On the antibacterial activity of some siddha medicines

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: On the antibacterial activity of some siddha medicines
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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Author:

Muzaffer Alam, S. Joy, T. Susan, A. Saraswathy


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: On the antibacterial activity of some siddha medicines

Year: 1998

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The ancient Siddha system of medicine has been utilized for centuries in India and includes a variety of herbal and mineral-based formulations. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of four specific Siddha medicines—Talaka mattirai, Iti vallati meluku, Tambira parpam, and Naka centuram—against a range of pathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae, and Streptococcus faecalis. These medicines represent different categories in Siddha medicine, such as pills, waxy preparations, calx, and sublimate formulations. The results of this screening provide insights into the potential antibacterial properties of these traditional remedies.

Antibacterial Activity of Siddha Medicines

Among the tested medicines, Talaka mattirai demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, inhibiting the growth of Vibrio cholerae, Streptococcus faecalis, and Bacillus subtilis at concentrations of 0.6 mg/ml and 1 mg/ml. Iti vallati meluku was effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and V. cholerae, whereas Tambira parpam exhibited total inhibition of Shigella boydii at 1 mg/ml, comparable to the action of the reference drug, chloramphenicol. Manometric studies affirmed the potent inhibitory effects of these formulations, particularly highlighting that the antibacterial activity observed was attributed to the specific ingredients within these preparations. This indicates the scientific basis for the efficacy of traditional Siddha medicines in combating bacterial infections.

Conclusion

The findings from this research underscore the potential of Siddha medicines in addressing bacterial infections effectively. All four tested formulations exhibited varying degrees of antibacterial activity against different pathogenic bacteria, establishing a foundational understanding that some traditional medicines possess significant therapeutic properties. This study paves the way for further research into the mechanisms of action and applicability of Siddha formulations in modern medicine, ultimately encouraging a holistic approach toward integrating ancient practices with contemporary medical science.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the focus of the study on Siddha medicines?

The study investigates the antibacterial activity of four Siddha medicines: Talaka mattirai, Iti vallati meluku, Tambira parpam, and Naka centuram, against various pathogenic bacteria.

Which bacteria were tested for antibiotic efficacy of the medicines?

The tested bacteria include S. aureus, S. citreus, S. faecalis, B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. boydii, V. cholerae, and Klebsiella sp.

What were the main findings regarding Talaka mattirai?

Talaka mattirai inhibited the growth of V. cholerae and S. faecalis at 0.6 mg/ml, and B. subtilis at 1 mg/ml, demonstrating significant antibacterial activity.

How effective was Tambira parpam compared to chloramphenicol?

Tambira parpam showed complete inhibition of S. boydii at 1 mg/ml, and its antibacterial effect at 0.6 mg/ml was similar to that of chloramphenicol at 1 mg/ml.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “On the antibacterial activity of some siddha medicines”. 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) Activity:
The term 'Activity' refers to the efficacy or capability of a substance or medicine to produce a desired effect, particularly in studying the antibacterial properties mentioned within the context. It highlights the measured responses of various Siddha medicines against specific bacterial strains, indicating their potential practical applications in treating infections.

2) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
The word 'Antibacterial' describes substances that inhibit the growth or reproduction of bacteria. In the context of this research, it underscores the focus on testing Siddha medicines against several pathogenic bacteria, illustrating their potential use as natural alternatives to conventional antibiotics in medical practice.

3) Medicine:
In this text, 'Medicine' refers to therapeutic substances used in the Siddha system, which is an ancient Indian healing tradition. The various formulations tested embody the traditional wisdom behind herbal and mineral compositions, emphasizing an integrative approach to health and disease management in alternative medical practices.

4) Drug:
'Drug' is used to denote specific preparations or compounds derived from Siddha medicines that exhibit biological activity. In the research, drugs such as Talaka mattirai and Tambira parpam are evaluated for their antibacterial effects, contributing to the understanding of their therapeutic potential and pharmacological attributes.

5) Talaka (Taḷāka, Tālaka, Ṭalaka):
Talaka refers to a specific Siddha medicine that is part of the study. It illustrates traditional formulations used to treat ailments, particularly showcasing its antibacterial activity against pathogens like S. faecalis and V. cholerae. This highlights the continued relevance and efficacy of traditional remedies in modern medical research.

6) Siddha (Siddhā):
'Siddha' is a traditional Indian system of medicine characterized by its unique formulations and methodologies. The research explores Siddha medicines' antibacterial properties, thereby shedding light on ancient knowledge systems and their potential for addressing contemporary health challenges through empirically validated therapies.

7) Water:
Water in this context is a vital medium used for extracting active compounds from Siddha medicines. The extraction process often involves water as a solvent for various formulations, emphasizing the importance of understanding extraction methods in evaluating the bioactivity and therapeutic potential of herbal medicines.

8) Science (Scientific):
'Science' encompasses the systematic study of the natural world based on observation and experimentation. The application of scientific methods to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Siddha medicines exemplifies efforts to merge traditional knowledge with contemporary research, fostering a holistic understanding and validation of these practices.

9) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
'Ayurveda' refers to another ancient Indian system of medicine that shares philosophical and practical aspects with Siddha. By contextualizing Siddha within similar frameworks, it enriches discussions around holistic approaches to health, opening avenues for inter-disciplinary research and exploration of natural healing paradigms.

10) Gupta (Guptā):
The mention of 'Gupta' refers to one of the authors, G.V. Satyavati, A.K. Gupta, contributing to medicinal plant research. This signifies the collaborative nature of scientific studies and emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary contributions in validating traditional medicine through pharmacological research.

11) Saussurea lappa:
'Saussurea lappa' is a plant ingredient mentioned within the context of Siddha formulations. Its noted strong antiseptic properties support the exploration of specific herbal components in traditional medicines, underpinning the study's focus on natural substances that have therapeutic potential in combating bacterial infections.

12) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, is included as one of the plant products in Siddha medicines tested for antibacterial activity. Its relevance lies in its extensive use in traditional medicine for its health benefits, particularly in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, thus reinforcing the study's focus on herbal remedies.

13) Discussion:
'Discussion' refers to the section of research where results are interpreted and contextualized. It serves as a platform for analyzing findings, exploring implications, and making connections between the results and existing knowledge about Siddha medicines, enhancing understanding of their use and efficacy in healing practices.

14) Shri (Śri, Śrī, Śṝ, Sṛ, Sṝ):
'Shri' is a respectful honorific used in Indian culture. In this context, it refers to a person involved in the study and reflects the customary recognition of individuals' contributions, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the research and the cultural significance of titles in acknowledging expertise within academic circles.

15) Manas (Mano, Manash, Māṇo):
The term 'Mano' here is part of 'manometric studies' indicating a scientific instrumentation technique used to evaluate biological processes. This reference to experimental technique illustrates the scientific rigor applied in measuring the antibacterial effects of Siddha medicines, connecting traditional therapeutic practices with modern scientific validation.

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