Pharmacotherapy

Introduction

As per the principles of Siddha, there are diseases are classified into 4448 types and medicines into 64 types (32 types of internal medicines and 32 types of external medicines).

The important elements under Siddha pharmacotherapy are as follows:

•  Raw drugs in Siddha

•  Purification (Suddhi) of raw drugs

•  Siddha pharmacology

•  Diagnostic methods in Siddha

•  Treatment

 

Siddha Pharmacology (Gunapaadam)

‘Gunam’ means properties of drugs, ‘paadam’ means detailed study. Siddha pharmacology deals with both the material and spiritual aspects of Siddha medicine.

The universe and the human body are both composed of the five primordial elements (Panchabhootham), which are earth (Nilam), water (Neer), fire (Thee), air (Vali), space (Visumbu/ Agaayam). Siddha pharmacology (Gunapaadam) is mainly based on Panchabhootham and taste (Suvai).

As per the Panchabhootham concept, raw/ crude drugs (moolapporutkal) are divided into the following five classes:

·         Earth based raw drugs (Nila kooru moolapporutkal)

·         Water based raw drugs (Neer kooru moolapporutkal)

·         Fire based raw drugs (Thee kooru moolapporutkal)

·         Air based raw drugs (Vali kooru moolapporutkal)

·         Space based raw drugs (Agaaya kooru moolapporutkal)

Taste (Suvai) has got significant place in Siddha. The human tongue experiences these tastes when drug is administered orally. The taste parameter reveals the dynamics of Siddha preparations. Six tastes that are identified are sweet, sour, salt, pungent, bitter and astringent. The elements associated with these tastes are as listed below:

 

Raw drugs (Moolapporutkal) are divided into the following 6 categories based on taste (suvai):

·         Sweet based raw drugs (Inippu suvai moolapporutkal)

·         Sour based raw drugs (Pulippu suvai moolapporutkal)

·         Salt based raw drugs (Uppu suvai moolapporutkal)

·         Bitter based raw drugs (Kaippu suvai moolapporutkal)

·         Pungent based raw drugs (Kaarppu suvai moolapporutkal)

·         Astringent based raw drugs (Thuvarppu suvai moolapporutkal)

Twenty different properties of drugs have been described in Siddha – these comprise physical and pharmacological activity of the drugs. Each property described has a specific role to play in Siddha drug formulation.

Potency (Veeriyam) is relates to the active constituent of the drug. This constituent is responsible for pharmacological activity of the medicinal herb and other drugs. The drugs can have cold and hot potency.

Hot (Vemmai) potency neutralizes the Vali Kutram and Aiya Kutram.

Cold (Thanmai) potency neutralizes the Azhal Kutram.

Vibaagam and Prabhaavam properties relate to the drug mechanism and therapeutic activity of the drug.

Raw drugs in Siddha (Moolapporutkal)

In Siddha, there are three types of raw drugs (moolapporutkal) used in the preparation of the drugs.

·            Plant based (Mooligai)

·            Metals & Minerals based (Thaathu)

·            Animal based (Seevam)

 

Plant based (Mooligai)

In Siddha, more than 1500 plants are in use. According to Siddha, plant based raw drugs are divided into the following 11 subdivisions as per the part used:

·         Roots (Vergal)

·         Rhizome, Bulb, Tuber, Corn (Tharaikeezh thandugal)

·         Stems & Woods (Thandugal & Kattaigal)

·         Barks (Pattaigal)

·         Leaves (Ilaigal)

·         Galls (Puttrugal)

·         Flowers (Malargal)

·         Fruits (Kanigal)

·         Seeds (Vidhaigal)

·         Whole plants (Samoolangal)

·         Resin & Pisin (Marakkasivu)

Metals & Minerals based (Thaathu)

In Siddha, 220 metals and minerals are used. According to Siddha, metals and mineral based raw drugs are further divided into 4 categories as follows;

·         Metals (Ulogam)-11

·         Minerals (Kaarasaaram)-25

·         Mercury & Arsenic compound (Paadaanam)-64

·         Other minerals (Uparasam)-120

Animal based (Seevam)

In Siddha, Seeva porutkal from ant to elephant are used.

 

Collection of medicinal plants

All Siddhars observe certain rules while collecting the medicinal plants. It is ensured that the shadow of the Siddhar does not fall on the plant and that they are facing the east direction while collecting. It is believed that the shadow blocks life-giving rays or healing power of the sun that is continuously transmitted to the medicinal plants through light. Before collecting the plant, Siddhars also utter a prayer to the sun and also to the plant requesting for efficacy and quick relief to their patients.

Plants grow in varied locations and regions including hills, forests, etc. It is believed that plants that grow in hills have far more medicinal efficacy than their counterparts that grow in other regions.

 

Purification & Concentration (Suddhi)

First step of the preparation of the drugs is suddhi. During suddhi, the raw drugs are purified, processed and concentrated.

For instance, iron is processed with the fruit juice of Syzygium cumini (Naaval) to remove impurities, thereafter purified and concentrated.