Clinical experience in treating Covid 19 patients with Siddha Medicine

 

Just before the first case was reported in India on 28^th Jan 2020, a popular tamil TV Channel wanted me to participate in a talk show in their prime time slot to discuss about the preparedness of Tamil Nadu Govt. if there is a outbreak here. By then there was some understanding of the type of virus and its earlier outbreaks. So went through various scientific articles and looked at various herbs with potential for fighting corona virus. Immediately after the first case of a medical student testing positive (she arrived earlier but results was known on 30^th Jan 2020), we in CTMR discussed among ourselves and released a video clip on how to prevent spread and also the possible Siddha medicines and external therapies that could prevent the virus entry and multiplication in human cells. Then we focused on creating awareness among our patients and other organizations for which we have been providing health care support. (Experience in prevention is the previous blog).

 We waited for the Ministry of Ayush to release its guidelines to treat patients as initially Public health authorities were not in favour of any AYUSH treatment and also there was a warning under Pandemic Act. (Though we have sent our treatment protocol for approval) But a stage came were we needed to start treating patients. The first few were patients whose spouses  tested positive and moved to hospitals and house sealed with tin sheets. These patients also tested positive and were helpless because of financial constraints and ready availability of beds in Covid wards. (By then Covid care centres were not opened in a big way). We reached out to these people in our neighbourhood with our medicines through the corporation appointed volunteers. One of them recovered fast in two days free from fever and cough and said but her husband in the hospital still has fever, cough, loss of taste and smell and refusing to eat. She asked if she too can go and stay with him and give our medicines. The 60 plus person with history of diabetes and previous history of having two stents in the heart sounded very depressed. She took the medicines and prepared kashayam to him. He started feeling better with the medicine and the food she took from home. Few more cases were in similar situation of -one in hospital and other in home quarantine and Siddha drugs. Small family gatherings and visit to temples and work place has been the reason of spread in most patients as we could see people from same history.

 Then we evolved a methodology

• 1.      The health authorities of the area should be informed of the status and that of the treating physician’s details and share prescription and instructions note with them.
• 2.      All patients should strictly adhere to the prescription of medicine, diet (Non oily, non fat , non spicy food . intake of good quantity of boiled vegetables and fruits)and quarantine in a separate room with attached bathroom facility for 14 days
• 3.      All patients should record their oxygen saturation, pulse rate temperature every four hours and send whatsApp message and inform of other clinical features.
• 4.      Patients should have their BP and CBS recorded if diabetic and inform at regular interval (With digital apparatus and Glucometer)
• 5.      Patients were also instructed to locate and identify a neighbourhood hospital just in case of oxy saturation fall below 85 or develop severe respiratory distress ( Fortunately none required it)
• 6.      All patients who have co-morbidity were instructed not to stop their routine medication

•  The treatment included the following

 1.     Nilavembu kudineer churanam (one teaspoon of coarse) and Athimathura churanam ( half teaspoon of powder)as Decoction  thrice a day after mild food to avoid gastric irritation – irrespective of fever for five days

2.     2. Adathodai kudineer ( 5 gram) twice a day if cough, sore throat is present for five days

3.      3Thalisathy vadagam ( 500 mg tab)thrice a day as chewable tab for controlling cough and sore throat

4.     4  if Ground glass change is seen and Oxygen saturation going below 95 to lower level of 85 Adathoda kudineer , Thalisathy vadagam and Thippili Rasayanam ( 5 gram) 15 days.

5.      5 Milk with turmeric, black pepper and palm candy once a day

6.     6.  Steam inhalation – plain steam or with Vitex negundo leaf- twice a day

7.    7. Salt water gargling- twice a day

 

All medicines used are formulations listed in the Formulary of Siddha Medicine of Govt. of India based on classical texts.

 

(The much promoted drug during the season was not choosen as most manufacturers expressed difficulty in sourcing authentic raw material and the formulation was never prepared and dispenses officially in the oldest Govt Siddha Medical college hospital since its formation, many adverse reactions were reported by people)

 

The outcome of the treatment among 250 patients was positive with most people recovering from symptoms in third to fifth day while few with comorbidity continued to have fatigue and cough for 15 days. Nobody required further hospitalization.

 

Repeat tests were carried out for people who had symptoms for more than five days (32) at the end of 14 days and all of them tested negative. CT Scan for 16 who had changes initially showed significant progress (came down to 5/40  or 3/25 as two different scales are used by different labs)

 

We have also remotely treated patients in other countries and other towns in certain changes depending of availability of medicine (Thirikadu Dry ginger, black pepper and long pepper and licorice Ajwain turmeric were the primary ones until medicines reached them) There too results were encouraging

 

The treatment in home quarantine had many benefits – less crowding, good care and timely food and monitoring by family members, psychological strength and less cost ( Rs 500 for medicine for the patient and protective dose for the care giver ,cost of pulse oxymeter, bp apparatus, thermometer and glucometer). Many could start working from their rooms after initial five days and were engaged.

 

The patients in the initial stages did feel the social stigma of ambulance arriving and taking them to hospital, family members and friends not able to interact and this arrangement gave them a great sigh of relief.

 

The objective is only to say that not all patients require oxygen support and hospitalization but needs to be closely monitored. I am sure the patients who took treatment from us would also read this blog and as also critics who still feel Siddha or Ayurveda treatment were provided just to give a placebo effect.

 

 

Note on Medicines

Nilavembu kudineer churanam comes as a coarse powder to be made into a decoction This  Siddha formulation fulfills the requirement contains the following ingredients – Andrographis paniculata (herb), Vetiveria zizanioides (roots), Cymbopogon jwarancusa (roots), Santalum album (heart wood), Trichosanthes cucumerina (herb) Cyperus rotundus (tuber) Zingiber officinale (rhizome), Piper nigrum (fruit), and Mollugo cerviana(whole plant). Antiviral plants in the formulation are Andrographis paniculata, Santalum album and Trichosanthes cucumerina. Antipyretic plants in the formulation are Vetiveria zizanioides, Cymbopogon jwarancusa, Andrographis paniculata, Santalum albumand Trichosanthes cucumerina. Immunomodulant plants are Zingiber officinale, Piper nigrum. Analgesic ingredients are – Andrographis paniculata, Zingiber officinale and Cyperus rotundus. Antibacterials are Vetiveria zizanioides, Cymbopogon jwarancusa, Santalum album and Trichosanthes cucumerina.

