Published Paper Details:

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, emphasizes the prevention and management of diseases through holistic principles and the use of natural formulations. Among the various disorders described in Ayurveda, Pandu Roga, which closely resembles iron deficiency anemia, is characterized by pallor, weakness, fatigue, and diminished vitality. Iron deficiency anemia continues to be a major global public health concern, particularly among women and children, and is associated with reduced physical performance, impaired cognitive function, and poor quality of life. Although conventional iron supplements are widely prescribed, they are frequently associated with adverse gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, and poor patient compliance. Drakshadi Leha is a classical Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation indicated in the management of Pandu Roga owing to its Rasayana, Balya, and hematinic properties. However, the conventional Leha dosage form possesses certain limitations, including poor palatability, sticky consistency, difficulty in administration, and reduced acceptability, particularly among pediatric and geriatric patients. Keeping these limitations in view, the present study was undertaken to develop a novel gummy dosage form of Drakshadi Leha by integrating the principles of Ayurvedic pharmaceutics with modern pharmaceutical technology. The formulation was prepared using Amalaki Swarasa, herbal Kwatha of Draksha, Yashtimadhu, Shunthi, Pippali, and Vanshalochana, along with gelatin, superfine sugar, and citric acid. Five different formulation batches were prepared by varying the composition of the ingredients to optimize the texture, consistency, stability, and overall quality of the gummies. The optimized formulation exhibited desirable organoleptic characteristics, satisfactory structural integrity, appropriate chewiness, and improved sensory acceptability. The incorporation of gelatin provided the required gel strength, while controlled thermal processing and citric acid contributed to enhanced preservation, product stability, and taste. The developed gummy dosage form successfully retained the therapeutic constituents of the classical formulation while providing a convenient, palatable, and patient-friendly alternative to conventional Leha. This dosage modification has the potential to improve treatment adherence and patient compliance, particularly among children, elderly individuals, and patients with swallowing difficulties. The findings of the present study demonstrate the feasibility of converting classical Ayurvedic formulations into innovative dosage forms without compromising their therapeutic principles. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential of herbal gummies as an effective oral drug delivery system and provides a foundation for future analytical standardization, stability studies, and clinical evaluation to establish their safety, quality, and therapeutic efficacy in the management of iron deficiency anemia.