A Literary Review on Pandu Roga

Abstract

In Ayurvedic classics, the description of Pandu is available in three forms i.e., Pandu as a disease, Pandu as a complication, and Pandu as a sign of certain diseases. Pandu Roga is one of the diseases mentioned in Ayurveda characterised by changes in the skin colour to white (Shweta), yellowish (Peeta), greenish (Harita) etc. which is one of the “Varnopalakshita Roga" i.e., a disease characterised by the change in the colour. Pandu is a disease of Rasa-Vaha Srotas and it is a Pitta Pradhan Vyadhi in which due to Pitta Pradhan Hetusevana, Pitta dominant Tri Dosha Prakopa occurs and causes Dhatu Shaithilyam and Dhatu Gauravam, further it leads Sneha, Bala, Varna, and Ojokshaya and due to this Rakta and Meda Dhatu decreases and Vaivarnata occurs. The clinical condition of Pandu in Ayurveda resembles the anaemia described in Modern Medical Science, due to the resemblance in the clinical signs and symptoms. Anaemia is a major global public health problem and the most prevalent nutritional deficiency disorder in the world and has serious consequences for national development. This article discusses anaemia (Pandu) from an Ayurvedic perspective.