 

Dose: 2 gram of the powder boiled with 60 ml like tea – With a lid to prevent evaporation of essential oils, filtered and taken. The decoction is freshly prepared every time and taken twice a day preferably after food as for diabetes taking in empty stomach can rarely cause hypoglycemia and for people with gastric irritation can cause nausea or vomiting 

 

Adathodai kudineer churanam comes as a coarse comes as a coarse powder to be made into a decoction It contains Justicia adathoda  (malabar nut) leaf  Glycyrrizha glabra (licorice) Piper longum ( Long pepper) Taxus baccata ( Himalayan yew) . Glycyrrizha glabra has anti-viral action against corona virus and soothing to the throat. Adathoda is effective in preventinf constriction of the respiratory pathway. Long pepper is anti-viral, hepatoprotective and helps in respiratory diseases as well. Taxus baccata is useful in regulating IL6 and TNF-alpha.

Now with almost all Siddha Covid Care Centres closed. People who want to take Siddha treatment really do not know where to go. that is yet another reason why this post was written. Other purpose for posting at this point of time is we were waiting to observe the patients for three months for post covid complication if any. Atleast 100 plus patients have completed 3 months post quarantine now. 

 

 

 

Foot crack

எனக்கு வயது முப்பது. என் பாதத்தில் உள்ள பித்த வெடிப்பு பெரும் மன இறுக்கத்தைக் கொடுக்கிறது. ஏன் பாத வெடிப்பு ஏற்படுகிறது? இதற்குப் பாரம்பரிய மருத்துவத் தீர்வு என்ன?

சித்த மருத்துவர் திரு நாராயணன்:

பித்தவெடிப்பு அல்லது பாதவெடிப்புத் தோன்ற முக்கியமான காரணங்கள்.... ஒன்று அதிக நேரம் தண்ணீரில் நிற்பது. இரண்டாவது, கரடுமுரடான தரையில் நடப்பது. மூன்றாவது, சேற்றில் அதிக நேரம் காலை வைப்பதுதான். துணி துவைக்கப் பயன்படுத்தும் சோப்புகளில் உள்ள கெமிக்கல்ஸினால் சிலருக்குக் கைகளில் வெடிப்பு வரும். அதுபோலவே, அதே கெமிக்கல்ஸ்கள் காலில் படுவதாலும் வெடிப்புகள் தோன்றும். தரமான சோப்பைப் பயன்படுத்திப் பாதத்தைச் சுத்தம் செய்ய வேண்டும். குளித்து முடித்த உடன் உலர்ந்த டவலால், பாதத்தை நன்றாகத் துடைத் திட வேண்டும். முடிந்தவரை பாதத்தை உலர்வாக வைத்துக்கொள்வது நல்லது. ‘திரிபலா சூரணம்’ (கடுக்காய், நெல் லிக்காய் தான்றிக்காய்) என்ற ஒரு சூரணத்தைக் கொண்டு பாதத்தைத் தேய்த்துச் சுத்தம் செய்து வந்தால், பித்தவெடிப்பில் உள்ள புஞ்சை அழிந்து, தோலுக்கு மிருதுவான தன்மை கிடைக்கும். அடுத்து, கிளிஞ்சல் மெழுகு என்று அழைக்கப்படும் (அதாவது கிளிஞ்சல் மற்றும் விளக்கெண்ணெய் சேர்த்துத் தயாரிக்கப்படும்) க்ரீமைத் தடவி வருவதால் பாதத்தை மிருதுவாக்கிப் பித்தவெடிப்பைப் போக்கும்

SIddha Health Centre

Centre for Traditional Medicine and Research
4A, IV Cross Street, Mahalakshmi Nagar,
Adambakkam, Chennai -88

Cordially invites you to grace the inauguration of
“Siddha Health Centre”
for reaching the unreached
(Supported by TIIC and Catalyst Trust)
on 20/8/10 at 10.00 a.m
at Chinnandikuppam community hall.
Vetuvankeni
Chennai- 600041

Sri. R. Desikan,
Chairman, “The Catalyst Trust”
will preside.

Smt. Sheela Rani Chunkath IAS
Principal secretary/
Chairperson and Managing Director, TIIC Ltd.
will inaugurate the Centre

Sri. P. Arulmudi.
Managing Trustee, AMR Charitable Trust
will deliver the felicitation address

Sri. R. Pachamuthu,
President, Injambakkam Panchayat.


