Abstract

SCIENTIFIC VALIDATION OF SIDDHA HERBOMINERAL FORMULATION LINGA MATHIRAI

Jaganathan M.*

Abstract

The Siddha system of medicine is a holistic system that gives importance to physical, mental as well as the spiritual wellbeing of mankind. It was originated by the Siddhars who were the ancient spiritual saints of South India particularly Tamilnadu. This traditional system of medicine has numerous medicinal formulations comprising of substances from herbal, mineral/metal and animal origins that are purified and processed by traditional methods to have therapeutic effects. Linga Mathirai is one such Herbomineral formulation which consist of Poondu (Allium sativum), Venkaram (Borax) and Lingam (Red sulphide of mercury / Cinnabar). Present review focuses on the composition, traditional uses of the herbomineral formulation Linga Mathirai along with the scientific analysis of its pharmacological action. The current review provides a background for the various pharmacological actions of the ingredients of Linga Mathirai on Siddha mineral preparations thereby confirming the traditional claims of the medicinal value of Linga Mathirai.

Keywords: Herbomineral formulations, Antidiarrhoeal, Antipyretic, Antiinflammatory, Siddha, Traditional medicine.