Lohasava
Lohasava is an Asava, a self-generated fermented liquid preparation containing Loha (iron) and herbs. Listed in Sharangdhara Samhita; recognized as a classical Ayurvedic Asava preparation; included in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI); classified as a Classical Medicine under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
| Substance type | Mineral or metal preparation, not a plant |
|---|---|
| Pharmacopoeia status | Listed in Sharangdhara Samhita; recognized as a classical Ayurvedic Asava preparation; included in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI); classified as a Classical Medicine under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Lohasava |
Where is it described in the classical texts?
Sharangdhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10, Verses 34-38; also referenced in Rasa Ratna Samuccaya (15th century CE) as Lauha Asava
How does it work?
- Fermentation process (Sandhana Kalpana) converts iron into an ionic/colloidal form within a self-generated alcohol medium (4-10%), traditionally held to aid GI absorption
- Self-generated alcohol acts as a natural preservative and delivery vehicle for both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble active herbal constituents
- Triphala components provide vitamin C for iron absorption, antioxidant protection, and gentle hepatoprotection
- Trikatu enhances digestive fire (Agni) and bioavailability of iron and other nutrients through piperine-mediated absorption enhancement
- Dhataki Pushpa provides the yeast and enzymes for controlled fermentation and has intrinsic hemostatic properties
- Vidanga and Chitraka provide anthelmintic and digestive stimulant effects, addressing parasitic causes of anemia
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: traditionally used for iron deficiency anemia. A comparative study reported greater improvement in hemoglobin and iron parameters with Lohasava than with conventional iron therapy.
- Liver and digestive disorders: traditionally used as a hepatoprotective and digestive formulation. In classical practice, these uses are attributed to its Triphala and Trikatu components and its fermentation process.
What do recent studies show?
No study for this section could be traced to a published paper. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.
Recent safety updates
- Contains 4-10% self-generated alcohol - contraindicated in patients with alcohol dependence, liver cirrhosis, or religious/personal alcohol restrictions
- 2024 standardization study confirmed heavy metal content within acceptable limits for properly manufactured preparations
- Iron overload risk with chronic high-dose use; particularly important in patients with iron storage disorders or hemochromatosis
- Fermentation quality varies between manufacturers - only purchase from licensed GMP-certified Ayurvedic pharmacies with standardization data
- Toxicity study showed safety at 5x therapeutic dose, but prolonged use requires periodic liver and kidney function monitoring
What is it made of?
Mineral/Elemental Profile
- Primary component: Mineral-derived preparation
- Note: Composition varies by specific preparation method
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Asava (self-generated fermented liquid)
Standard Dosage: 15–30 mL twice daily after meals
Optimal Timing: After meals with equal water
Storage: Earthen or glass vessel; avoid direct sunlight; room temperature
Marker Compounds: Iron complexes, Organic acids (from fermentation), Polyphenols (from Triphala/Dhataki), Self-generated alcohol (5–10%)
Vehicle (Anupana): Equal quantity of water after meals
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.