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The pandemic triggered by coronavirus disease (COVID-19) invariably questions the health security of people around the globe. It’s also strongly advocates the need for unique health care practice that substantially prevents the infection and practice of controlling the disease transmission. Alternate therapy with viable medications that can adequately strengthen the immune system to enhance the speedy recovery of the patients becomes the need of the hour. Siddha system of medicine is one such versatile practice that emerged before centuries that incorporates the practice of availing potential remedies from herbal and another natural origin. Still, now there is no proper documentary evidence on evaluating the efficacy of Siddha treatment in the clinical management of COVID-19, hence the main objective of the present pilot study is to investigate the potential of Siddha formulations such as Aadathodai kudineer, Thaalisaathi chooranam, Thulasi chooranam, Pavala parpam, Bramaanandha Bairava Maathirai and Thoothuvalai nei in treatment and accelerating the recovery of COVID19 patients. A Study was executed in 25 patients with laboratory- confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The Outcome of the present clinical study signifies that treatment with Siddha medicines significantly accelerated recovery of patients by stabilising the immune mechanism which was evidenced by pronouncing declination in CRP (C- reactive protein), neutrophil, lymphocytes, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Creatinine, Serum Albumin and Serum Urea level almost back to the normal. In conclusion therapy with Siddha medicines opened a new gateway in the clinical practice on managing COVID-19 due presence of vital phytotherapeutics that showcase multiple pharmacological activities against risky pathogens like SARS-CoV-2.

Classical Siddha medicine recommends the usage of functionally parallel substitute raw drugs in the scarcity of the original material. The concept of standard raw drug substitution is designated by the Tamil term Matru sarakku, which emphasizes selecting alternatives either in herbal or non-herbal sources based on certain attributes. Functionally similar materials are suggested for balancing the deficit based on such parameters. Literature sources from Siddha medicine and other allied subjects were explored and documented for the inclusive understanding of the concept of ideal substitution. Few of the standard substitutes mentioned in the classical Siddha literature were evaluated in a scientific account for its justification. An outlook on different specimens as described in the ancient texts of Tamil medicine indicates the usage of substitutes from numerous plants, animals, and other metallo-mineral ingredients. The rationale of selecting alternatives primarily depends on the equivalent following traditional attributes like organoleptic entities, potency, division, general properties, specific actions, and medicinal uses of the material shared between the raw drugs. This must undergo a systematic evaluation by pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies to justify current practices of substitution. A systematic document in these lines will give a proper guideline for the effective employment of substitute drugs in the current scenario of dwindling official botanical sources for many Traditional Siddha formulations.

Background: In December of 2019, mysterious pneumonia was reported. A novel coronavirus (nCoV) was identified as the causative agent for this pneumonia; it is now known as coronavirus 2. This pandemic has caused widespread alarm around the world. Now, countries around the world are preparing for the third and fourth waves of COVID-19. Objective: This research aims to conduct In Silico computational studies of phytoconstituents in leaf extracts of the Siddha medicinal herb Aegle marmelos (Vilvam), which are commonly used in the treatment of viral fever and respiratory infectious diseases and may be effective against the current pandemic novel coronavirus disease. Methodology: In Silico molecular docking analysis was performed for all the active compounds present in the herb Aegle marmelos (Vilvam) with potential targets SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (PDB ID: 7JQ5). The ligand structures were prepared and optimized by AutoDockTools. The active sites docking study was performed using Autodock Vina for all the compounds. The inhibitor compound MPI8 bound inSARS-CoV-2 main protease Protein-Ligand complex (PDB ID: 7JQ5) is considered as the reference inhibitor molecule of this study. Results: Molecular docking of the 14 bioactive phytochemicals compounds from Aegle marmelos leaves carried out towards the active site of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease protein (PDB ID: 7JQ5). The interactions of these compounds were comparatively analyzed with the reference inhibitor MPI8 bound inSARS-CoV-2 Main Protease protein-ligand complex (PDB ID: 7JQ5). These phytochemicals exhibited effective molecular interactions with the active residues enumerating their differential inhibition potency. Conclusion: Further research and clinical trials are needed whether this herb can be implemented to effectively treat and manage COVID-19.

