A Case Study on the Management of Beejadushtijanya Pandu (Thalassemia Major) in Children with Gandhakadi Yoga and Sharpunkha Vati

Abstract

ABSTRACT Thalassemia is a genetically passed down blood disorder in which the body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin that leads to anemia, several organ failures due to iron overload, and even death. Exact correlation with thalassemia is not available in Ayurveda; however, on the basis of symptomatology and prognosis, it may be correlated with Beejadushtijanya, Adibala Pravrutta (~hereditary anomalies), and Sahaja Vyadhi (~congenital disorder) and can be coined as Beejadushtijanya Pandu. It can be understood that Pitta Pradhana Tridosha affects the functions of Rasa Dhatu. In thalassemia major, iron overload occurs due to the early destruction of red blood cells, which results in high serum ferritin levels in the blood. Gandhakadi yoga is suggested for Loha Sevanajanya Vikara Prashamana (~iron overloading management) in Ayurveda Prakash. Moreover, Sharpunkha is mentioned to have Yakritaghna (~hepatoprotective), Pleehaghana (~splenoprotective), Vishapaha (~antipoisonous), and Jwarghna (~antipyretic) properties in Bhav Prakash Nighantu. The present case was of a 7-year-old female child who was diagnosed with thalassemia major before 6 years. Chief complaints were severe pallor, chronic fatigue, and enlarged liver and spleen. Other complaints were puffiness of the eye, loss of appetite, and loose motion. She is on regular blood transfusions every 20–22 days, deferasirox 500 mg once a day (OD), and folic acid 5 mg OD. The serum iron and serum ferritin values were above normal limits, according to the investigation. At the end of 12 weeks of internal administration of Gandhakadi Yoga and Sharpunkha Vati as adjuvants, her blood report and the symptoms of the disease showed very promising results.