Timing: After meals with honey, ghee, or Triphala Kwatha
Storage: Airtight glass or HDPE container; avoid moisture
Marker Compounds: Fe3O4 (magnetite, primary), Fe2O3 (hematite), Trace minerals from Bhavana media
Vehicle (Anupana): Honey + ghee (unequal parts), Triphala Kwatha, Amla juice, or Mandura Bhasma combination
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 studies3
- 2023. Structural investigation of Ayurveda Lauha (Iron) BhasmaJournal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 36822148 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100690
- 2021. Dhatri Lauha in the management of iron deficiency anemia: A prospective open-label single-arm multi-center trialAyu. PMID 37153071 · doi:10.4103/ayu.ayu_379_21
- 2016. Toxicity study of Lauha Bhasma (calcined iron) in albino ratsAncient science of life. PMID 27143800 · doi:10.4103/0257-7941.179870
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.