Vaidya. S.Usman Ali Dr.T.Thirunarayanan

President Secretary
22533399 9444018158

CTMR Objects to AYUSH Practitioners practising allopathy

Favouring the arguments of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the Chennai based Centre for Traditional Medicines and Research (CTMR), a research institute giving guidance and training to Ayush doctors, has now taken a different stand on the issue of practicing allopathic system by ISM doctors.The Centre had categorically said that it favours the IMA in their arguments that the Ayush practitioners are not eligible to practice allopathy or do surgery because the basic understanding and principles of health, diseases and treatment are different for both the system. Further, the approach to treatment is also different.The Centre's secretary, Dr T Thirunarayanan, who is a research guide for practising traditional doctors and engaged in conducting Ayush training programs, has said that only basic medical sciences like anatomy, physiology, clinical microbiology and basics of clinical pathology are taught at undergraduate level of siddha education. This is purely for the purpose of comparative understanding and interpretation of clinical test reports. This does not mean that the siddha graduates can engage in the practice of modern healing system, he asserted.According to him, the materia medica contains plant, animal and herbomineral drugs, and the modality of drug actions is based on five elements and 'tridoshic' principles (three humours) including taste, quality, aftertaste, potency and unique action, which are not similar to pharmacological actions as explained in the modern medicine. Therefore it is wrong to claim that the siddha graduates possess the knowledge of bio-medicine, he said."The bio-medicine terminology is being taught to the siddha students only for the purpose of understanding the surgical conditions. No surgical procedures are taught to them and no practical training is imparted. Only the students of Govt Siddha Medical College, Chennai have the opportunity to learn in the department of obstetrics & gynaecology of the Kilpauk Medical College and none of the students of siddha from other eight colleges has this kind of facility", Thirunarayanan said.Dr Thirunarayanan, who was also a lecturer of siddha previously, commented that Central Council of Indian Medicines was formed by the Act of Indian Constitution which meant only for deciding teaching and regulating ethical practices of Indian systems of medicine. Therefore, it has no mandate to recommend training and allowing practice of modern medicine, and their notification in this regard is erroneous.While sharing his opinion with Pharmabiz, the siddha scholar pointed out that proper orientation was needed to the siddha doctors who strived for permission in practicing modern medicine. He said in remote areas some siddha doctors might have been given permission to provide first aid treatment but that does not allow them to take advantage of the situation. He said the IMA should also insist on the Government to provide adequate funds for Siddha in public health system and encourage siddha doctors in GHs and PHCs and treat them as equal partners who work for the wellbeing of the society. Encouraging cross practice will be a blow to the traditional science as this will be taken as an alternative route for those who do realise the greatness of siddha

WORKSHOP

USE OF INORGANIC IN TRADITIONAL HEALING

Centre for Traditional Medicine & Research organized a one day seminar on use of Inorganic drugs in Siddha and Ayurveda Healing Tradition on 25th May 2010. Experts from Siddha, Ayurveda, Chemical Technology, Sanskrit Manuscript Experts, Pharmacognosy, ISM Industry and Traditional Healers took part in the Meeting. Ayurvedic Researcher Dr.T.Varadarajan in his opening remark said that though Rasa drugs are considered supreme, the non availability of original mineral ores and deviation from process mentioned in the classics has created a sense that these drugs could potentially create ‘Adverse Drug Reaction’. According to him in many studies carried out so far the complete safety of these drugs in current form has not been proved beyond doubt as many cause chronic toxicity. Though it is a bitter truth not palatable to ISM practitioners one need to accept this and try to make them into non-toxic drugs by improving the process. He also expressed his apprehension that plant drugs may slowly become extinct and therefore there is an urgent need to work more on inorganic drugs.

Dr.T.Thirunarayanan detailed the classification of inorganic drugs in Siddha and sought the help of experts including language experts in deciphering the different inorganic drugs listed under Uparasas and Pashanas. He also pointed out the difficulty in the use of Terminology Karasaarams for Uppus and explained that there exists a general incorrect perception that Pashanas are synonymous with toxins and in reality they mean only Stone or rock like substances. Vaidya S.Usman Ali explained that uparasas are inorganic substances but could be derived from mineral ores and plant exudates or plant parts and also from animal bones, teeth and marine products. He further clarified that most of the Pashanas are synthetic- man made and they could be similar to Siddha drugs Kattu and Kazhangu. The cross listing of certain materials like camphor under uppus should be rectified.

Vaidya. R.B.Ramamoorthy said though nine gems are classified under uparasas they should only be treated as a separate entity. Dr.M.K.Thigarajan, Secretary i/c of IMPCOPS explained that close to 100 inorganic drugs are used in manufacture and each has in-house developed specification and finished products undergo tests as per standards mentioned in traditional texts. He mentioned IMPCOPS being the manufacturer of Herbo-mineral drugs has a fairly large knowledge base which could be provided for developing standards both for manufacturing and quality assurance if Dept. of AYUSH desires.

Mr.N.Srinivasan, Sanskrit scholar brought out the similarities in terminologies as seen in Siddha and Ayurveda literatures and he mentioned as a neutral person having studied both literatures, he is of the firm view that the classification is only a fine line and that need not be a botheration in advancing both system by working together.

In the valedictory session all speakers expressed their wishes to Vaidya.S.Usman Ali Director of CTMR on whose birth day this workshop was organized and mentioned it was only appropriate to have a brainstorming session like this on his birth day.

Dr.S.Rajkumar Research officer,CTMR coordinated the entire proceedings.

CTMR helps establishment of PHC garden -TOI

Siddha garden at PHC a boon for patients
D Madhavan TNN
Chennai: The past eight years, S Meenakshi, a 65-year-old patient from Medavakkam has been suffering severe back pain. Hardly able to sleep at night, she would ask her son to give her a painkiller. However, once she began to avail treatment at the siddha clinic in the upgraded Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Medavakkam three months ago, her pain has reduced considerably. At the clinic, built in 1982, Meenakshi is treated with an extract from herbal plants being grown at the new siddha garden on the PHC premises. “I visited many hospitals to seek treatment for my back pain. But the siddha treatment has really made a difference,” says Meenakshi. The garden is now turning into a lifesaver in the suburbs. Said to be the first PHC there to have a siddha garden, there are more than 80 medicinal herbs and plants spread over 20,000 sq ft. Before the garden came up, the place was a dump yard covered by weeds. It was on July 14 that state health secretary V K Subburaj announced at a function at the PHC that a new siddha garden would be developed on the site, and thereafter the transformation slowly began. The process was not easy, though. Medical staff, including siddha medical officer, Dr T R Siddique Ali, and medical officer in charge of Medavakkam PHC, Dr Ramya Gowri, found it difficult to source the herbal plants needed. Thanks to the cooperation extended by the Centre for Traditional Medicine and Research, a city-based NGO that works on traditional medicine, and the state forest department, Dr Ali and Dr Ramya were able to source most of the herbal plants from the two agencies free of cost. They received guidance from district (Kancheepuram) health officer, Dr P M Krishna Kumar, on cultivation of herbal plants used often by patients.

