A Case–Control Study to Evaluate the Etiological Factors of Vataja Pandu

Background: Vataja Pandu is a common clinical condition, only generalized etiological factors of Pandu (anemia) are explained in Ayurvedic textbooks. Many studies related to Pandu are carried out, but there is a lacuna of convincing research on risk analysis of each causative factor. Objective: To evaluate the involvement of various etiological factors mentioned in Ayurvedic classics in the causation of etiopathogenesis of Vataja Pandu . Materials and Methods: The present study was a case–control study to determine the exposure of risk factors of Vataja Pandu where 31 subjects fulfilling the criteria of Vataja Pandu were included for the study and considered as case group. Thirty-one healthy individuals were selected from the same geographical area and were taken as the control group detailed history and a questionnaire for Vataja Pandu Nidana was recorded. They were subjected to laboratory investigations. The two groups were assessed based on the questionnaire. Both the groups were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis test. The odds ratio was calculated and level of significance was analyzed with the help of Chi-square test. Results: When analyzed the odds ratio, following results were obtained such as Katu Rasa (pungent taste) (risk-20.7), Tikshana Guna (penetrating quality) (risk-35.4), Ushna Guna (hot quality), and Tila Taila (sesame oil) (14.28). In Viharaja Nidanas (physical factors) Diwaswapana (day sleep) (risk-73.33), Vyavaya (risk-12.13). Among Manasika Nidana (psychological causes), Chinta (thoughts) (risk-10.4), Srama (stress) and Bhaya (phobia) (risk-8.3), and Krodha (anger) (risk-4.44) show risk for developing Vataja Pandu . Conclusion: Among Nidanas, consumption of Katu Rasa Tikshana, Ushna Guna, Nispava, Tila Taila, Pinyaka, indulgence in Divaswapna, Nidranasha, Vyavaya , Ati Vayayama, Vegadharana, Chinta, Srama and Bhaya and Krodha show significant role in causation of Vataja Pandu when compare to control group.