Analytical studies on mattan tailam
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Analytical studies on mattan tailam
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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A. Saraswathy, M. Girijarani, S. Joy, M.M. Alam
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Analytical studies on mattan tailam
Year: 1999
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Mattan tailam, also known as Paccai ennai, is a medicated herbo-mineral oil utilized in the Siddha system of medicine. This preparation is placed within the 'tailam' category, wherein various oils serve as a base to extract active compounds from herbal components. The oil is primarily applied externally for treating conditions such as eczema, putrid ulcers, and earache with pus discharge. The formulation of Mattan tailam comprises three key ingredients: the leaf juice of Datura metel L. (Ummattai elai), Cocos nucifera L. (Tenkay ennay), and copper sulfate (Turucu). The study aimed to chemically analyze the oil to establish standardization parameters.
Alkaloid Presence and Its Implications
One significant finding from the analytical studies is the presence of alkaloids in Mattan tailam, particularly those derived from Datura leaves. The total alkaloid content was determined to be 0.114% (w/v), indicating that the medicinal properties of the oil may be attributed to these compounds. An extensive qualitative analysis revealed that despite the inclusion of copper sulfate, qualitative testing indicated the absence of both copper and sulfate in the final oil, likely due to copper sulfate's insolubility in coconut oil. This aspect of the study highlights the importance of alkaloids, such as atropine and hyoscyamine, which are known for their stimulant effects on the central nervous system and may be beneficial in treating certain medical conditions like renal and biliary colic, as well as asthma.
Conclusion
The comprehensive analysis of Mattan tailam conducted in this study culminated in valuable data regarding its physico-chemical properties and chromatographic profile. The study established several important parameters, including moisture content, refractive index, and iodine value, which are crucial for setting standards for this Siddha formulation. The therapeutic efficacy of Mattan tailam is potentially linked to the alkaloids and other components identified through thin layer chromatography, thus providing a foundation for future research and quality control measures within Siddha medicine.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Mattan tailam and its primary uses?
Mattan tailam, also known as Paccai ennai, is a medicated herbo-mineral oil used in the Siddha system of medicine, primarily for treating external conditions like eczema, putrid ulcers, and earaches accompanied by pus discharge.
What are the main ingredients used in Mattan tailam?
The main ingredients in Mattan tailam are Datura metel L. (Ummattai elai), Cocos nucifera L. (Tenkay ennay), and Copper sulphate (Turucu), each contributing unique properties to the oil's therapeutic effects.
What methods were used for the chemical analysis of Mattan tailam?
The chemical analysis of Mattan tailam involved qualitative inorganic analysis, organic analysis, physico-chemical analysis, and thin layer chromatography (TLC) to determine alkaloid content and establish standard parameters.
What were the findings of the analysis conducted on Mattan tailam?
The analysis revealed significant components, including a greenish-blue color, low moisture content, absence of copper and sulfate, and a total alkaloid content of 0.114%, which may contribute to the therapeutic activity of the oil.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Analytical studies on mattan tailam”. 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) Siddha (Siddhā):
Siddha refers to a traditional system of medicine originating from South India, which combines elements of herbal and mineral treatments. Its unique methodologies include the preparation of medicated oils like Mattan Tailam, used for various ailments like eczema and earaches, making it a significant aspect of Indian traditional health practices.
2) Medicine:
In this context, medicine encompasses the various practices and substances used in Siddha for healing and health enhancement. The study highlights the chemical composition and therapeutic uses of Mattan Tailam, demonstrating how traditional formulations can be analyzed and standardized within scientific frameworks.
3) Drug:
Drug refers to any substance used for medical purposes. In the Siddha system, drugs can be herbal, mineral, or a combination. Mattan Tailam is classified as a herbo-mineral oil, showcasing how Siddha incorporates various natural ingredients to create effective therapeutic substances that address diverse health issues.
4) Coconut (Cocoanut):
Coconut, known scientifically as Cocos nucifera, serves as a key ingredient in Mattan Tailam, functioning as the base oil for extracting medicinal properties. Its common use in traditional medicine underlines the importance of natural resources in Siddha practices, contributing to the oil's efficacy and therapeutic profile.
5) Cocos nucifera:
Cocos nucifera is the botanical name for coconut, a vital component of Mattan Tailam. Its oil is characterized by specific physicochemical properties that can influence the extraction of active ingredients from other herbs. The study emphasizes the relevance of botanical identification in the preparation of Siddha formulations.
6) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the analysis and interpretation of the data obtained from the study. It involves evaluating the chemical properties of Mattan Tailam and correlating them with its therapeutic uses, offering insights into how traditional knowledge aligns with modern scientific analysis in Siddha medicine, thereby validating its efficacy.
7) Activity:
Activity in this context pertains to the therapeutic effects of Mattan Tailam attributed to its chemical constituents, such as alkaloids from Datura metel. Understanding the medicinal activity of the oil is crucial for establishing its role in treating ailments and enhancing its acceptability in contemporary medical practices.
8) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the systematic pursuit of knowledge and understanding through empirical investigation and experimentation. In this study, scientific principles are used to analyze the composition and therapeutic potential of Mattan Tailam, bridging the gap between traditional medicine and modern healthcare standards through rigorous analytical methodologies.
9) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is another ancient Indian system of medicine that shares similarities with Siddha, particularly in its holistic approach to health. Though distinct, the comparative study of both systems contributes to enhancing medicinal practices by incorporating diverse herbal and mineral treatments, fostering a broader understanding of traditional Indian healing.
10) Botany:
Botany, the scientific study of plants, is crucial in identifying the herbal components in Siddha medicine. Accurate botanical identification of ingredients like Datura metel and Cocos nucifera informs their proper usage in formulations like Mattan Tailam, ensuring both efficacy and safety in traditional remedies.
11) Apa (Āpa, Āpā, Pappa, Pāppā):
Pappa may refer to the authors of the study, who contribute to the field of Siddha medicine. The mention of specific researchers underscores the collaborative nature of medical studies, highlighting the importance of teamwork in advancing traditional practices through modern scientific analyses to therapeutically validate their use.
12) Ulcer:
Ulcer denotes a medical condition characterized by open sores on the skin or mucous membranes. Mattan Tailam is utilized in treating such conditions, emphasizing the role of traditional remedies in managing prevalent health issues. The study's focus on ulcer treatment showcases Siddha's relevance in contemporary medicine.