G.Arunachalam et al /J. Pharm. Sci. & Res. Vol.1(1), 2009, 1-15 . Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

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Ethno Medicines of Kolli Hills at District in Tamilnadu and its significance in Indian Systems of Medicine 1* 2 3 4 G.Arunachalam , M.Karunanithi N.Subramanian , V.Ravichandran and S.Selvamuthukumar5 1PGP College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research Institute, NH -7, Namakkal - Karur Main Road, Namakkal – 637297, Tamilnadu, . 2Department of CARISM, SASTRA University, Thanjavur - 613402, Tamilnadu, India. 3Bharathidasan Institute of Technology, Anna University Tiruchrappalli, Tiruchirappalli - 620 024, Tamilnadu, India 4Vels College of Pharmacy, Chennai- 600 035, Tamilnadu, India 5Department of Pharmacy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar- 608002, Tamilnadu, India.

Introduction for a quiet holiday. The history of Kolli Tucked away between the Pachamalai and Hills is closely linked with ancient Tamil Kalrayan Hill ranges of the literature. It is believed that in the in South India, Kolli Hills (or Kollimalai, Ramayana, these hills are called in Tamil) is indeed a remarkable spot in madhuvanam (forest of honey), the abode . Unlike man-made Ooty and of the monkey king Sugreva. In the ancient Kodai, Kolli Hills is traditional hill Tamil epics Silapadikaram and country, the land of friendly tribes, and a Manimekalai, there is an interesting part of the erstwhile kingdom of Valvil reference to Kollipavai, the deity in the Ori, a Tamil king who was renowned for sacred grove, who is also considered the his generosity and valour. Formed in the guardian of the forests here. According to shape of an open square, these hills were this legend, the sages were looking for a also known as Chathuragiri, literally peaceful place to do their penance, and meaning square-shaped hills. Located at an they chose Kollimalai as their abode. ever-so-pleasant altitude ranging from When they began their rituals, the demons 1000 to 1300 metres above mean sea level, invaded the hills to destroy their penance. Kolli hills enjoys a salubrious climate The sages prayed to Kollipavai, who throughout the year. This fertile pocket in according to the myth chased away the is where exotic tropical demons with her enchanting smile. The fruits and medicinal plants grow in plenty. Kollipavai is still worshipped by the The land is still relatively untouched by people here and her smile is revered. The time, with 16 quaint little tribal villages Kollipavai temple is located in one of the that once constituted the hill kingdom of 15 sacred groves here and can be Ori. Much of the charm of this hill country approached only on foot. According to the still remains. For if you can’t stand the references in Tamil Sangam literature, milling crowds of Ooty and Kodai, this Kolli Hills was once ruled by the surely is one place where you can head to benevolent and most valiant King Ori, who lived sometime during 200 A.D. The * Corresponding author. Tel.+91 9443975520 region, consisting of 18 nadus (villages) E-mail address: [email protected] including the present and Senthamangalam, were under his rule. His