Background: Siddha Medicine is an important therapeutic option used for treating various respiratory viral infections and has antiviral herbs. Aim: The study aims to perform the In Silico computational studies of Phytoconstituents of Siddha formulation Visha Sura Kudineer and Adathodai Kudineer which are commonly used in the treatment of viral fever and respiratory tract infections and could be effective against the novel coronavirus disease. Methods: Autodock program was used for the molecular docking studies against RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) (PDB ID: 6NUR). Results: A total of 9 compounds were screened, of these 4 compounds namely, Andrographolide of Visha Sura Kudineer and Anisotine, Apioside, and 1-(p-Methoxybenzoyl) aziridine of Adathodai Kudineer showed high binding affinity against RdRp. Conclusion: Based on further experiments and clinical trials, formulations Visha Sura Kudineer and Adathodai Kudineer could be effective in the treatment of COVID-19.

Background: Covid-19 is a global pandemic since 2019. SARS-CoV2 is a new virus that originated from China and is currently spread across 160 countries. Siddha medicine is one of the traditional Indian medicines, part of Ayush that tend to treat several acute and chronic diseases. Aim: The objective of this study is to observe the safety and efficacy of Siddha regimen with lab parameters like LFT, RFT, RT-PCR, LDH, FERRITIN levels, and prevention of disease complications in covid-19 positive patients on the 7th day of treatment. Experimental Procedure: A non-randomized open-label observational retrospective study was designed. Twenty patients of either sex, of age between 18 and 60 years, were selected with proper consent. The covid patients who were confirmed by positive RT-PCR test results with or without clinical features of covid-19 were selected. They were treated with Siddha Regimen for seven days. Results: Sixteen out of 20 cases turned RT-PCR negative on their 7th day of treatment. And the Ct value of RT-PCR was statistically significant. LDH and Ferritin levels were reduced after the treatment even though the before treatment values are in the normal range. The LDH level was statistically significant on the 7th day of treatment. No Remarkable changes in the safety laboratory parameters like SGOT, SGPT, Blood urea, Serum Creatinine. Conclusion: Significant changes in efficacy laboratory parameters and no changes in safety laboratory parameters have been reported in the Siddha fixed regimen for covid-positive patients. All the 20 study participants were recovered without emergency and hospitalization.

In a very short time, the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has become a global pandemic. It has infected about 29,155,581 patients and brought forth death rate about 926,544 among 216 countries as recorded by World Health Organization on 15th September 2020. At present, there is no specific and direct treatment or vaccine for this infectious disease. No therapeutic options available to cure the infection in till date which increases the mortality rate across the countries. Currently there is no antiviral treatments have been approved, several approaches have been proposed in western medicine, Chinese medicine, CAM, AYUSH and other systems. Siddha Herbal medicines are achieving high attention because of the extensive therapeutics like potent anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India recommended 12 Siddha herbals (Inji – Zingiber officinale, Thulasi – Ocimum sanctum, Milaku – Piper nigrum, Karunjeeragam – Nigella sativa, Keezhanelli – Phyllanthus niruri, Adhimathuram – Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vellaippoondu – Allium sativum, Citramutti – Sida cardifolia, Seenthil – Tinospora cordifolia, Manjal – Curcuma longa, Elumitchai – Citrus lemon and Vembu – Azadirachta indica) for the prevention by enhancing immunity as well as for the management of this infectious disease in its recent official publication ‘Guidelines for Siddha Practitioners for COVID 19’. This is the common advisory and the anti-viral activity of these herbals against COVID 19 is not established yet. The current situation demands proper herbal drug utilization to prepare the population immunity to fight against the infection. The present review spotlight on the literature review and the review of pharmacological actions of these herbals.

