Abstract

A SIDDHA HERBAL DRUG SILVISHA USIDHAM AND PUZHUVETTU THYLAM FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF PUZHUVETTU (ALOPECIA AREATA): A DRUG REVIEW

R. D. Indumathi*, M. Meenakshi Sundharam and V. Banumathi

Abstract

Siddha system of medicine is the most popular traditional system of medicine followed by the people. With strong basic principles and cultural background, Siddha system of medicine is providing health care solutions to a number of health issues of the modern era. Alopecia areata is a common skin condition characterized by localized hair loss usually over the scalp region. But the condition is frequently seen in children. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. Prevalence is approximately 0.2% of the population and lifetime risk is believed to be between 1% and 2%. There is a history of familial occurrence in 10% - 20% of the affected individuals. Incidence of the disease is 17.2/100,000 population affecting 1:1000 individuals at a given time. Both sex are equally affected although some study report a male-to-female ratio 2:1. Many formulations are indicated for Puzhuvettu (Alopecia areata) in Siddha literature, among them Silvisha Usidham and Puzhuvettu Thylam are the herbal drug indicated for Puzhuvettu. The ingredients of drug possess Immunomodulator activity. Hence this article gives an insight on the efficacy of the drug for Puzhuvettu (Alopecia areata) based on review of various literatures and scientific studies.

Keywords: Alopecia areata, Hair loss, Immunomodulator, Puzhuvettu.