THE HERBAL WAY: Dr Siddique Ali at the siddha garden in the Medavakkam public health centre

Student Exchange Programme

Seven Students of international studies from USA- Long Island University Currently in their India Centre had an exposure visit to Meet Traditional Healers of Tamilnadu in Dharmapuri district and visited Govt Hospital and Primary health centre in Erode district, The student exchange programme is a component of understanding the traditional health practices and functioning of the Siddha system along side biomedicine in the public health delivery system in Tamilnadu on 22nd and 23rd Nov.2009.

The students also visited a GMP certified Siddha and Ayurveda drug manufacturing facility- SKM Siddha and Ayurveda Pharma P ltd.
Centre for Traditional Medicine and Research organised the two days field programme and Dr.T.Thirunarayanan, secretary of CTMR briefed the students on the principles, practice of siddha medicine and its current status.

School Herbal garden and Awareness Programme

Centre for Traditional Medicine & Research organised herbal awareness programme and creation of herbal garden at two schools. On 30th Sept 2009. Dr.T.Thirunarayanan addressed the stdents of Atomic Energy School Kalpakkam and explained to the children the health benefits of different medicinal plants grown in the township. The home herbal garden of Mr.Rajendran at Anupuram was suggested as a model. On 7th Oct 2009, Dr.T.Thirunarayanan and Mrs. Sundaravalli, Horticulturist of CTMR had a VIDEO PRESENTATION and Lecture at Govt. Adidravida welfare Hr.Sec. School Kilambakkam, Urapakkam. The students predominantly from rural area and poor socioeconomic status responded very positively and in fact were very well informed about the health benefits. Over 240 students both boys and girls took active part in the interaction that followed and promised to grow atleast 50 plants in the school. A list of medicinal plants for school based on utility and ability to survive in challenging conditions were recommended

List of plants for HERBAL GARDEN in SCHOOLS

Agati grandiflora - Agathi
Adathoda vasica - Adathodai
Aegle marmelos - Vilvam
Aloe vera - Katraazhai
Alpinia officinarum - Arathai
Andrographis paniculata - Nilavembu
Bacopa monnieri - Neer Brammi
Carica papaya - Pappali
Cassia fistula - Sarakkondrai
Cassia alata - Seemai agathi
Cissus quadrangularis - Pirandai
Clerodendrum phlomidis - Thazhuthazhai
Coleus aromaticus - Karpuravalli
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis - Chemparathai
Indigofera tinctoria - Avuri
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis - Pavalamailli
Ocimum gratissimum - Karum thulasi
Orthosiphon grandifloris - Poonai meesai
Pongamia glabra - Pungan
Punica granatum - Mathulai
Tabernaemontana coronaria - Nandhiyavattai
Tylophora asthmatica - Nanjaruppan
Solanum trilobatum - Thoothuvelai
Saraca asoka - Asoku
Vitex negundo - Nochi
Wedelia calendulosa - Manjal Karisalai
Centella asiatica - Vallarai

FAUNA – MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE

• 
  Dr.R.Manikandan. M.D(s)
  Research Fellow
  Centre for Traditional Medicine & Research, Chennai-600088
  
  Lecture delivered during the National Seminar on ‘Entrepreneurship development for Biology Students’ on 25th Sept, 2009 at Govt. Arts College, Nandanam, Chennai
  
  Siddha
  Siddha medicine, a traditional system of the Dravidian culture, practiced in the Southern India.
  Other well known Indian System of Medicine is Ayurveda .
  These Indian System of Medicine are based on principles of nature.
  The source of medicines of these systems are from plants, animals including marine organism and inorganic.
  Extensive research have been conducted in drugs of plant origin (Pre-clinical and Clinical studies). But very little research has gone into drugs of faunal origin.
  This probably because they seems to be safer and effective when compared to drugs of Inorganic origin as human is also from animal kingdom
  
  Many drugs of Animal origin were extensively used by the Siddha physicians.
  Milk , honey, curd, clarified butter , fish oils, turtle shell and flesh, deer horn are some simplest examples of animal products used either as drug or as adjuvant
  But, Animal origin drugs are also becoming restricted in use because of their over exploitation and endangered availability and also due to governmental regulations.
  Proteins and amino acids apart from animal fats and trace elements contribute for the biological activity of these medicines.
  
  Leech – Hirudina medicinalis
  Bloodletting is one of the oldest medical practices, having been practiced among diverse ancient peoples, in order to detoxify the body as detoxification is one of the treatment procedure.
  Saliva of Leech contain hirudin which is anti-coagulant in nature.
  Leech saliva also contains a Factor Xa inhibitor, and this compound restrains the coagulating effect of the coagulation Factor Xa.
  It also has hyaluronidase that enhances the viscosity of the interstitial fluid. For vasodilating effect, it has acetylcholine and histamine-like substances as well as carboxypeptidase A inhibitors. These three can increase blood flow by dilating constricted vessels.
  Leech Therapy - Procedure
• Before placing leeches on the skin, they are cleansed with clean water.
• Treatment sites vary, depending upon the affected part where the vascular problems are more prominent.
• Depending on individual cases, approximately each area requires between 7 to 14 leeches each consultation, but it still depends on the severity of the case.
• After the leeches are placed and have fastened themselves onto the skin, they are usually left until they automatically disengage themselves from the patient.
• Each leech can suck about 15 to 20 ml.
• Once treatment is complete, the area is cleaned and bandaged but may continue bleeding due to the anti-clotting factor in the leeches saliva.
• After five days of continuous leech therapy, a patient will feel improvement in their condition.
• To arrest excessive bleeding after blood letting, astringent powders like Quercus infectoria (Masikkaai), Acacia catechu (Kaichukatti), Areca catechu (Pakku), Terminalia chebula (Kadukkai) and alum are sprinkled and a compress is made with sterile gauze.
  
  Leeches safe to use:
  Leech should be collected from ponds which contain large number of live frogs and covered by weeds.
  Rat tail shape leech with thin ends are good for therapy. The leeches of 5 -7 centimeters length are ideal.
  Diseases treated with Leech therapy
  This process is essentially meant for purification of the blood
• Skin diseases,
• Hypertension,
• Psychiatric illness,
• Head ache, eye, ear, tongue, colic,
• Arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbo-sacral diseases
• Lymphatic disorders.
• Venesection is done to remove toxins from snake bite and other envenomation.
  Leeches are never placed on major veins like the jugular vein or the femoral vein. Likewise, they are not placed on the breasts, eyelids or delicate structures of the body.
  
