Introduction

Ayurveda, the science of life is the earliest known traditional Medical system. Unlike other systems of medicine, Ayurveda aims to maintain health and prevent ailments in addition to treating and curing illness.^[1] One of the fundamental tenets of Ayurveda is the Dosha, Dhaatu and Mala, the basis of the body, which are responsible for all the physiological processes in the body. Vitiation of these initiate pathological processes in the body.^[2]

Although various normal and abnormal colours have been mentioned in Ayurveda, Pandu colour has not been mentioned, which definitely denotes that Pandu is a general entity of disease and not just discolouration. The main diagnostic feature of Pandu Roga is pallor on the skin. Vachaspatya refers Pandu as the colour of patient resembles colour of pollen grains of Ketki flower (Pandanus odoratissimus) which is whitish yellow (pale) in appearance.^[3]

Nowadays Pandu is a very common disease in the society affecting large number of populations especially in women in their reproductive age and children with major consequences for human health, as well as social and economic development. It is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. While analysing the data, it is found that overall prevalence of anaemia has increased from 74.2% to 79.2%. Anaemia globally effects 1.62 billion people which corresponds to 24.8% of the population.^[4] The aim of this study was to evaluate whether different types of Pandu can be correlated with Haematological parameters.

Materials and Methods

For study, 60 patients were selected from Shri Khudadad Dungaji Ayurveda Hospital, Raipur (C.G.). A detailed research proforma was prepared and written consent was taken from all the 60 patients.

Inclusion Criteria

• Patient who are willing for the study.
• Patient of either gender between the age group of 18 to 60 years.
• Patient with clinical features of Pandu as mentioned in Ayurvedic texts
• Blood sample showing Hb% between 6 gm/ dl to 10 gm/dl.^[5] Known cases of Thalassemia & Sickle cell anaemia.

According to signs and symptoms of Pandu Roga^[7]

1. Panduta (Paleness) In Tvaka, Nakha, Netravartma, Jihva, Hastapadatala
Absent - 0
In any 2 of these - 1
In any 3 of these - 2
In any 4 of these - 3
In all - 4

2. Daurbalyta (Weakness)
Not Present - 0
After heavy work, relieved soon and tolerable- 1
After Moderate work relieved later and tolerable - 2
After little work relieved later - 3
After little work relieved later but beyond tolerance - 4

3. Hridspandanam (Palpitation)
Not Present - 0
After heavy work,relieved soon and tolerable- 1
After Modrate work relieved later and tolerable- 2
After little work relieved later - 3
After little work relieved later but beyond tolerance - 4
Hridaspandanam even in resting condition - 5

4. Bharma (Vertigo)
Not Present - 0
After heavy work, relieved soon and tolerable- 1
After Moderate work relieved later and tolerable - 2
After little work relieved later - 3
After little work relieved later but beyond tolerance - 4
Bhrama even in resting condition - 5

5. Shunakshikuta Shotha (Oedema around Eyes)
Absent - 0
Mild - 1
Moderate - 2
Severe - 3

6. Rukshata (Dryness) In Twaka, Nakha, Netravartma, Jihva, Hastapadatala
Absent - 0
In any 2 of these - 1
n any 3 of these - 2
In any 4 of these - 3
In all - 4

7. Shvasa (Dysponea)
Not Present - 0
After heavy work, relieved soon and tolerable- 1

Discussion

Following are the observations found after the study

MCV, MCH, MCHC values are lower than normal range in Vataja and Pittaja Pandu but within normal range in Kaphaja Pandu. The reason may be in Vataja Pandu due to Vata Guna like Ruksha, Sukshma etc., the nutrients are not absorbed properly and this leads to unhealthy red blood cell production.^[8]

Pittaja Pandu - In Pittaja Pandu, the main vitiated Dosha is Pitta, which is related to heat and metabolism. Here lower values can result from conditions such as haemolysis or inflammation, leading to ineffective erythropoiesis.^[9]

Kaphaja Pandu - In Kaphaja Pandu, which has Kapha Dosha predominance, the body has more stable constitution. The body might be able to produce and maintain adequate levels of red blood cells.^[10]

Results found in Peripheral blood smear shows that in Vataja Pandu, RBC are microcytic hypochromic, in Pittaja Pandu the RBC picture shows normocytic hypochromic RBC and in Kaphaja Pandu we found normocytic normochromic RBC. No any changes in WBC and Platelets morphology is found. Other parameters like Hb, PCV, RBC does not show any specific significance in differentiating the types of Panduroga.

Conclusion

As different groups of Anaemia shows statistically significant difference for the values of MCV, MCH, MCHC in Doshika Pandu, so the null hypothesis (In present context Aetiological factors of Pandu Roga as described in classical Ayurvedic texts will not be observed and types of Pandu Roga cannot be corelated with common haematological parameters) is a disease seen in middle age group mainly 18 to 47 years, commonly seen in females, mostly housewives, belonging to middle and lower class, consuming mixed diet.

According to Aharaja Nidana which are Pitta vitiating like Kshara, Amla, Lavana, Atyushna, Viruddha, Asatmya Bhojana, Nishpav, Masha, Pinyaksevana among others were found in Ayurvedic literature as well as in survey study.