Abstract:
Siddha Medicine is one of the ancient medical systems which have its
foundations laid by Siddhars. It is well known for its significant beneficial
effects and lesser known side effects. Amukkira is one of the commonly used
herbs in Siddha. Although many review articles on this plant were already
published, this study reviews the commonly used drug “Amukkira
chooranam” using Amukkira as one of the ingredient. The review was done
on ingredients, organoleptic characters, dosage, anupana, diseases, and
actions of ingredients. Authors have reviewed 14 text books to collect the
data. In 14 books 19 different methods for Amukkirachooranam were
identified using 56 different ingredients. These books have mentioned 7 to 35
ingredients. Rock salt and Red sulphide of mercury are stated as ingredients
for Amukkirachooranam which have to be detoxified before being used in
medicines. Out of 56, 25: 67.38% of ingredients have taste as pungent and
20: 29.68% bitter, 35: 76.08% as hot in potency and 35: 77.78% as pungent
vipaham. Three books mentioned the dosage as verugadipiramanam 2 times
a day for one mandalam. Hot water, honey, ghee and sugar are mentioned as
anupanam and it is commonly used for the treatment of anaemia, vaayvu,
kapha disease, gunmam rickets and poisoning (rat and insect bite poisoining,
Viriyan snake, Sil, Scorpion bite poisoning). Carminative (16.52%),
stimulant (15.70%), stomachic (14.87%), tonic (11.57%) are the common
main actions. Therefore “AmukkiraChooranam” is one of the most useful
siddha drug and further lab study and clinical trial should also be conducted.