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G.Arunachalam et a /J. Pharm. Sci. & Res. Vol.1(1), 2009, 1-15 . reign was perhaps the most prosperous, as the night, for the actual business begins at far as these hills were concerned, as paddy, 5.00 in the morning and is over by millets and spices grew abundantly and the 10.00am. Plantains, , Pineapple, king himself was a patron of arts and the Orange, Pepper, Coffee and Honey are most generous among all rulers. The Tamil what Kolli Hills is famous for, though you literary works also talk about his may get a better deal from the vendors extraordinary valour and archery skills. It than the tribals themselves. The resident is believed that he once killed an elephant, Malayalis (literally meaning people of the tiger, deer, wild boar and monitor lizard hills) are a friendly, sturdy and hard- with a single arrow. working people, who generally keep to themselves. They constitute about 95% of There are many such legends and the total population of these sparsely interesting myths associated with these populated hills. Researchers feel that these hills, which make it all the more were not the people who lived here during interesting and worth visiting. The drive King Oris time. The early natives were up the 70-hairpin bend ghat road is truly primarily hunters-gatherers, while the an enjoyable experience. Contrary to ones present tribes could have migrated from expectations, the ghat road here is quite the plains, bringing farming and wide and well-laid, thanks to the tribal agriculture with them. About 4 miles from welfare funds allotted by the government. Solakkadu, an undulating track leads to the The road winds through 13 miles of Christian settlements at Valavandhinadu beautiful scenery and thick forests, where established here by Mr.J.W.Brand, a you could pause just to take in the fresh Christian missionary who lived on the hills mountain air, or just stop and stare at the between 1913 and 1929. His work was monkeys, mongooses or squirrels that carried on by his wife for many more frolic on the hillsides. But hairpin bends years, in spite of the poor response from are frequent and plenty, so it would be the tribals. But these missionaries were wise to be cautious while driving. The solely responsible for spreading literacy in drive up the hill will take you to this area, by establishing many elementary Solakkadu, the main town here, which is schools. also one of the highest points in the hills. But for the few shops, bus stand, a The next biggest village in the vicinity is Highways Department Guest House, a Semmedu, which boast of a primary health higher secondary school and the weekly center, telephone exchange, a few shops, shandy, Solakkadu is just an overgrown hotels and the Valvil Ori statue. village. The viewpoint inside the Comfortable accommodation and Highways Bungalow compound is worth restaurants are available near Semmedu, at visiting, as one can have a spectacular the Nallathambi Resorts and P.A. Lodge. view of the surrounding hills and plains Semmedu also has a statue-memorial to from here. The bi-weekly shandy (dawn the King Valvil Ori, and is the venue of market) on Wednesdays and Saturdays the Valvil Ori Tourism Festival in attracts fruit vendors and wholesale dealers August. The festival is primarily a cultural from the plains. The shandy begins on the event, which had its origin in the previous evening as tribals trickle in with traditional Adi festival when people from their produce. Many walk all the way from all the 16 villages in Oris kingdom came their villages, and camp at Solakkadu for together and danced, sang and feasted in

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G.Arunachalam et a /J. Pharm. Sci. & Res. Vol.1(1), 2009, 1-15 . praise of their deities and king. They Sholas, similar to the ones found on the brought with them, the flowers and fruits Western Ghats. These are the last resorts unique to each region and got together as a of the , panther, porcupine, deer, community. In recent times, this festival is fox, hare and a variety of wildlife that once organized by the Tamil Nadu Tourism roamed the entire hills. Department to showcase the cultural heritage of this region. The schools and Another village on the way is government organisations in the area take Vaasaloorpatti, where the Government part in the cultural events, and the fruit Fruit Farm is located. It is a beautiful place show is a main attraction. A Summer where paddy (the traditional quick- Festival is also held here in May, which is yielding dwarf variety indigenous to this primarily conducted as a source of region) is cultivated in the valley and a recreation for the local community. variety of hybrid and native fruits such as jackfruit, oranges, coffee, pepper and The best way to enjoy these hills is at a spices are grown on the slopes here. At leisurely pace, as there is ample Vasaloorpatti, the Salesian Sisters of Mary opportunity for trekking and generally run a free dispensary and maternity relaxing. It would be ideal to stay at one of hospital for the tribal women. Hill Dale the good resorts at Semmedu and explore Matriculation School, the only residential the hills. Summer would be the right time private school in Kolli Hills is also located to visit. August is the season for fruits here. Not to be missed on the way to here, and the time for the Valvil Ori Vasaloorpatti from Semmedu is the Festival. But it would be very windy in Tampcol Medicinal Farm at Vaalavandi August, which could be discouraging for Nadu, run by the Tamil Nadu government. any outdoor activity. One of the highest The farm is surely worth visiting, as Kolli points in the hills is Selur Nadu, which is Hills is perhaps better known for its believed to be the place where King Pari, medicinal plants than anything else. A another generous Tamil King, gave away wide variety of medicinal plants and herbs his chariot as support to the helpless used in Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani jasmine creeper. An ancient culvert can medicine are nurtured, cultivated, gathered also be seen here. The long and winding and sent from here. Even the most road from Semmedu to Selur Nadu is common medicinal plants, acquire a dotted with beautiful scenery. Banana and special value when grown here, as the coffee plantations with their red and green medicinal plants from Kolli Hills are coffee berries glistening in the sun, tall generally considered to be more potent and silver oak trees with glossy pepper leaves effective. For example, the Chitharathai wrapped around, guava and orange trees (galanga t he less er), an effective remedy laden with fruit and a host of other tropical for cold, grown here is sold at Rs.400 per plants typical of this region, are a feast to kg. Athimaduram (Jamaica liquo rice), the eye. There are many spectacular points Karpooravalli (Coleus ar omaticus), on the way where you could pause to have Thoothuvalai (Trilobatum), Tulasi a bird’s eye view of the hills and the quaint (Ocimum sanctum) , Kizhanelli little tribal villages nestling in the bowl- (Phyllanthus a marus) and a host of other like valleys. Some of these villages still do herbs, besides a variety of spices are also not have electricity. Faraway, in the cultivated here. uninhabited hills, are thickly wooded

