Evaluation of certain siddha drugs in the treatment of candidiasis
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Evaluation of certain siddha drugs in the treatment of candidiasis
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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B. Suresh, V.R. Kalyanaraman, S. Dhanashekaran, S.A. Dhanraj, Rajeev Dube
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Evaluation of certain siddha drugs in the treatment of candidiasis
Year: 1994
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study conducted by B. Suresh et al. evaluates the antifungal activity of certain Siddha drugs against various strains of Candida albicans, a common fungal pathogen associated with skin infections. The motivation behind this research stems from the increasing side effects linked to synthetic fungicides and the emergence of resistant fungal strains. The Siddha system of medicine, which has a long tradition of treating skin diseases, offers a variety of natural remedies, making it an intriguing area for scientific exploration. Seven Siddha drug preparations were tested in this study to assess their potential effectiveness as antifungal agents.
Significant Antifungal Activity of Siddha Drugs
Among the Siddha drugs screened, Nandhi mezhugu, Vaan mezhugu, Erasa kenthi mezhugu, and Parangi pattai choornam showed promising antifungal activity against various strains of C. albicans. The study employed a two-fold serial dilution technique to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for each drug, establishing significant concentrations ranging from 62.5 to 250 µg/ml. Notably, the drugs were ranked in terms of their antifungal effectiveness, with Nandhi mezhugu exhibiting the highest activity, followed by Parangi pattai choornam, Erasa kenthi mezhugu, and Vaan mezhugu. This highlights the potential of these traditional remedies in combatting fungal infections, providing a scientific basis for their historical use in Siddha medicine.
Conclusion
The findings from this study validate the traditional use of specific Siddha drugs in treating fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida albicans. Given the limitations of conventional antifungal treatments and the rise of resistance, these results underscore the importance of exploring alternative medicinal practices like Siddha. Further in vivo studies are recommended to delve deeper into the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of these formulations, which may offer valuable insights into new treatment modalities against fungal infections. This research not only promotes the significance of Siddha medicine but also encourages its integration into modern pharmacological practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the aim of the study on Siddha drugs?
The study aimed to screen various Siddha drugs for antifungal activity against different strains of Candida albicans, providing scientific validation for their traditional use in treating fungal infections.
Which Siddha drugs showed significant antifungal activity?
The drugs Nandhi mezhugu, Vaan mezhugu, Erasa kenthi mezhugu, and Parangi pattai choornam exhibited significant antifungal activity against various strains of Candida albicans.
How were the Siddha drugs tested for antifungal activity?
The drugs were extracted using alcohol, then tested in vitro using a two-fold serial dilution technique against various C. albicans strains to determine their minimum inhibitory concentration.
Who supported the study and offered valuable suggestions?
The authors thanked Sri Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamigalavaru for the grants and Dr. Z.K. Khan from the Central Drug Research Institute for his valuable suggestions on the research.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Evaluation of certain siddha drugs in the treatment of candidiasis”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
Drug refers to a substance used for medical treatment, particularly to combat infections like candidiasis. In this study, various Siddha drugs were evaluated for their antifungal properties against Candida albicans, highlighting their potential therapeutic role and the importance of natural compounds in medicine as alternatives to synthetic options.
2) Siddha (Siddhā):
Siddha is one of the ancient systems of medicine, originating in South India, emphasizing holistic healing and natural remedies. The study explores Siddha drugs for their antifungal activity, showcasing the system's historical knowledge and practices for treating diseases, particularly skin conditions linked to fungal infections.
3) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the efficacy or effectiveness of the Siddha drugs against the targeted strains of Candida albicans. The study aimed to quantify this activity through in vitro testing, determining minimum inhibitory concentrations to validate traditional claims of these drugs' antifungal roles in treating infections.
4) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. This research situates Siddha medicine within pharmacological studies by assessing traditional compounds, thereby bridging ancient healing practices with modern scientific validation, and exploring their relevance in contemporary healthcare, particularly for fungal diseases.
5) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic pursuit of knowledge through observation and experimentation. This study exemplifies how scientific inquiry validates traditional medicinal practices, shedding light on the relevance of old knowledge in contemporary treatments and the potential for new discoveries within the evolution of medical science.
6) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine concerned with the uses, effects, and modes of action of drugs. The study's pharmacological angle evaluates the active compounds in Siddha preparations for their antifungal properties, emphasizing the importance of understanding drug interactions and therapeutic potentials in tackling health issues like candidiasis.
7) Discussion:
Discussion in the context of this research pertains to the interpretation of results and implications of the findings. It emphasizes how Siddha drugs could provide alternative antifungal therapies and calls for further investigation to integrate these traditional approaches within the broader spectrum of modern medical practice.
8) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation is a concept in Siddha medicine, indicating the disturbance of bodily humors that leads to diseases. Understanding vitiation helps practitioners diagnose and treat conditions effectively. This study highlights the link between traditional classifications of ailments and modern approaches to treatment through pharmacological research.
9) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is another ancient system of medicine from India, focusing on holistic health. The study contextualizes Siddha practices alongside Ayurveda, illustrating how various traditional systems provide complementary approaches to treatment, particularly in defining effective herbal remedies for managing conditions like fungal infections that affect skin health.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Evaluation of certain siddha drugs in the treatment of candidiasis’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Skin disease, Tropical countries, Minimum inhibitory concentration, Scientific validation, Antifungal activity, Candida albicans, Siddha system of medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Statistical validation, Synthetic fungicides, Siddha drug.