Abstract:
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.
