Overview on Siddha herbal medicine in the management of Leucoderma (Venkuttam)

Dr.G.Dhineshraman(1), Dr.G.MohanaPrabha(1), Dr.M.Suguna(1), Dr.P.Aruljothi(1), Dr.S.Sundararajan(2)

1. PG scholars, Department of Noi-Naadal, Government Siddha medical College and Hospital, Palayamkottai.

2. Lecturer, Department of Noi-Naadal, Government Siddha medical College and Hospital, Palayamkottai.


ABSTRACT:

Leucoderma is a common long term dermatological issue characterized by hypo pigmented patches of the skin.Some dermatological outpatient records show the incidence of Leucoderma to be 3% to 4% in India. Leucoderma is considered as Kanmavinai according to siddha literatures.Peace of mind(ManaSaanthi) is the core therapeutic healing procedure in the diseases with kanmavinai.Other than this, Siddhasystem focusses on treating disease by nature gifted herbal preparations, Herbo-mineral combination drugs, Metallic preparations based on intensity and duration of the disease. This paper is a collection work of easily available herbal preparations in the management of leucoderma from classical siddha literatures.Herbal single drug therapies (YegaMooligaiprayogam) for the management of leucoderma are better discussed along with their common action, parts used, taste, and potency, how they alleviate Thodakutram (humoral derangement) of the illness.

KEYWORDS:

Leucoderma, Vitiligo, Venkuttam, Venpadai, , Yegamooligaiprayogam-Single herb therapy.

INTRODUCTION:

Leucoderma is a common long term dermatological issue characterized by hypo pigmented patches of the skin. Many of the skin diseases has a great influence in affecting psychological and social functions of the victim. Although there is clinically no life threat to the patients, the patients suffers psychologically a lot due to ignorance from the society. Widespread taboos, myths and lack of scientific knowledge make the disease as social embarrassment. Not only the affected persons but also the family members have to face a lot of sufferings. In case of Young male or female becomes victim of the diseases, they were considered as ostracized and even unfit for the marriage.Some dermatological outpatient records data show the incidence of Leucoderma is 3% to 4% in India although an incidence is as high as 8.8% has also been reported(1).

LEUCODERMA-SIDDHA PERSPECTIVE:

Leucoderma is considered as Kanmavinai(the unavoidable consequence of goodor evil acts done in this or in a past existence) according to siddha literatures. The treatment for Kanmavinai was proposed as “Kanmavinaimanasaanthiyaaltheerum”(ceremonial cure for diseases acquired by Karmic actions) i.e Peace in mind is the core therapeutic healing procedure in the diseases bykanmavinai. So siddha system primarily focusses in maintaining the psychological balance (mental state of the patients) by teaching them Pranayama (Breathing exercise), Asanas (Yoga postures to achieve mental strength) and other meditation procedures. Other than this, Siddha system focusses on treating disease by nature gifted herbal preparations, Herbo-mineral combination drugs, Metallic preparations according to the disease. This review paper is focus on easily available herbal preparations in the management of leucoderma from classical siddha literatures.According to siddha literatures, Kuttam has been classified as 18 types. Venkuttam classified in four types based on vatham, pitham, kabamandmegam.

Table 1. Herbs in the Management of Leucoderma :

TAMIL NAME

ENGLISH NAME

BOTANICAL NAME

FAMILY

Adhimathuram

Liquorice

Glycyrrhizaglabra

Fabaceae

Azavanam

Henna

Lawsoniainermis

Lythraceae

Kandangathiri

Indian Nightshade

Solanumsurattense

Solanaceae

Sengonrai

Red shower tree

Cassia marginata

Fabaceae

Kaattuseeragam

Purple fleabane

Vernoniaanthelmintica

Asteraceae

Serangottai

Marking nut tree

Semecarpusanacardium

Anacardiacea

Thara

Indian fumitory

Fumariaparviflora

papavaraceae

Nuna

Indian mulberry

Morindatinctoria

Rubiaceae

Kattumalli

Jasmine

Jasminumgrandiflorum

Oleaceae

Table 2. Action of the herbs used in the Treatment of Leucoderma:

HERBS

PARTS USED

ACTIONS

Adhimathuram

Root

Emollient, Demulcent, Mild expectorant, Laxative, Tonic

Azavanam

Seed

Seed- Deodarant, Astringent

Kandangathiri

Fruit

Expectorant, Diuretic, Carminative

Sengonrai

Bark

Expectorant, Anthelmintic

Kaattuseeragam

Seeds, Leaves

Anthelmintic, Stomachich, Antiperiodic, Alterative

Serangottai

Seed

Alterative, Caustic

Thara

Leaves

Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Anthelmintic, Laxative

Nuna

Leaves

Leaf- Deobstruent, Febrifuge, Emmenogogue, Stimulant

Kattumalli

Leaves

Leaf- Astringent

Methods of using herbs in the management of Leucoderma:

