Saptamrit Lauh
Saptamrit Lauh is a herbo-mineral tablet (vati) containing Loha Bhasma with Triphala and Yashtimadhu. 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 |
The evidence at a glance
2papers on this site for this drug, published 1992 to 2014, 1 with a DOI.
- 1Other clinical studies and reviews
- 1Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people. Each paper is listed with what it measured on the page below. See the research index for how papers are tiered.
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
How does it work?
- Loha Bhasma provides bioavailable iron supporting hemoglobin synthesis and oxygen delivery to retinal tissues
- Triphala (Haritaki + Vibhitaki + Amalaki) is described as having antioxidant activity
- Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects supporting optic nerve health
- Amalaki specifically is rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids
- Ghrita (ghee) as adjuvant acts as a lipid-based bioenhancer improving absorption of fat-soluble phytochemicals and providing nourishment to eye tissues (Netra Tarpana)
- Traditionally regarded as having a combined Rasayana (rejuvenative) effect for the eyes
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Hemorrhagic retinopathies (diabetic and hypertensive): traditionally used for these conditions. A clinical study reported rapid absorption of hemorrhage and less recurrence.
- Myopia and visual disorders (Timira): traditionally used for these conditions. A comparative clinical study reported improved visual acuity with Saptamrit Lauh therapy.
What do recent studies 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
Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. 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?
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Vati
Standard Dosage: 250 mg twice daily
Optimal Timing: With honey or ghee; morning and evening
Storage: Airtight container
Marker Compounds: Iron oxide, Glycyrrhizin (from Yashtimadhu), Triphala tannins
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
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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.