Age Ayurveda Nighantu

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
Substance typeMineral or metal preparation, not a plant
Also known asPradarantak Lauh, PradarantakLauh
Pharmacopoeia statusReferenced 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

LanguageName
EnglishPradarantak 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 provides bioavailable iron to correct anemia secondary to excessive menstrual blood loss
  • Tamra Bhasma (copper calx) supports copper-dependent enzymes essential for iron metabolism and ceruloplasmin synthesis
  • Abhraka Bhasma (mica calx) provides trace minerals and acts as a Rasayana (rejuvenative), strengthening uterine tissue
  • Trikatu (Shunthi + Maricha + Pippali) enhances absorption of mineral Bhasmas and stimulates Agni (digestive fire)
  • Triphala components provide hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects supporting uterine health
  • 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 Kwatha or honey

Standardized Extract: Loha Bhasma with gynecological herbs

Shelf Life: 3–5 years

Storage: Airtight container

Marker Compounds: Iron oxide, Ashoka tannins, Lodhra alkaloids

Quality Parameters: Iron content as labeled, standard tablet tests

Vehicle (Anupana): Ashoka Kwatha, Lodhra Kwatha, or rice water

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.