Abstract

ANTICHOLINERGIC HERBS FEATURED IN SIDDHA SYSTEM OF MEDICINE - A REVIEW

Devaki R.*, Santhosh Kumar R.

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Abstract

Globally Tamil language is one of the longest surviving classical languages. The Antiquated system of medicine i.e. Siddha system of Medicine is widespread in Tamil Nadu; South India is based on Tamil. Nowadays a better perception of causes of asthma is coming from the international differentiation of asthma prevalence. Airway hyperresponsiveness is a crucial feature of asthma; this is an exaggerated bronchoconstriction response, usually to different stimuli. There are a variety of mechanisms leading to airway hyperresponsiveness. Numerous plants and mushrooms exhibit anticholinergic properties. Anticholinergic properties are found Solanaceae family saw particularly in Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade), Datura stramonium, and other datura species and Hyoscyamus niger, Pimpinella anisum, Lycium barbarum, and Mandragora officinarum. One such plant is Datura stramonium (Solanaceae), used frequently as an anti-asthmatic treatment. Siddha system of medicine is used to treat dog bites, deep ulcers, tumors, and antidote. The powder of dried leaf about 32mg or 100mg is given for asthma else inhaling the smoke of the dried leaves relieves the congestion and expectoration of phlegm. The flower of the plant is smoked by asthmatics. Belladonna is a powerful drug and a valuable antidote to poisoning by opium, muscarine, etc. A powder made of half drachm of henbane seeds and 1 drachm of poppy seeds is given with honey and water for coughs, asthma, gout, and hiccup. These herbs possess anticholinergic constituents that are used in the treatment of asthma. Thus all of the herbs possess effective anticholinergic effects, especially in asthma and COPD patients.

Keywords: Siddha, Bronchial Asthma, iraipu, Anticholinergic herbs, Solanaceae, Umbelliferae, Atropine, Hyoscyamine.