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.
| Substance type | Mineral or metal preparation, not a plant |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Saptamrit Lauh, SaptamritLauh |
| 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 |
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 provides bioavailable iron supporting hemoglobin synthesis and oxygen delivery to retinal tissues
- Triphala (Haritaki + Vibhitaki + Amalaki) provides potent antioxidant protection to retinal cells, reducing oxidative damage from free radicals in eye tissues
- Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects supporting optic nerve health
- Amalaki specifically is rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids that strengthen retinal capillaries, reducing hemorrhagic tendency
- 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 (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 therapy
What do recent clinical trials show?
- Sharma KR, Bhatia RP, Kumar V 1992. Role of the indigenous drug saptamrita lauha in hemorrhagic retinopathies. Annals of ophthalmology. PMID 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. Ayu. PMID 25364195 · doi: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
- 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 + Yashtimadhu + Loha synergy
Optimal Timing: With honey or ghee; morning and evening
Standardized Extract: Loha Bhasma + Triphala + Yashtimadhu (Licorice) — seven ingredients total
Shelf Life: 3–5 years
Storage: Airtight container
Marker Compounds: Iron oxide, Glycyrrhizin (from Yashtimadhu), Triphala tannins
Quality Parameters: Iron content as labeled, standard tablet tests
Vehicle (Anupana): Triphala Kwatha, honey, or ghee (Triphala Ghrita for eye disorders)
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Other clinical studies and reviews1
- 1992. Role of the indigenous drug saptamrita lauha in hemorrhagic retinopathiesAnnals of ophthalmology. PMID 1543325
Laboratory and animal studies1
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.