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Since ancient times, Kolli Hills has always strenuous, and it is therefore wise to visit been famous for its medicinal plants. It is the falls only if one is capable of climbing believed that the Sithars (ancient medicine back. Kolli Hills is thus a naturalists haven men) lived, researched and meditated here - a treasure trove of medicinal plants, and in the caves inside the sacred groves. the native home of traditional hill country Many such sacred groves are believed to and people. But like eco-systems be found in the forests here (near the elsewhere, these hills too have been Agasagangai falls) even today, and the invaded by modern farming practices and adventurous go on trekking expeditions, to invasive methods. Tapioca, cassava and the caves where the Sithars lived. Stories hybrid varieties of rice, which were abound of people chancing upon the stone introduced in this region recently, have mortars used by the Sithars to prepare their overtaken the traditional paddy varieties, medicines and concoctions. The moss minor millets, pulses and fruit farms in covering the inner walls of the Sithar caves terms of profitability. The M S is believed to have unique healing Swaminathan Research Foundation has properties. The sacred groves are guarded taken efforts to arrest this genetic erosion by the local temple deities, and the felling and rescue the traditional crop varieties. of trees is prohibited here. There is also a The local practice of burning the land after popular belief among the locals here that a each yield has proven to be detrimental to person could lose his mind while entering the soil. The wiping out of traditional certain areas of the dense forest where the farmlands and orchards, has contributed to Sithars lived. No one knows where exactly the near extinction of the mountain bees these areas are, but these pockets, known that produced the superior quality honey as Mathikettan Solai are believed to that Kolli Hills was once so famous for. completely wipe out a persons memory, for a period of time. A common There has been an alarming rate of decline explanation to this phenomenon is that it in the wildlife found here. Kolli Hills was could be due to the effect of the once known for its Sloth Bear, which used concentration of so many highly potent to reside in the Sholas and visit the fruit medicinal plants in one place. farms occasionally, lured by the smell of ripe jackfruit. These bears were considered Perhaps the biggest attraction in Kolli as pests by the local community, and were Hills from a tourists point of view is the killed. Ever since King Oris time, hunting spectacular Agasagangai waterfalls and the had always been a major preoccupation in nearby Arapaleeswarar temple at Valapoor this region. And even now, the malayali Nadu. This ancient Siva temple has tribes place a premium on hunted meat, inscriptions dating back to the Chola which forms a major part of their diet. This period. One has to climb down the 700 and explains the almost complete odd steps leading to the waterfalls from disappearance of the wild boar, porcupine, here. The waterfall presents a truly deer and hare that were once found spectacular sight, as the water cascades abundantly in this region. As far as down 200 feet, covering all around with a modern day communication is concerned, fine spray. It would be just enough to stand Kolli Hills is still rather remote. Though nearby and get drenched. Only the truly the hotels at Semmedu and the government daring try to bathe on the slippery rocks offices have telephones, reliable here. The climb up the steps can be pretty communication is still non-existent here.

