Abstract

HERBS USED FOR MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES IN SIDDHA SYSTEM OF MEDICINE –A REVIEW

Devaki R.* and Santhosh Kumar R.

Abstract

Globally, medicinal plants are recorded as around 6000 species and they are issued in medical and ethno-botanical literature in India; more than 600 species are commonly used in Siddha. As per the WHO, diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as a heterogeneous metabolic disorder characterized by common features of chronic hyperglycemia with disturbance of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, Hybrid forms of diabetes -slowly evolving immune-mediated diabetes of adult’s ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes, Unclassified diabetes, and Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a clinically heterogeneous category of disorders characterized by non-ketotic diabetes mellitus, an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. These incorporate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and non-ketotic hyperosmolar state (NKHS). While the first is seen essentially in individuals with type 1 DM, the latter is prevalent in people with type 2 DM. Both disorders are associated with absolute or relative insulin deficiency, volume depletion, and change in the mental state. The other names of diabetes mellitus in Siddha are Madumegam, Inippu neer. The diseases' symptoms are an urge to micturition often and the presence of flies and ants in place of urination. According to Classical Siddha, literature is the decoction prepared from herbs called “Avaarai kudineer” from Cassia auriculata from “Theran Kudineer 100", polyherbal formulation. Most medicines are prepared based on polyherbal formulations and other preparations, lifestyle modifications, and diet that strengthen the seven physical constituents are indicated for these diseases. Siddha medicine plays a vital role in maintaining health through its unique herbs, herbal preparations, and other medicines possessing anti-diabetic properties.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Siddha, Madumegam, Medicines, anti-diabetic herbs.