# Pradarantak Lauh

> Pradarantak Lauh is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. Referenced in Bhaishajya Ratnavali; recognized as a classical Ayurvedic formulation under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940; manufactured by licensed Ayurvedic pharmacies under AYUSH guidelines.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Referenced in Bhaishajya Ratnavali; recognized as a classical Ayurvedic formulation under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940; manufactured by licensed Ayurvedic pharmacies under AYUSH guidelines

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Pradarantak Lauh](/herb/pradarantak-lauh/) |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Stri Rogadhikara (Gynecological Disorders Chapter), Verses 75-79

## How does it work?

- [Loha Bhasma](/herb/loha-bhasma/) provides bioavailable iron to correct anemia secondary to excessive menstrual blood loss
- [Tamra Bhasma](/herb/tamra-bhasma/) (copper calx) supports copper-dependent [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) essential for iron metabolism and ceruloplasmin synthesis
- [Abhraka Bhasma](/herb/abhraka-bhasma/) (mica calx) provides trace minerals and acts as a [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) (rejuvenative), strengthening uterine tissue
- [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/) (Shunthi + Maricha + [Pippali](/herb/pippali/)) enhances absorption of mineral Bhasmas and stimulates Agni (digestive fire)
- [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) components provide [hemostatic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hemostatic), anti-inflammatory, and [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) effects supporting uterine health
- [Varatika Bhasma](/herb/varatika-bhasma/) (cowrie shell calx) provides calcium and acts as a uterine tonic reducing excessive bleeding

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Menorrhagia and metrorrhagia (Pradara/excessive menstrual bleeding) - traditional use supported by clinical observations showing reduced menstrual blood loss and improved hemoglobin
- Leucorrhea (Shweta Pradara) - traditional gynecological application validated through clinical practice with reported improvement in vaginal discharge and associated symptoms

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*2 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

- Contains Shuddha Haratala (purified arsenic trisulfide) - requires strict medical supervision and limited treatment duration
- Heavy metal content (arsenic, copper, tin) necessitates periodic monitoring of liver and kidney function during treatment
- Iron overload risk with prolonged unsupervised use; serum ferritin monitoring essential beyond 4-6 weeks
- Contraindicated in pregnancy, hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, and hepatic/renal impairment
- Must be prepared according to classical Shodhana (purification) protocols to ensure toxic metal conversion to safer forms; quality-tested products from licensed manufacturers only

## 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

**Standard Dosage:** 250 mg twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Good; formulated specifically for gynecological iron delivery

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) Kwatha or honey

**Standardized Extract:** [Loha Bhasma](/herb/loha-bhasma/) with gynecological herbs

**Shelf Life:** 3–5 years

**Storage:** Airtight container

**Marker Compounds:** Iron oxide, [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) [tannins](/reference/tannins/), [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids)

**Quality Parameters:** Iron content as labeled, standard tablet tests

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Ashoka Kwatha, [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) Kwatha, or rice water

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/pradarantak-lauh/

## 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.