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You will have to book your copy of the Ethno medicines days vernacular newspaper, while the Plants have been used in traditional English dailies are rarely sold here. Out of medicine for several thousand years the floating population that visits the hills, [1].The knowledge of medicinal plants has a majority are wholesale traders and been accumulated in the course of many planters who have plantations here. While centuries based on different medicinal most of the people on business make systems such as Ayurveda, Unani and fleeting one-day visits, people from the Siddha. In India, it is reported that surrounding plains do come here on traditional healers use 2500 plant species extended holidays. And like elsewhere, the and 100 species of plants serve as regular gradual rise in the influx of tourists and sources of medicine [2]. During the last vehicular traffic has begun to show on the few decades there has been an increasing pristine environment. A visit to the stream interest in the study of medicinal plants near the Arapaleeswarar temple could be and their traditional use in different parts an eye-opener of sorts. The rocks near the of the world [3, 4, 5, 6 and7]. stream are littered with all kinds of Documenting the indigenous knowledge garbage, and it is difficult to find a clean through ethnobotanical studies is rock to step on, leave alone the suffocating important for the conservation and stench. Public consciousness and social utilization of biological resources. Today awareness seem to be the need of the hour according to the World Health to preserve these valuable hills. But in Organization (WHO), as many as 80% of spite of all these modern ills, Kolli Hills is the world's people depend on traditional still one exclusive place where time has medicine for their primary healthcare stood still. Where the pace of life is still in needs. There are considerable economic tune with nature, in its most pure and benefits in the development of indigenous pristine form. A quiet little haven in the medicines and in the use of medicinal hills where you could retreat, rejuvenate plants for the treatment of various diseases and re-charge yourself. Kolli Hills can be [8]. Due to less communication means, reached by road from Chennai, Salem, poverty, ignorance and unavailability of Namakkal or Tiruchirapalli. National modern health facilities, most people Highway 45 from Chennai is the road to especially rural people are still forced to take till Ulundurpettai, from where you practice traditional medicines for their will have to branch off on the road leading common day ailments. Most of these to Salem. A further southward diversion at people form the poorest link in the trade of the main town of Attur, will lead to medicinal plants [9]. A vast knowledge of Malliakarai, Namagiripettai and how to use the plants against different Belukkuruchi, at the foot of the Kolli Hills. illnesses may be expected to have If approaching from Salem, you can take accumulated in areas where the use of the Rasipuram-Namakkal road via plants is still of great importance [10]. Kalappanayakanpatti, and reach In the developed countries, 25 per cent of Nadukombai from where the ghat road the medical drugs are based on plants and begins. The nearest railway station is their derivatives [11]. A group of World Salem, 100kms from Kolli Hills. The Health Organization (WHO) experts, who nearest Airport is at Tiruchirapalli, 90kms met in Congo Brazzaville in 1976, sought from here. to define traditional African medicine as 'the sum total of practices, measures,

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G.Arunachalam et a /J. Pharm. Sci. & Res. Vol.1(1), 2009, 1-15 . ingredients and procedures of all kinds cultural, spiritual and medicinal arena of whether material or not, which from time rural and tribal lives of Tamil Nadu. immemorial has enabled the African to Millions of rural households use medicinal guard against diseases, to alleviate his/her plants in a self-help mode. Over 20,000 suffering and to cure him/herself' [12]. practitioners of the Indian System of Traditional medical knowledge of Medicine in the oral and codified streams medicinal plants and their use by use medicinal plants in preventive, indigenous cultures are not only useful for promotive and curative applications in conservation of cultural traditions and Tamil Nadu. There are estimated to be biodiversity but also for community about 1000 manufacturing units in Tamil healthcare and drug development in the Nadu. In recent years, the growing demand present and future [2]. for herbal product has led to a quantum Ethno botany is not new to India because jump in volume of plant materials traded of its rich ethnic diversity. Jain printed out within and across the countries. An that there are over 400 different tribal and estimate of the EXIM Bank puts the other ethnic groups in India. The tribals international market of medicinal plants constitute about 7.5 percent of India's related trade at US$ 60 billion per year population. During the last few decades growing at the rate of 7% only. Though there has been an increasing interest in the India has a rich biodiversity, the growing study of medicinal plants and their demand is putting a heavy strain on the traditional use in different parts of India existing resources. While the demand for and there are many reports on the use of medicinal plants is growing, some plants in traditional healing by either tribal of them are increasingly being threatened people or indigenous communities of India in their natural habitat. For meeting the [13, 14, 15, 16,17,18,19 and 20]. Apart future needs cultivation of medicinal plant from the tribal groups, many other forest has to be encouraged. According to an all dwellers and rural people also posses' India ethno biological survey carried out unique knowledge about plants [21]. by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, There has been a resurgence in the Government of India, there are over 8000 consumption and demand for medicinal species of plants being used by the people plants. These plants are finding use as of India. Analysis of habits of medicinal pharmaceuticals, neutraceuticals, plants indicates that they are distributed cosmetics and food supplements. Even as across various habitats. One third is trees traditional source of medicines and they and an equal portion shrub and the continue to play pivotal rule. Modern remaining one-third herbs, grasses and pharmacopoeia contains at least 25% drugs climbers. A very small proportion of the derived from plants. Many other are medicinal plants are lower plants like synthetic analogues built on prototype lichens, ferns algae, etc. Majority of the compounds isolated from plants. Demand medicinal plant are higher flowering for medicinal plant is increasing in both plants. The State of Tamil Nadu is developing and developed countries due to endowed with a very rich flora. Due to the growing recognition of natural products, various physiographic features and being non-toxic, having no side-effects, physiognomic factors, different types of easily available at affordable prices. vegetation exists in the state- 1. Coastal Medicinal plant sector has traditionally vegetation; 2. Island vegetation; occupied an important position in the socio

