Age Ayurveda Nighantu

Tapyadi Loha

Tapyadi Loha is a bhasma, a mineral or metal preparation reduced to ash by repeated calcination. Listed in Ayurveda Sara Sangraha; recognized as a classical Ayurvedic formulation under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940; manufactured by licensed pharmacies under AYUSH guidelines.

Key facts
Substance typeMineral or metal preparation, not a plant
Also known asTapyadi Loha, TapyadiLoha
Pharmacopoeia statusListed in Ayurveda Sara Sangraha; recognized as a classical Ayurvedic formulation under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940; manufactured by licensed pharmacies under AYUSH guidelines

Names and identification

LanguageName
EnglishTapyadi Loha

Where is it described in the classical texts?

Ayurveda Sara Sangraha (Ayurved Saar Sangrah); also referenced in classical Rasashastra texts

How does it work?

  • Triple iron source (Loha Bhasma + Mandura Bhasma + Swarnamakshik Bhasma) provides multi-form bioavailable iron for robust hemoglobin synthesis
  • Raupya Bhasma (silver calx) has antimicrobial and Pitta-pacifying properties, supporting liver detoxification pathways
  • Shilajit acts as a potent bioenhancer containing fulvic acid that markedly improves mineral absorption and cellular iron uptake
  • Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) contains berberine, providing hepatoprotective and cholagogue effects supporting liver and biliary function
  • Trikatu enhances bioavailability and digestive fire (Agni deepana) for optimal nutrient assimilation
  • Triphala provides antioxidant protection, gentle bowel regulation (preventing iron-induced constipation), and vitamin C for iron absorption

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

  • Pandu (anemia) and Kamla (jaundice-like conditions) - validated through traditional clinical use and supported by the known hematinic and hepatoprotective actions of constituent ingredients
  • Liver and spleen disorders (Yakrit-Pliha Roga) - traditional use supported by hepatoprotective properties of Daruharidra (berberine), Shilajit, and Triphala; 2024 toxicity study showed no hepatotoxicity

What do recent clinical trials show?

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

  • 2024 toxicity study confirmed safety at single dose of 2000 mg/kg and 28-day repeated dose of 1000 mg/kg in rat models with no adverse effects
  • Contains multiple iron sources (Loha + Mandura + Swarnamakshik) - higher cumulative iron intake requires careful monitoring of serum ferritin and iron studies
  • Raupya Bhasma (silver) content requires verification of proper preparation (Shodhana) and heavy metal testing per API standards
  • Contraindicated in hemochromatosis, iron overload conditions, active liver disease (despite hepatoprotective herbs), and during pregnancy without supervision
  • Should be used under strict medical supervision with regular LFT and KFT monitoring; recommended treatment duration should not be exceeded

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: 125–250 mg twice daily

Bioavailability: Enhanced; multiple metals provide comprehensive mineral supplementation

Optimal Timing: After meals with honey

Standardized Extract: Multi-metal bhasma preparation: Loha + Tamra + Yashada + other metals with herbs

Shelf Life: 3–5 years

Storage: Airtight container

Marker Compounds: Iron oxide, Copper oxide, Zinc oxide, Multiple herbal compounds

Quality Parameters: Multi-metal assay, free metals below safety limits, standard tablet tests

Vehicle (Anupana): Honey, Guduchi Swarasa, or Triphala Kwatha

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.

Laboratory and animal studies1

  1. Hinge PH, Tambe MS, Murudkar PH and others. 2024. Acute and subacute oral toxicity evaluation of Ayurvedic formulation Tapyadi loha in ratsDrug and chemical toxicology. PMID 39165010 · doi:10.1080/01480545.2024.2389965

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.