Abstract

EVALUATION OF HEAVY METAL SAFETY AND MICROBIAL STERILITY OF SIDDHA FORMULATION VENPADAILEPAM

V. Sandhiya*, K. Shyamala, T. Maharasi Maniselvi, J. Sriram

Abstract

Traditional Siddha formulations are widely utilized in the management of dermatological conditions; however, their safety profile requires systematic scientific validation to ensure quality and acceptability. Venpadai Lepam is a classical Siddha formulation indicated for skin disorders such as Venpadai (vitiligo), as documented in standard Siddha texts. The present study aimed to evaluate the safety of Venpadai Lepam through heavy metal analysis and microbial sterility assessment using standard analytical techniques. Heavy metal estimation for lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) was performed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) following acid digestion procedures. Microbial sterility was assessed by the pour plate method under appropriate incubation conditions for both bacterial and fungal growth. The study provides a scientific approach for assessing toxicological and microbiological safety parameters and contributes to the establishment of quality control standards for the formulation. These findings are intended to support its safe therapeutic application and serve as a basis for further pharmacological and clinical investigations in dermatological conditions.

Keywords: Venpadai Lepam, Siddha medicine, heavy metal analysis, Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, sterility test, safety evaluation, traditional medicine.