  Blood letting is contraindicated in tuberculosis, emaciating disorders, convulsive disorders, pregnancy and anemia. During the time of rain, heavy wind and cold weather, blood letting should not be done.
  Growing of leech for therapy
  Leeches can be grown in fish tanks
  They normally feed on tadpoles
  Commercially leeches are maintained and sold by animal houses.
  Earthworm
• Contains trace element copper as per Siddha literature, used to treat vatha diseases (arthritis),
  Honey
• Honey is a delicious and highly nutritious food.
• In traditional method of honey hunting, many wild colonies of bees are destroyed. This can be prevented by raising bees in boxes and producing honey at home.
• Honey acts as Wound healer, Nourisher, Laxative, Astringent, Expectorant, Preservative
• Honey is used as one of the ingredients in preparing Lehyam.
• Honey is used as an adjuvant or vehicle along with medicines.
• Honey applied to face removes black spots or marks and provides good complexion.
  
  Beeswax
• A base for most creams and ointments and pain balms
• Provides excellent body for Creams.
• Wound healing, anti-inflammatory and Moisturizing
• Wax bath in Arthritis, Waxing by women for removal of unwanted hair.
• Pinda thylam is also used for abdominal massage for easy delivery
  
  Potentials of Bee keeping
• Bee keeping requires less time, money and infrastructure investments
• Honey and beeswax can be produced from an area of little agricultural value
• The Honey bee does not compete for resources with any other agricultural enterprise.
• Beekeeping has positive ecological consequences. Bees play an important role in the pollination of many flowering plants, thus increasing the yield of certain crops such as sunflower and various fruits.
• Beekeeping can be initiated by individuals or groups
• The market potential for honey and wax is high
  
  Milk and Milk products
• Milk and milk products are used as medicines and adjuvant to be given along medicines.
• Clarified butter (ghee) is used as adjuvant or vehicle.
• Many medicine prepared along with clarified butter, it also acts as preservative of the medicines prepared out of it.
• It is used to extract fat soluble substances out of the herbs.
  Bhrami ghirtam :
  A formulation prepared out of Bhrami (Bacopa monnieri) is used as Brain and nervine tonic, Restorative and Stimulant, Improves memory.
  
  Other products
• Chitin, Glucosamine, chitoson, are derived from Crab, Crayfish, Lobster, Prawn, Shrimp shells
• Chondroitin Sulfate Sodium from bovine trachea is used to treat cartilage problems in joints.
• Gelatin used for capsulation is derived from animal bones.
• Lanolin is derived from sheep fat used as moisturizer.
• Ox gall – Korosanai – Used as expectorant.
  Birds
• Feathers of the Birds are also used in Traditional Medicines in order to treat snake bite
• Along with Medicated oils used to treat wounds.
  Egg
• Egg shells are calcined and used as demulcents.
• Yellow yolk of egg is used in the preparation of ‘Anda thailam’ used in speech disorders.
• Egg albumin is used to triturate many inorganic substances and
  Pavo cristatus
• Peacock feather contains trace element like copper as per Siddha literatures.
• Charred peacock feather is a drug of choice in Hiccough
  Pearl oyster
• Used in treating patients suffering from Tuberculosis.
• Very good nutritive and dietary supplement
• Cardiac tonic.
• Pharmacological action of Pearl and Pearl oyster more or less similar.
  Conch shell - Sangu
• Calcined Conch Shell is used to treat gastritis, dysmenorrhoea and skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema etc.
• External Application : Conch Shell immersed water is used to treat Pimple- Acne vulgaris.
  Turtle (AAMAI)
• Parts used for Medicine: Shell, Flesh, Fat, Skin and Egg.
• Aamai ottu karukku kudineer is a drug of choice in child care.
• Blood: Blood of Tortoise is given orally to treat bronchitis, which is in practice in local health tradition in Tuticorn dist.
• Calcined shell (Aamai ottu parpam): The shell of tortoise is calcined with Justicia adhatoda juice, aloe juice, and Abutilon juice. It is used for the treatment of Haemorrhoids, fistula.
  Cypraea moneta - Palagarai
• Purified with lime juice and calcined cypera is used as antidote and first aid medicine to all type of wounds.
• Used in skin diseases like Psoriasis and eczema.
  Snail
• Calcined snail is used to treat haemorrhiods, fistula and diseases pertaining to Ano-rectal region.
  Antelope horn - Deer horn
• Calcined Deer horn is used to treat Cardiac disorders and Menstrual disorders.
• Usually Antelope horn sheds up in an interval of 2 -3 years.
  Musk deer- Kasthuri Maan
• Musk collected from Musk deer cures cold and fever in Children. Effective in Bronchial asthma
  Civet cat- Punugu Poonai
• Civet is used in aphrodisiac formulations
  Disinfectants
• Dungs of Animals along with Urine are used as Disinfectants.
• Dung cake are used traditionally to make calcination of the drugs of mineral origin.
• ‘Panchakavvya’ today needs no explanation.
  CONCLUSION
  I wish to conclude this presentation that this is a virgin field and abundant opportunities exists both for research and development.

