# Shothari Loha

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

## Key facts

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

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Shothari Loha](/herb/shothari-loha/) |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Shotharoga Adhikara (Inflammation/Edema Chapter), Verse 42/133

## How does it work?

- [Loha Bhasma](/herb/loha-bhasma/) (48 g, highest proportion) corrects anemia which can be both a cause and consequence of chronic edema/inflammation
- [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/) (Shunthi + Maricha + [Pippali](/herb/pippali/)) provides anti-inflammatory action through inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and COX pathway modulation
- [Yavakshara](/herb/yavakshara/) ([potassium](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#potassium) carbonate) acts as an alkalizing agent, promotes diuresis, and helps reduce fluid retention/edema
- [Piperine](/reference/piperine/) from Maricha and [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) enhances bioavailability of iron and other active compounds through inhibition of hepatic and intestinal glucuronidation
- Shunthi ([ginger](/herb/ginger/)) has demonstrated anti-edema effects through inhibition of TNF-alpha and IL-6 inflammatory cytokines
- Combined Kapha-reducing (Kapha hara) property reduces excess fluid accumulation (Kleda) in tissues according to Ayurvedic pharmacology

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Shotha (edema/swelling) - traditional use supported by known anti-edema and [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) properties of [Yavakshara](/herb/yavakshara/) and anti-inflammatory effects of [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/)
- Anemia with associated inflammatory conditions - validated through clinical practice showing improvement in hemoglobin levels alongside reduction in inflammatory 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 primarily iron and herbal ingredients without mercury or arsenic - relatively safer mineral profile
- [Yavakshara](/herb/yavakshara/) (potassium carbonate) may cause gastric irritation at high doses; should be taken with food or as directed
- Iron overload risk with prolonged unsupervised use; periodic serum ferritin and TIBC monitoring recommended beyond 6-8 weeks
- Contraindicated in hemochromatosis, hyperkalemia, and active peptic ulcer disease
- Should be used under medical supervision; self-medication not recommended for chronic inflammatory conditions

## 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; anti-edema herbs enhance iron delivery to tissues

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) Kwatha or warm water

**Standardized Extract:** [Loha Bhasma](/herb/loha-bhasma/) with anti-inflammatory and diuretic herbs

**Shelf Life:** 3–5 years

**Storage:** Airtight container

**Marker Compounds:** Iron oxide, [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids), Diuretic compounds

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

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Punarnava Kwatha, [Gomutra](/herb/gomutra/), or warm water

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

## 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.