Study to Evaluate Efficacy of Vajravatakmaņdura in Iron Deficiency Anemia in Adolescent Girls: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Anemia in adolescent girls possess greatest burden on their health as it leads to poor cognitive development, poor reproductive health and if not treated may lead to intrauterine growth retardation in their developing fetus. The prevalence of anemia among adolescent is 27% in developing country and 6% in developed country. The Government of India has launched National Anemia Control Programme, to prevent and control anaemia in children and adolescents. But the problem is still persisting because of many issues like - poor palatability, intolerance to the drug used, poor absorption of the drugs used, constipation, discoloration of stool, unpleasant odor and taste etc. result in poor compliance and therefore non adherence to the therapy which finally results in poor improvement. By looking at the magnitude of the problem, an Ayurveda drug Vajravatakmandura has been selected for the study and the present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of the trial drug in iron deficiency anemia in adolescent girls. Material and methods: 100 subjects satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected and were randomly divided in two groups. In group A, the trial drug Vajravatakmaņdura was administered and in group B, IFA tablets were given for two month of duration with follow up at every fortnight. Result: Both the trial and control groups showed extremely significant result over subjective parameters. Trial drug Vajravatakmaņdura in group A was found more effective over the subjective parameters - weakness, palpitation, pallor and loss of appetite with % gain of 39.77%, 39.39%, 39.17%, 38.09% respectively. Statistical analysis between before and after treatment findings of objective parameters, extremely significant (P less than 0.0001) improvement was found in both groups in all parameters, except for RBC count in group A, which was significant. No adverse effects were reported during entire period of study by any of the patients in trial group treated with trial drug. Conclusion: The trial drug “Vajravatakmandura” is effective, safe and palatable for the management of iron deficiency anemia in adolescent girls.