# Saptamrit Lauh

> Saptamrit Lauh is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI); recognized classical Ayurvedic formulation; referenced in multiple classical texts including Rasaratna Samuchaya and Bhavaprakasha Nighantu.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI); recognized classical Ayurvedic formulation; referenced in multiple classical texts including Rasaratna Samuchaya and Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Saptamrit Lauh](/herb/saptamrit-lauh/) |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Netra Rogadhikara (Eye Diseases Chapter); also referenced in Rasaratna Samuchaya and Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (9th-12th century CE)

## How does it work?

- [Loha Bhasma](/herb/loha-bhasma/) provides bioavailable iron supporting hemoglobin synthesis and oxygen delivery to retinal tissues
- [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) ([Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) + Vibhitaki + Amalaki) provides potent [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) protection to retinal cells, reducing oxidative damage from free radicals in eye tissues
- [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has anti-inflammatory and [neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) effects supporting optic nerve health
- Amalaki specifically is rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids that strengthen retinal capillaries, reducing hemorrhagic tendency
- [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (ghee) as adjuvant acts as a lipid-based bioenhancer improving absorption of fat-soluble phytochemicals and providing nourishment to eye tissues (Netra Tarpana)
- Combined [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) (rejuvenative) effect improves microcirculation in the choroidal and retinal vasculature

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Hemorrhagic retinopathies (diabetic and hypertensive) - validated by clinical study showing rapid hemorrhage absorption and reduced recurrence
- Myopia and visual disorders (Timira) - validated by comparative clinical study showing improvement in visual acuity with [Saptamrit Lauh](/herb/saptamrit-lauh/) therapy

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Sharma KR, Bhatia RP, Kumar V 1992. [Role of the indigenous drug saptamrita lauha in hemorrhagic retinopathies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1543325/). *Annals of ophthalmology*. PMID [1543325](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1543325/)  
  Study on 48 eyes showed rapid absorption of retinal hemorrhages (mean 16-17 days); recurrence was 25% in treated groups vs 50-60% in controls for both diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy
- Bansal C 2014. [Comparative study on the effect of Saptamrita Lauha and Yoga therapy in myopia](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25364195/). *Ayu*. PMID [25364195](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25364195/) · [doi:10.4103/0974-8520.141904](https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.141904)  
  60 patients (age 8-30 years) receiving Saptamrita Lauha 250 mg twice daily showed improvement in myopic refractive error and visual acuity

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

## Recent safety updates

- Generally considered safe when taken at prescribed doses (125-250 mg, 1-2 times daily) with honey and ghee
- Prolonged use beyond prescribed duration may risk iron overload; periodic hemoglobin and serum ferritin monitoring recommended
- Contraindicated in hemochromatosis, iron storage disorders, and patients on concurrent iron supplementation
- Iron content is relatively modest in this formulation due to balance with 4 herbal ingredients plus adjuvants; lower iron overload risk than pure [Loha Bhasma](/herb/loha-bhasma/)
- Heavy metal testing should confirm compliance with Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) limits; purchase only from licensed GMP-certified manufacturers

## 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:** Enhanced; [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) + [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) + Loha synergy

**Optimal Timing:** With honey or ghee; morning and evening

**Standardized Extract:** [Loha Bhasma](/herb/loha-bhasma/) + [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) + [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) (Licorice) — seven ingredients total

**Shelf Life:** 3–5 years

**Storage:** Airtight container

**Marker Compounds:** Iron oxide, [Glycyrrhizin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycyrrhizinglycyrrhizin) (from Yashtimadhu), Triphala [tannins](/reference/tannins/)

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

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Triphala Kwatha, honey, or ghee (Triphala [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) for eye disorders)

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