Field trips and Invited lectures at Department of Dravyaguna, Institute of P G T & R in Ayurveda, of Gujarat Ayurved University. Jamnagar

Dr.T.Thirunarayanan, Siddha physician and Vaidya.S.Usman Ali, Director, Centre for Traditional Medicine & Research, Chennai visited Gujarat Ayurved University from 25th Aug, 2009 to 27th Aug, 2009 for interaction with experts of different institutions and departments of the university on the various Research activities in Indian Medicine. The Department of Dravyaguna has organized lecture by Dr.T.Thirunarayanan on ‘New product Development in Traditional Medicine –Challenges’ on 25th August. Dr. Parameswar Prasad Sharma, Prof. & Head of the department introduced the speaker and the topic. Dr. Tarulata N. Pandya, Dr. Rabinarayan Acharya, Readers of the department, Research scholars and Post-Graduate students of Dravyaguna, Bhaisajyakalpana, Rasashastra, Ayurved pharmacy and Medicinal Plant Sciences attended the lectures and actively interacted with the speaker. Dr.T.Thirunarayanan highlighted the point that new product development is essential due to changing environment, disease pattern and a broad spectrum of people across the globe showing keen interest in Traditional medicine and this should happen without compromising the basic principles of Traditional medicine but adopting to current day requirement. He insisted that these new products should necessarily undergo pre-clinical and clinical trials and all regulatory requirements fulfilled before launch. There was one more lecture on ‘External Therapies of Siddha medicine and similarities with Ayurveda’ on 27th August. The stress was on utilizing the external therapy techniques more frequently in clinical practice so that the recovery is fast.

On 26th August, Vaidya S.Usman Ali led the team of Dravyaguna students to Jam Barda hills on the botanical identification field trip along with Dr.T.Thirunarayanan & Dr. Bhupesh R. Patel, Lecturer of the department. About 100 plants of medicinal value were observed in this 9 kilometer stretch and Dr.S.Usman Ali gave simple clues to establish botanical identity of the plants using certain peculiarities seen in the macroscopic examination and co-existence of some plant with others (Bio-diversity) was also explained. The unique medicinal use of these plants in Siddha practice was highlighted by Dr.T.Thirunarayanan and the use by local community was elaborated by Dr.Bhupesh R.Patel. Students made a listing of plants of Barda hills along with photos and deposited the CD in the department for future reference.

On 27th Vaidya. S.Usman Ali explained the various medicinal tree species planted in the Joggers' park in Jamnagar to the students. Many visitors to the park showed keen interest in the explanations provided and joined the students for the rest of the evening.

The entire three day activities particularly the field trips were well coordinated by Dr. Bhupesh R. Patel, Lecturer of the Dravyaguna department.

Siddha medicine & H1N1

Siddha research centre suggests that claims of Siddha medicine of prevention & cure H1N1 influenza may be looked into.
The Chennai-based Centre for Traditional Medicine and Research (CTMR), an institute that conducts research in Siddha medicine and giving training to physicians of Siddha, claims that some Siddha medicinal plants and formulations can prevent and cure the pandemic H1N1 viruses without any side effects. The CTMR has written to the Department of Ayush (Union Health Ministry) in this regard with a request to evaluate the effect of Siddha medicinal plants and formulations for anti-viral activity against stains of H1N1 virus, which is currently spreading throughout the country and taking lives across the world.The institute has made an attempt to draw the attention of the Ayush top brass to the clinical experiences of Siddha doctors in the state on the effect of Nilavembu Kudineer (a Siddha formulation), in viral diseases including certain pandemic fever. It also explained the 'Neuraminidase inhibitor activity' of Andrographis paniculata (Nilavembu) in studies carried out elsewhere (China). The bicyclic diterpenoids present in the plant has a significant activity. This Neuraminidase inhibition activity prevents H1N1 virus multiplication, said the Secretary of the Centre.In the letter addressed to the Secretary of Ayush, the secretary of the Centre DrT. Thirunarayanan said the potential of medicinal plants which are well known for their antiviral activity and studies may be initiated in the National Institute of Virology, Pune under ICMR and some other competent institutes like Haffkins Institute, Mumbai. He requested the authorities to initiate immediate measures in this regard and consider it as an additional and important effort from the Ayush's side towards combating the epidemic. The Influenza caused by A H1N1 (Swine Flu) is attaining epidemic proportion in different states including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra. The centre also praised the governments at the central and state levels for various measures being taken to contain the disease spread.He further wanted the Department of Ayush to initiate in-vitro and in-vivo researches on this plant drugs and Siddha formulations at National Institute of Virology, Pune, so that scientific data can be generated which will finally help millions of sufferers of virus diseases.

The common clinical manifestations of influenza A (H1N1) are cough, running nose, sore throat, fever, head ache, body ache and diarrhoea. The virus has a tendency to multiply in the lung epithelium and due to excessive cytokines can cause breathlessness due to pneumonia. An ideal drug combination therefore would be the one which has the following pharmaco-clinical activities: Antiviral activity, specifically with ‘Neuraminidase inhibition activity’, anti-pyretic, analgesic and immuno-modulant (Immune enhancers may cause excessive production of Cytokines while immunosuppressant drugs- corticosteroids can hasten secondary infection). One such Siddha formulation which fulfills the entire requirement is the ‘Nilavembu kudineer’ which contains the following ingredients – Andrographis paniculata (herb), Vetiveria zizanioides (roots), Cymbopogon jwarancusa (roots), Santalum album (heart wood), Trichosanthes cucumerina (herb) Cyperus rotundus (tuber) Zingiber officinale (rhizome), Piper nigrum (fruit), and Mollugo cerviana(whole plant).

Antiviral plants in the formulation are Andrographis paniculata, Santalum album and Trichosanthes cucumerina.

Antipyretic plants in the formulation are Vetiveria zizanioides, Cymbopogon jwarancusa, Andrographis paniculata, Santalum albumand Trichosanthes cucumerina.

Immunomodulant plants are Zingiber officinale, Piper nigrum.

Analgesic ingredients are – Andrographis paniculata, Zingiber officinale and Cyperus rotundus.

Antibacterials are Vetiveria zizanioides, Cymbopogon jwarancusa, Santalum album and Trichosanthes cucumerina .

Therefore Nilavembu kudineer is the most appropriate candidate for evaluation.

