An appraisal of therapeutic potential of Darvyadi Leha and its components in light of pharmacological evidences

Introduction: Darvyadi Leha is a classical Ayurveda formulation for Pandu Roga (anemia) described in Charak Samhita and Bhaishajya Ratnavali. Its ingredients include Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Amalki (Emblica officinalis), Shunthi (Zingiber officinalis), Pippali (Piper longum), Marich (Piper nigrum), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), and Ayoraj (Lauh bhasma). Avaleha dosage form is semisolid with thick consistency and will have the benefits of easy administration, better palatability, and longer shelf life. Objectives: To study the pharmacological evidences of Darvyadi Leha and its components. Materials and Methods: Research literature published in online journals of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, DHARA, and Ayush Research Portal, was searched extensively. The keywords used were pharmacological evidence or study of Darvyadi Leha, Daruharidra (B. aristata), Haritaki (T. chebula), Vibhitaki (T. bellirica), Amalki (E. officinalis), Shunthi (Z. officinalis), Pippali (P. longum), Marich (P. nigrum), Vidanga (E. ribes) and Ayoraj (Lauh bhasma). Journals published online in last 20 years were considered. Ayurveda classical texts were also referred. Observations: The components of drug, Darvyadi Leha have shown several properties namely anti-oxidant, bio-availability enhancer, anti-tussive, hepatoprotective, anti-atherosclerosis, and anti-microbial activities in in vitro studies and animal trials. Clinical evidences show significant therapeutic effect of Darvyadi Leha on anemia. Conclusion: The drug, Darvyadi Leha has a promising therapeutic potential to be used as a Rasayana drug, an anti-infective agent and drug for iron deficiency anemia. The same needs to be further validated with larger, multicentric, standard controlled and randomized clinical trials.