1. Lawsoniainermis - Seed extract of henna plant can be used externally in the affected sites.

2. Chukrasiatabularis - Bark paste can be applied externally

3. Solanumsurattense - Fruit is boiled to soft and mashed to extract juice, filtered and olive oil is added in the ratio of 1:4 and applied

4. Acalyphafruticosa - can be used more in diet

5. Cassia marginata- Bark powder 17gm-35gm to be boiled with water and decoction extracted and should be taken internally.Bark powder mixed with water to make a thick paste and can be used externally.

6. Vernoniaanthelmintica : With the seed powder, Pepper or sesame seed powder should be added in equal ratio and 4 gms should be taken internally morning once with hot water.

7. Moringatinctoria : Leaves are grinded to paste mixed with sesame oil, boiled and can be used as both internally and externally.

Table:3Concepts of Thirithodam in the management of Leucoderma by the herbs

HERBS

SUVAI

THANMAI

PIRIVU

SAMAPADUTHUM KUTRAM (ALLEVIATING THODAM)

Adhimathuram

Sweet

Seetham (coolant)

Sweet

Vatham

Azavanam

Astringent

Veppam

(Heat)

Pungent

Kabam

Kandangathiri

Pungent

Veppam

(Heat)

Pungent

Kabam

Sengonrai

Bitter

Veppam

(Heat)

Pungent

Kabam

Kaattuseeragam

Bitter

Veppam

(Heat)

Pungent

Kabam

Serangottai

Bitter

Veppam

(Heat)

Pungent

Kabam

Thara

Bitter

Astringent

Veppam

(Heat)

Pungent

Kabam

Nuna

Pungent

Veppam

(Heat)

Pungent

Kabam

Kattumalli

Bitter

Veppam

(Heat)

Pungent

Kabam

Most of the herbs used in the treatment of Leucoderma has the

· Taste- Bitter, Pungent, Sweet

These herbs were mostly used in alleviating the humours Kabam and vatham (as per the potency of the herbs).

Table:4 Other Internal Medicines Uses In The Treatment of Leucoderma :

MEDICINE

REFERENCE

DOSAGE

ADJUVANT

Thaamirachendhuram processed in Thuvaraiverkuzhithailam

Siddhamaruthuvamsirappu

½-1 arisiedai

(32.5 to 65mg)

Ghee

Thangaparpaurundai

Siddhamaruthuvamsirappu

1 (Goose berry sized)

__

GanthagaRasayanam

Siddhavaithiyathirattu

10-15 kunri (130mg)

__

Serangottaiilagam

Siddhamaruthuvamsirappu

½ varagan

(2.1mg)

__

Nandhimai

Siddhavaithiyathirattu

Thetranvithaialavu

Paakku alavu panai vellam (palm jaggery)

Navapasanasudarthailam

Siddha formulary of India, part-1

5-10 drops

__

Navapasanachendhuram

Gnanavettiyan 1500

__

__

ParangipattaiChooranam

Siddhavaithiyathirattu

__

Curd

Lawsoniainermis

Jasminumgrandiflorum

Morindatinctoria

Solanumsurattense

Herbs used in the treatment of Leucoderma

Fumariaparviflora

Semecarpusanacardium

Vernoniaanthelmintica

Cassia marginata

Glycyrrhizaglabra


DISCUSSION:

Thousands of years plants and herbs have been used to treat and prevent illnesses around the world. The herbs are better chosen to treat illnesses because they are more reliable, environment friendly, easily, locally available. In this review paper, herbal single drug therapies for the management of leucoderma in siddha system of medicine are better discussed along with their common action, parts used, taste, potency and how they alleviate Thodakutram of the disease. The practice of using herbal medicines is nowadays increasing due to its easy availability with less contra-indications.

CONCLUSION:

Herbal medicine aims to return the body to a state of natural balance so that it can heal itself. In this article, the informations regarding single drug herbal therapy for leucodermain siddha system of medicine are collected in one bunch. This review paper will be better used during therapeutic approach forleucoderma. Further research articles will be needed to prove the efficacy of these herbs towards leucoderma.

Ackowledement:

Our sincere thanks to Head of the department, Faculties of Noi-Naadal department for their immense support and encouragement. We extend our thanks to Dr.K.HinaFirdouse,Dr.S.Kavitha,Dr.N.Bharathi, of Government Siddha Medical College and Hospital, Palayamkottai.

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