Iron deficiency anemia arises when the balance of iron intake, iron stores, and the body's loss of iron are insufficient to fully support production of erythrocytes. Iron deficiency anemia rarely causes death, but the impact on human health is significant. In the developed world, this disease is easily identified and treated, but frequently overlooked by physicians. In contrast, it is a health problem that affects major portions of the population in underdeveloped countries. Overall, the prevention and successful treatment for iron deficiency anemia remains woefully insufficient worldwide, especially among underprivileged women and children[1].Iron deficiency can result in fatigue, poor concentration (brain fog), alopecia, ridged/brittle nails, aching and restless legs, reduced exercise tolerance, anxiety, low mood/depression and poor work performance. Cognitive decline has also been reported in elderly individuals. In severe cases, pica – a craving and purposive consumption for non-food items such as ice (pagophagia) and starch (amylophagia) may develop, especially in women whose serum ferritin < 10 µg.l-1.[2] Homoeopathic medicines are quite effective in management of iron deficiency anemia and the remedies includes Ferrum phosphoricum, Arsenicum album, Apis mellifica,cinchona officinalis, Vanadium, Gelsemium etc., Vanadium metallicum helps in the improvement of appetite and body, strength, it has positive effects on nutritional anaemia it acts as an oxygen carrier and catalyzer, it's increasing haemoglobin levels.[3] Hence this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of homoeopathy medicine Vanadium metallicum 6CH in treatment of iron deficiency anemia by increasing hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and serrum ferritin.
DRUG DESCRIPTION Vanadium metallicum belongs to metal group with a atomic weight of 5.1 it is derived from vanadis a goddess of scandenvian mythology.it is obtained from the iron ores of Sweden,it is analogous to chromium. [17] Absorption and Distribution of Vanadium A significant amount of vanadium absorption occurs in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Most ingested vanadium probably is transformed to VO2+ in the stomach and passes into the duodenum in this form In serum, absorbed vanadium is transported mainly bound to transferrin [22] Its action is that of an oxygen carrier and catalyzer, increases the amount of hemoglobin .also increases and stimulates the phagocytes [18] . Anemia, Emaciation. A remedy for degenerative conditions of liver and arteries. acts as a tonic for digestivc functions., Addison’s disease, Atheroma fatty degeneration, innutrition [19] In general, the toxicity of vanadium compounds is low. Pentavalent compounds are the most toxic and the toxicity of vanadium compounds usually increases as the valence increases. Most of the toxic effects of vanadium compounds result from local irritation of the eyes and upper respiratory tract rather than systemic toxicity [20] . Experiments on animals ; the general action on animal system when injected into the veins or alimentary canal ,is paralysis of motion ,convulsion ,local or general ,rapidly supervening drowsiness or indifference to external circumstances congestion of alimentary canal. Drowsiness and feebleness of pulse, [21] |