# Madhu Mandur

> Madhu Mandur is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. Iron deficiency anemia (Pandu Roga) - validated by clinical studies showing significant hemoglobin improvement, especially with honey co-administration Anemia in children - validated by clinical evaluation showing 21.86% hemoglobin increase with honey + Mandur Bhasma combination

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Mandura Bhasma is listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) with standardized monograph; preparation methods and quality parameters specified; widely recognized as a classical Ayurvedic hematinic

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Madhu](/herb/madhu/) Mandur |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Charaka Samhita, Pandu Roga Chikitsa; Bhaishajya Ratnavali; Rasa Tarangini; the concept of Mandura processing is described across multiple classical texts

## How does it work?

- Mandura (iron rust/Fe2O3) provides iron in oxide form that is converted to bioavailable nano-particulate iron through classical calcination (Marana) process
- Honey ([Madhu](/herb/madhu/)) acts as a potent bioenhancer increasing iron absorption by >100% compared to Mandur alone; also has Yogavahi (carrier) properties enhancing tissue penetration
- [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) decoction used in processing provides vitamin C for iron absorption, [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) protection, and Shodhana (purification) of the iron rust
- [Gomutra](/herb/gomutra/) (cow's urine) in purification contains uric acid and [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) that aid in conversion of toxic iron forms to safer oxide nanoparticles
- Combined Deepana-Pachana (digestive fire enhancing) and Rakta-Vardhaka (blood building) action corrects both the cause (poor digestion/absorption) and effect (low hemoglobin) of anemia

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Iron deficiency anemia (Pandu Roga) - validated by clinical studies showing significant hemoglobin improvement, especially with honey co-administration
- Anemia in children - validated by clinical evaluation showing 21.86% hemoglobin increase with honey + Mandur Bhasma combination

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*3 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Honey potentiation allows lower effective iron dose, reducing risk of iron-related GI side effects
- Mandura must undergo proper Shodhana (purification with [Triphala](/herb/triphala/), [Gomutra](/herb/gomutra/), etc.) to remove toxic contaminants from raw iron rust
- Iron overload risk with chronic unsupervised use; particularly important to monitor in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis or thalassemia
- Quality control essential - raw iron rust may contain variable heavy metal contaminants (lead, cadmium); only standardized preparations from licensed manufacturers should be used
- API mandates strict limits on Loha percentage and permissible heavy metal contaminants in [Mandura Bhasma](/herb/mandura-bhasma/) preparations

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Vati/tablet

**Standard Dosage:** 250–500 mg twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Enhanced; Mandura (iron rust) combined with honey ([Madhu](/herb/madhu/)) processing improves absorption

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with buttermilk or [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) Kwatha

**Standardized Extract:** [Mandura Bhasma](/herb/mandura-bhasma/) processed with honey and 40+ herbs

**Shelf Life:** 3–5 years

**Storage:** Airtight container

**Marker Compounds:** Iron oxide (from Mandura), [Polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols) from multiple herbs, Trace minerals

**Quality Parameters:** Iron content as labeled, uniformity of weight, disintegration <30 min

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Buttermilk, [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) Kwatha, or honey

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/madhu-mandur/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu)

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.