Kaba Suram (phlegmatic fever) is one among the 64 types of Suram (Pyrexia/fever), its synonyms, causes, pathology and characteristics have been mentioned crystal clear in Siddha literature. Its clinical features have been mentioned in few literatures such as Theran karisal, Suravagadam, Yugi chinthamani etc., which are almost similar to each other. The present day pandemic disease COVID-19 which still lacks specific drug towards its management or prophylaxis has become the spectrum of research focus in current scenario. Upon keen understanding of the Siddha literature the signs and symptoms of Kaba Suram fall in line with COVID-19 and a few other flu like illnesses. Therefore, the herbal decoction Kaba Sura Kudineer (KSK) indicated for the management of Kaba Suram has been recommended by the Siddha research community towards an integrated approach in tackling this worldwide emergency. The current scientific community demands evidence based explanation to understand the concept of Siddha system of medicine and necessitates International standards to reassure the efficacy of Siddha medicine. In this aspect, this review is aimed at evaluating all the available informations on Kaba Suram in Siddha literature and pathophysiology of COVID-19 and to interpret the search results in terms of pathophysiology of Kaba Suram based on Mukkutram theory. This effort would therefore enable the Siddha research community to opt for effective Siddha medicines to manage the present pandemic situation.

Thaalisapaththiri chooranam (T.C) is a poly herbal formulation and used to treat a wide variety of respiratory tract conditions such as kaasam, shayam, eilai and pitha diseases in Siddha Medicine. It has different ingredients which are having a wide range of therapeutic uses. Although the method of preparation of the T.C is mentioned in the eight text books, same variety of ingredients (eighteen) is mentioned in only two books. Therefore, the preliminary step was to develop the documentary evidences for the medicinal ingredients those are using to prepare the T.C. Data for the review on 18 ingredients from 13 families were collected from relevant text books and research sources from October to December 2019. The characteristics of the ingredients that were identified for the review were morphology; native; parts used; siddha properties such as taste, potency and efficacy; pharmacological actions and phytochemicals. Among these ingredients, all were identified as herbal materials and 2(11.1%) of the species were found in Umbelliferae, Myristicaceae, Piperaceae, Combretaceae and Compositae families. Based on the morphology 8(44.44%) and 6(33.33%) plants were trees and herbs respectively; 8 species (44%) were used as dry fruits. Among these ingredients, 11(39.2%) were pungent in taste, 15(83.3%) hot potency and 12(66%) pungent efficacy. Based on pharmacological actions such as carminative [12(27%)] and stimulant [11(23%)]; phytochemicals such as volatile oil 8(23%) were found in these ingredients. Although this review provides useful documentary evidences for T.C in health management further extensive scientific studies should be carried out to justify in future.

“KALLADAIPPU” (Urolithiasis) “KALPIRAMIYAM”(Urolithiasis) are the synonyms in Siddha and the term equated to renal calculi in allopathic system of medicines. An increasing affluence and adaptation of Western diet habits in many developing countries seem likely to contribute to the changes for the development of renal calculi. Siddha medicine describes certain formulations as Lithotriptic and diuretic which is used in the treatment of renal calculi successfully. This case reported again is an example that proves the efficacy of Siddha medicines for expulsion of renal stones. The synergistic action enhanced resulting in disintegration and elimination of urinary stones from urinary tract.

Gunmam (Ulcer) is one of the major diseases found in all the socio economic class and perhaps one of the most distressing diseases. The cause of ulceration in patient is mainly due to hyper secretion of Hcl, pepsin, infection of H. Pylori and also caused by stress and anxiety. In Siddha system of medicine, a number of preparations have been used for the treatment of Gunmam. The Maankombu parpam (Sirungi Bhasma-(SB)) has been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. In view of this, in present study we have to evaluate the anti-ulcer activity of SB. Study was carried out, by using pyloric ligation method in Wister albino rats . SB has significantly decreased free-acidity, total-acidity, ulcer index and gastric volume and significantly increased the pH in pylorus ligated model. Cytoprotective action may be the major mechanism responsible for the present study which cause the generation of prostaglandins promoting inhibition of ulcer. This study shows that SB has the potential to be used as an anti-ulcer drug.