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3.Vegetation of hills and mountains exhibitions conducted by Educational comprising of: Institutions, Trade fairs and 1. Dry deciduous forests seminars/conferences in the city. The 2. Moist deciduous forests public are also encouraged to buy the 3. Semi-evergreen forests medicinal plants at low prices to enhance 4. Wet evergreen forests the importance and awareness of herbal 5. Sholas (Southern montane wet medicines. The Kolli Hills medicinal farm temperate forests) is situated in Valavandinadu at the altitude The altitude varies from sea level to of 3600 ft. The land is undulating with 2637 m including the well known rocky slopes. Out of 105 acres year- mountain ranges - the Nilgiri, the marked, the corporation has developed 55 Anamalais and the Cardamom hills which acres and cultivating a dozen species of harbours different types of ecological medicinal plants on large scale and another niches, ecosystem and innumerable 50 varieties which includes trees, climbers medicinal plants. A few ethnic tribes like and perennials are cultivated on bunds, the Irular, Kaanikkara, Karumpar, hedges, fence line etc. as per suitability of Palliyan, Paniyar, Sholagar, Thodar and the species. Further, the farm has a large others dwell in these ecosystems and still nursery in which seedlings / saplings / depend on naturally occurring or cultivated cuttings / graftings are raised for own from the state (N.C. Nair & A.N Henry, cultivation and to supply to the Flora of Tamil Nadu, India, - Analysis - government institutions concerned and Vol. I, 1983, B.S.I., Coimbatore). Out of also to progressive farmers in the state and this, it is found that 1474 are medicinal out side. plants. A total number are found to be used in Siddha system of medicine which is Siddha System of Medicine commonly practiced throughout the state. Tampcol has two medicinal farms, one in The science of medicine is of fundamental Chennai city at Arumbakkam and at importance to man's well being and his Valavandinadu, Kolli hills, Namakkal survival, and so it must have originated district. In Chennai farm six varieties of with man and developed as civilization medicinal plants are cultivated in five advanced. It is therefore rather pointless to acres to meet the fresh herb requirements try to determine the exact point of time for the production of herbal hair tonic, when any system of medicine was evolved other medicated oils and also supplied to and codified. A system of medicine is not pharmacy at Arignar Anna Govt. Hospital a discovery but a gradual evolution during for Indian medicine and Homoeopathy, successive periods of history. It owes its Chennai. Another 150 varieties of progress to great men, who have not only medicinal plants are maintained in the enriched the science, but also society and parts as reference material. The farm is civilization as a whole. also visited by the students of all systems There are two ancient systems of medicine of Indian Medicine. Leading practitioners in India, the Siddha that flourished in the of Indian Medicine also make use of this South and the Ayurveda prevalent in the farm as their reference for medicinal North. Instead of giving the name of any plants. This farm is very popular and has one individual as the founder of either contributed for herbal awareness in system, our ancients wisely attributed their Chennai City. The farm participates in the origin to the Creator. According to