Traditional Healers Meet- Krishnagiri

Traditional Healers Conference

Centre for Traditional Medicine and Research, Chennai is carrying out a project entitled ‘Documentation and Validation of Local Health Traditions’ in Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts of Tamilnadu with grant from Department of Ayush. Govt.of India. So far over 170 traditional healers have been interviewed and their healing practices documented. As Part of the field based research activity an one day ‘Traditional Healers Conference’ was organized at Forest Extension Centre, Krishnagiri on 28th June 2009. Over 70 healers from the districts of Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri Districts took part in the conference. Ten institutionally trained Siddha physicians and 15 field staff of the forest department also took part in the meet. Dr.M.A Kumar, Deputy Advisor- Siddha and Nodal Officer for LHT projects. Department of Ayush presided over the inaugural session and delivered a lecture detailing the objective of this intervention, mainly to revive the lost healthy traditional health practices which will reduce the health expenditure burden of the community. He stressed that the traditional medical science has survived this long, mainly due to the oral traditions handed over by the healers to the next generation as institutes have come up only in the last four decades. Mr.Ganesan, the district forest officer, Hosur in his inaugural address emphasized the need to live in harmony with nature, as living in harmony with nature is the cornerstone of health care in traditional medicine and appealed to the practitioners to use the medicinal plants in a sustainable way and regenerate them in home gardens, community parks and as hedge crop in their agricultural land.

Four vaidyas were presented ‘Best healer’ award on the occasion. Mr.Kembae Ramiya of urigam at the ripe age of 84 not only provides treatment in this interior forest village, but maintains a good herbal collection and imparts knowledge of the healing practice to seekers. Mr.P.R Krishnan aged 82 is continuously imparting training to a group of 40 healers for a period of 12 years and created a good library and a miniature common medicine processing facility at Dharmapuri. Mr. Kathirvel of Nalampatty a bone setter, treating atleast 300 persons every day with the help of his assistants for whom he has imparted training and Mr.Sivaprakasam of Thonganur who treats atleast 500 persons every Sunday were awarded. The Awards were presented by Dr. L.P Yuvaraj and Dr.K.Kootharsan, senior Siddha physicians of the districts. Vaidya S.Usman Ali, director – CTMR and Dr.T.Thirunarayanan shared the findings of the research so far and the healers took active part in the deliberations which followed. Dr.Sugumaran, Dr.Hariharan and Dr.Sunandani – Siddha physicians shared the views of the institutionally trained Siddha physicians and expressed their willingness to work closely with traditional healers.

The healers displayed the fresh plants used by them, Raw drugs used by them and rare form of medicines prepared by them. The healers also visited the medicinal plants garden maintained at the Forest extension centre and Vaidya. S.Usman Ali explained to them the propagation technique to be adopted for different plants

TRADITIONAL HEALERS CONFERENCE

CTMR organizes a traditional healer’s conference on 28th June 2009, at Forest Extension centre, Jeenur, Krishnagiri. About 100 healers from Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts of Tamilnadu are participating in this conference organized with grant from Department of AYUSH, Government of India. The outcome of the documentation study carried out by CTMR on the traditional healing practices will be presented and views of the other vaidyas elucidated as part of the peer review and validation activity. Four senior vaidyas making significant contribution in terms of delivery of medical service, training the next generation of healers, creation of awareness and maintaining a vast repository of healing herbs are to be honored on this occasion.

CTMR SECRETARY INTERVIEW IN PHARMABIZ

'ISM has found foothold in several countries'
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 08:00 IST Peethaambaran Kunnathoor

Centre for Traditional Medicine & Research (CTMR) is an NGO registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act. It is a 'not for profit organisation', operational since 2001. The key objectives of CTMR are mainstreaming traditional medicine in the area of public health, creation of awareness, capacity building by way of training, developing cost effective medicine with natural resources and promoting research in traditional medicine. The NGO works with different government departments, institutions and organisations for the cause.Dr T Thirunarayanan, secretary of CTMR, is a siddha physician with 20 years of experience in Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM). To his credit he has prepared the 'Development of ISM' report for Tamil Nadu state under the Tamil Nadu Equitable growth initiative programme along with members of the health sector subcommittee. He has also served as an expert member in 'mother and child healthcare' programme and subsequently in designing training module and 'Kit for RCH' programme of Tamil Nadu govt. In an interview with Peethaambaran Kunnathoor, Thirunarayanan elaborated the efforts taken by the NGO to improve Indian Systems of Medicine.
Excerpts:Do Indian Systems of Medicine have global acceptance now?
Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM), particularly ayurveda, has transcended the Indian subcontinent and now find a foothold in many countries. The regulations pertaining to traditional medicines and alternative medicines govern ISM. Originally the efforts were to promote products, but the acceptance for services, particularly in the 'wellness sector' is fast catching up. But the problem lies in getting trained manpower and the products that are acceptable by the international community. Even the medicated oils used for physical therapies need to be pleasant and should not create stains on cloths, as use of heavy laundering with surfactants is considered eco-unfriendly. The herbal supplements, apart from the issue of heavy metal that occurs in the plant source itself due to alarming level of soil pollution at herbal collection sites, leads to batch-to-batch inconsistency in biological activity. Very few Indian herbs have positive reviews and monographs compared to other herbs.
What are the efforts taken by various stakeholders to promote ISM?
World Health Organisation (WHO) in all keenness to promote traditional medicine has come out with a good number of protocols including, good sourcing practices, evaluation and clinical trials and testing methods for quality control etc. The Dept of Ayush on its part is insisting GMP upgradation and has taken stringent measures for closure of non-compliant units. The efforts are also on to develop method of analysis, making available marker compounds and support for 'drug testing labs' in various states through central schemes. Many institutes have taken up projects on developing method of analysis and monographs. The ayurvedic cluster scheme is yet another initiative. But certain guidelines are still difficult for this sector.
Where does ISM stand in terms of research and infrastructure development?
Large pharma industrial houses are happy to have just a few products mostly as over the counter (OTC). Unlike resource being spent on developing new drug molecules, very little money is spent on R&D of ISM drugs. The turnover being small, money that is required to develop new products from traditional medicine is definitely not being pumped in. National medicinal plants board initiatives have started paying results in easing raw material supplies and more efforts in the future for good agricultural practices and clean post harvest practices. This will enable overcome the issue of heavy metals, microbial contamination and pesticide residue issues. Excessive cultivation and storage for a longer time also needs to be curtailed by proper demand assessment.
What could be done to enable more Indian products get approval in international markets?
A large number of ISM physicians with interdisciplinary qualification are expected to pass out of institutes, even with PhD qualification. These scientists should be encouraged to establish product development labs and clinical research organisations with an exclusive set of rules for ISM in line with WHO guidelines for evaluating traditional medicines. Dept. of Ayush should have funds like the innovator incubation schemes of DST and DBT for product development. This should not be confused with basic research. Perhaps, these scientists may be requiring training and orientation in drug development and evaluation. I am sure in five years time we can have at least 15-20 internationally acceptable ISM products. Besides, resources should be made available for ISM companies for GMP upgradation for few more years and the Schemes for establishing GLP should be implemented on a faster pace without bottlenecks.
How do we address the increasing global demand for ISM services?
Health tourism for wellness is fine, but for fulfilling larger potential of the market, we need to have exclusive training on the speciality treatment procedures of ISM. The govt. has come out with curriculum for panchakarma training. Similar speciality treatment procedures of siddha, including varma, thokkanam and regimental therapy of unani also need to be encouraged. Tamil Nadu Health Department has taken a lead in training almost its entire ISM physicians on these therapies. Efforts are on to train private physicians also. Physical infrastructure has been provided in major govt. hospitals to provide these treatments. But a separate set of paramedical professionals with soft skills needs to be created both for domestic and global requirement. There was a proposal to have nursing therapist-ISM diploma but it has not taken off.
Do you think ISM can play a key role in public health issues?
Definitely, the greatest challenge now is the anemia in adolescent girls and antenatal mothers. Siddha medicines evaluated in a fairly large population in rural area have proved to be very effective. Similarly antenatal care with siddha methods has proven to help easy labour without caesarean. Management of diarrhoeal diseases and 'upper respiratory infection' in which indiscriminate use of antibiotic has led to resistance is possible with siddha medicine. Popularising these siddha methods needs efforts. Geriatric issues can be very well addressed by kayakalpa therapy.
What role do you think organisations like CTMR should be playing in promoting ISM?
Creating awareness of the advantages of ISM in specific areas and where ever possible taking the healthy practices to the community, popularising simple remedies, promoting community herbal gardens, including road side plantation will make more people use these systems and thereby generate demand. Our NGO is focused on capacity building at all levels by conducting trainings on specialised treatment procedures, drug development and on growing medicinal plants. Developing quality learning materials in siddha in English is another key area.
How does CTMR support the cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants?

