Efficacy of majun e khabsul hadeed in iron deficiency anemia in reproductive age group: A randomised control study

Background and Objectives: Iron deficiency is a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Women of child bearing age are at high risk. In India incidence is 74% and prevalence is 30%. The goals of treatment are to restore changes in hemoglobin levels, red cell indices and peripheral smear. Aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of majune khabsul hadeed in iron deficiency anemia in women of reproductive age group. Methods: A randomised standard controlled study, 60 patients were randomly allocated to test and control groups. Majune khabsul hadeed 5grams in test group and capsule fefol 1 in control group were given once daily for 3months. Subjective parameters viz. pallor, loss of appetite, reduced exercise capacity and fatigue were assessed at every follow up. Red cell indices, as objective parameters were assessed before and after treatment. Results: Significant changes were observed in subjective parameters with p<0.001 at each assessment in both groups. On intergroup comparison there were no significant difference with p>0.05 except for reduced exercise capacity and fatigue. Objective parameters significantly improved in both groups after treatment with p<0.001. Five (16.7%) and 4(13.3%) patients were among responders, 10(33.3%) and 14(46.7%) partial responders and 13(43.3%) and 12(36.7%) non responders to treatment in test and control groups respectively. On intergroup comparison, there was no significant difference with p >0.05 suggesting that both groups had similar effect. Conclusion: Majune khabsul hadeed is as effective as capsule fefol in the management of iron deficiency anemia in women of reproductive age group. Keywords: Iron deficiency anemia; majune khabsul hadeed; women of reproductive age; RBC indices.