Faculty of Siddha Medicine

Comparative Pharmacological and Phytochemical Evaluation of Raw and Herb-Processed Salt Formulations

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Comparative Pharmacological and Phytochemical Evaluation of Raw and Herb-Processed Salt Formulations Rakulini, S. Salt obtained from terrestrial, marine, or botanical sources possesses distinct antiperiodic, emetic, laxative, stomachic, and vermifuge properties supporting its widespread application in traditional therapies. In Siddha medicine dietary regulation (Pathiyam) is divided into Itchapathiyam and Kadumpathiyam is fundamental to therapeutic success, requiring strict salt restriction during and after treatment. In post- treatment protocols typically involve external applications of omum-cow's milk paste alongside dietary inclusion of roasted salt combined with cow's ghee and tamarind. Furthermore, traditional practitioners process salt by frying it with Iyanku leaves, botanically identified as Clerodendrum inerme and Azima tetracantha in the Sampasivampillai Dictionary. This study aimed to assess scientifically the four types of salt forms (S 1- S4) utilized in Siddha diets, crude salt, thermally processed salt, and salt processed with Clerodendrum inerme, and Azima tetracantha. All four preparations were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Aqueous solubility was observed across all samples. Evaluation of the organoleptic properties revealed that S1 and S2 were white crystalline structures, while S3 was a pale white crystalline structure and S4 was a pale whitish-grey crystalline structure. SEM analysis demonstrated a progressive reduction in particle dimensions: S1 (64.60 -140.1 μm) S2 (33.37- 53.01 μm), S3 (43.13 - 68.76 nm), and S4 (130.6 - 419.1 nm), which may enhance bioavailability. FTIR spectra confirmed O–H stretching bands in S1, S3, and S4, whereas S2 displayed an aromatic NH2 vibration indicative of primary amines. The HPTLC six distinct peaks for S3 and eight for S4, confirming the integration of diverse plant-derived secondary metabolites during herbal processing. Complementary spectroscopic and chromatographic analyses successfully validated the structural and chemical modifications driven by traditional processing techniques. Further analyses can offer valuable insights into the specific pharmacological actions of these compounds.

Comprehensive review of medicinal plant Nauclea orientalis (L.)

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Comprehensive review of medicinal plant Nauclea orientalis (L.) Vinotha, S.; Thuvaragan, S. Due to their minimal adverse effects, approximately 21,000 plant species were employed for medicinal purposes globally. Medicinal plants are regarded as a plethora of natural constituents that can be utilized as nutraceuticals and developed into synthetic drugs to enhance health. Nauclea orientalis (L.) L. (Rubiaceae family), a plant that is indigenous to Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and other countries, is utilized in the Indigenous Medical Sector to treat a diverse array of ailments due to its high alkaloid content. In order to provide a comprehensive overview of this multifunctional plant, the classification, habitat, medicinal applications, chemical constituents, phytochemical and physicochemical properties, and diverse pharmacological activities of its parts have been examined. Moreover, this review article establishes a scientific foundation that can be used to conduct future research in order to develop nutraceuticals from this plant.

Experimental Evaluation of Karappan Chooranam in the Management of Pitha Karappan

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Experimental Evaluation of Karappan Chooranam in the Management of Pitha Karappan Miraaj, R.; Sivashanmugarajah, S. Karappan is one of the intrinsic skin disorders described in Siddha medicine and is extensively mentioned in the Siddha pediatric textbook Balavakadam. Pitha Karappan (PK) is considered a subtype of Karappan and its clinical manifestations are comparable to Atopic Dermatitis described in contemporary allopathic medicine. According to Siddha literature, PK can be effectively managed using traditional Siddha polyherbal formulations. The present study aimed to evaluate the antihistaminic activity of the Siddha formulation KC, mentioned in Sarabenthira Vaidhya Muraigal - Karappan Viranaroga Sikichai for the management of PK. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee of S. A. Raja’s College of Pharmacy. The antihistaminic activity was evaluated through an in vivo animal experiment using Swiss albino mice. The bar test method was employed to assess clonidine-induced catalepsy and determine the indirect antihistaminic activity of the formulation. The animals were randomly divided into five groups: one control group of three animals and four experimental groups of four animals each. The experimental groups were pretreated with KC at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, respectively, while the standard group received chlorpheniramine maleate (10 mg/kg). Clonidine (1 mg/kg) was administered 30 minutes after treatment. The control group exhibited maximum catalepsy (169 ± 0.21 seconds) at 90 minutes following clonidine administration. Pretreatment with KC at low, medium, and high doses, as well as chlorpheniramine maleate (10 mg/kg), showed a statistically significant reduction in clonidine-induced catalepsy (p<0.001). The findings of the study suggest that KC possesses significant antihistaminic activity and may be beneficial in the management of PK (Atopic Dermatitis).

Medical Leech Therapy (Attai Vidal) In Siddha Medicine-A Review

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Medical Leech Therapy (Attai Vidal) In Siddha Medicine-A Review Miraaj, R.; Sailajah, S. Siddha medicine, traditional system of healing that originated in South India and is considered to be one of India & #39;s oldest systems of medicine. Siddha is a comprehensive system that places equal emphasis on the body, mind, spirit and restore the innate harmony of individual. In Siddha system diseases were classified in to 4448. In Siddha system of medicine, the diseases were treated in many ways like Mani, Manthiram, Avizhtham, Yogam and Varmam. Avizhtham (Medicine) is one way to treat the diseases in Siddha medicine, which is further divided into 32 internal medicine and 32 external medicines. Attaividal (leech therapy) is an external blood letting therapy of application of medicinal leech to remove blood from the affected area and give relieve distension,remove pus & slough and drain the discharge. The aim of the study is to review the Attaividal from different Siddha literatures and research articles. Seven books were selected from library of Unit of Siddha Medicine & University of Jaffna. Data were collected and analysed and the leech therapy was described by various Siddhars in their literature, Particularly the Siddhar Agastiyar and Therayar who explained leech therapy elaborately in their text Agasthiyar erandayiram, Agasthiyar ranavaithiyam and Agasthiyar nayanavithi & Therayar Tharu. According to Therayar Tharu, Attai vidal is placed in twenty seventh place. Attai Vidal (Medicinal leech therapy) is also called as Hirudo therapy on the basis of commonly used leech species, Hirudo medicinalis. Medicinal leeches are used in the treatment of various diseases such as benign tumors, swelling, Kiranthi, haemorroids, abscess and boils, contusion, varicose ulcer, varicose vein, deep vein thrombosis, rheumatoid arthritis, skin and musculoskeletal diseases, arthritis, dysmenorrhea, eye diseases, traumatic swelling. Many studies have found that leeches have various bioactive molecules in their secretions. such as Hirudin, hyaluronidase, collagenase, histamine like molecules, anaesthetics, fibrinases, antibacterial, etc. This is concluded that the leech therapy was used in Siddha and other system of medicine for various medical and surgical conditions. The Scientific studies on leech saliva were proven and support the leech application in Siddha system of medicine