We support good number of clinical evaluation of less known siddha plants for which literature support from classical siddha texts and preclinical studies are available. Solving identity of controversial raw materials both from plant source and inorganic source is another area we are currently engaged in. Conservation by means of ex-situ, conservation by promoting community herbal gardens, home herbal gardens and plantation of medicinal tree where ever possible are other areas CTMR is working on.

Arthritis and Food

Arthritis and Food

Traditional medicines, Particularly Siddha medicine attribute disease including arthritis due to food that turns toxic. More over Excessive body weight causes heavier load on the weight bearing knee joint and aggravates Osteoarthritis. It is well known that uric acid deposits in the minor joints leads to Gouty arthritis.

Effective management of arthritis therefore lies in avoiding the food that aggravates the disease and reducing body weight. There is an excessive Vatham with in turns affects Pitham. The obese patients normally have Kapham body constituent and are more prone for Osteoarthritis.

Detoxifying with gentle purgatives in patients with recent onset, and strong purgatives in chronic cases are the first line of management

Raisins with honey or Rose petals with honey, Cassia fistula flowers (Chandelier flowers) or its fruit pulp with honey, Herbal tea with Senna, Psyllium husk are the options for gentle purgation.

Avoidance of Red meat, Excessive use of dairy products, shortening, Saturated fat, sweets, Tamarind and tubers that grow beneath – Potatoes, Yam except wild yam and many plants of the potato family including brinjal (Egg plant), tomatoes (due to Oxalic acid presence) are also to be avoided.

Fruits and green vegetables like Ladies finger are fine. Skimmed milk and Plants containing phyto-oestrogen is good in women. Flax seed oil and fish oil containing Gamma Lionelic Acid are good.

Among spices and condiments Ginger and Garlic helps in arthritis. Parsley celery also helps in detoxifying.

Morniga leaves and Cardiospermum helcacabum (Balloon wine- Mudakarurthan) leaves as chutney is very helpful.

Chutney made of tender stems Cissus quadrangularis(Hadjora- Pirandai) or the stems processed with butter milk and sun dried can be made into powder and added to food particularly in osteoarthritis. Though Cissus also contains Oxalic acid, processing removes the unwanted oxalic acid.

Food for Hypertension

Food for Hypertension
The Most important way to have blood pressure under control is to turn to Vegetarianism. Vegetarians in general, have lower blood pressure levels and a lower incidence of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. This is mainly due to the fact a typical vegetarian's diet contains more potassium, complex carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fat, fiber, vitamin C and vitamin A. High fiber food ingredients like fenugreek has beneficial effect on lowering cholesterol. In Siddha this is considered anti-Pitham. Generally fruits and vegetables contain potassium. Garlic (One or two cloves) and onion (In food without deep frying and boiling- simple baking) are other two substances that reduce thickening of blood vessels due to fat deposit. Lemongrass tea is refreshing and is a mild diuretic. Lycopene in Tomatoes, Vitamin –C in Indian gooseberry and turmeric are all good as lipid regulators and anti- aging. Once artery is as thihck as their age.
Siddha advocates rock salt (Indhuppu- Syndhia lavana) instead of high sodium table salt. But that also should be used in moderation. Celery seed as spice is good as cumin seed.
Among oils sesame oil is preferred.
Looking for herbal supplement – Commiphora mukul and Arjuna tree bark extract are the top choice. Passiflora fruit drink helps. Bacopa (Jalbhrami) (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) and
Passiflora leaf extract helps calming of mind.
The best of drug less management is Meditation and Pranayama (Breath exercise)
Overweight persons must definitely go for brisk walk and shed few kilos.
Say no to Pizzas, Sweets and deep fried oil rich food and pickles.