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G.Arunachalam et a /J. Pharm. Sci. & Res. Vol.1(1), 2009, 1-15 . tradition, it was Shiva who unfolded the dogmatise which of these enumerations is knowledge of Siddha system of medicine correct. Some of the Siddhas, for example, to his consort, Parvati, who handed it Kapila and Kakabujanda have written down to Nandideva and he, to Siddhars. treatises both in Tamil and in Sanskrit. It is Therefore it is called 'Saiva Sampradayam' possible that the originals were written in (tradition of Shive), or 'Siddha Tamil and that they were translated into Sampradayam'. In the case of Ayurveda it Sanskrit later. The following is the list of was Brahma, the Creator of the Universe, eighteen Siddhas according to one who taught the science to Prajapati, he to recension: 1. Nandi 2. Agasthiyar 3. Aswini Devatas and they, in their turn, to Thirumular 4. Punnakkeesar 5. Pulasthiyar Atreya etc. So this tradition is called the 6. Poonaikannar 7. Idaikadar 8. Bogar 9. Brahma or Arsha Sampradaya (the Pulikai Isar 10. Karuvurar 11. Konkanavar tradition of Rishis). The inference to be 12. Kalangi 13. Sattainathar 14. drawn from these traditions is that, there is Azhuganni 15. Agappai 16. Pambatti 17. no exact point of time to which the Theraiyar and 18. Kudhambai. beginning of these systems could be Names like Bogar, Idaikadar and traced. They are eternal, without a Theraiyar are of recent origin and these beginning or end; they began with Siddhars lived probably in the middle man.The Tamils have a distinct ages. There are also authors of Siddha civilization, which is not disputed by treatises like Sattaimuni, Yugimuni, historians. The recorded history of the Macha Muni, Kakabusundar etc., whose Tamils is thousands of years old. Apart works are available in parts at the present from the literature of the first, the middle day and are being used. and the last Sangam periods which bears Siddha System is one of the ancient ample testimony to the extent of Tamil traditional systems of medicine in India. civilization and its eminence, mention is Siddhars the spiritual scientists of Tamil made even in contemporary Sanskrit land are the founding fathers of this literature about Cholas, Pandiyas and scientific system. According to Siddha Cheras and their kingdoms. A civilized System the human body is the replica of society must naturally have had a system the universe so are the food and drugs of medicine which catered to the health irrespective of their origin. Siddha system needs of its people. This was the Siddha believes that all objects in the universe system. The term 'Siddhi' means including human body are composed of 'achievement' and the Siddhars were men five basic primordial elements, namely who achieved certain results in medicine, earth, water, fire, air and space. The as well as in yoga or tapas. The results in human body is a conglomeration of three medicine were achieved by the Siddhars humors and seven physical components. through their mental powers, they The Food is considered to be basic bequeathed to their 'Chilas' or pupils, who building material of human body, which preserved and propagated the science. gets processed into humors, tissues and Eighteen siddhas seem to have existed. wastes. The equilibrium of humors, body They should have lived at different periods tissues and waste products is considered as and bequeathed their experiences in health and its disturbance or imbalance medicine and yoga to posterity. The names leads to disease or pathologic state (Kurup, of these eighteen Siddhas differ from one 1983). source to another. It is not necessary to

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This system also deals with the concept of the “Clinical Acumen” of the Physician. immortality and salvation in this life. The He examines the Tongue, complexion, exponents of this system consider that speech, eyes, palpation in a patient and he achievement of this state is possible by also examines the urine and stools. The regulated diet, medicine and processing of diagnosis is then confirmed by the “Pulse mind by yogic or spiritual exercises like Diagnosis ". The above approach is meditation and yoga. Siddhars described collectively known as “Eight types of 96 principles as the constituents of Human examinations". However, the Siddha Being. They include Physical, Physician now also accepts the modern Physiological, Mental and Intellectual diagnostic methods for the purpose of components of a person. They are nothing diagonosis. but the manifestations of the “Five Basic Elements ". Treatment

Disease The following line of treatment have been in practice in Siddha medicine. Disease is a condition in which there is  Using medicines like Choornam, imbalance in the "Five Elements, which Kudineer, Vadagam etc. made alters the "Three Humours” which is also of herbs. reflected in the seven physical  Surgical methods like incision, constituents. The change disturbs the excision, heat application, blood equilibrium and cause disease. The basic letting and leech application etc. concept of Siddha system of medicine is  Physiotherapy - Thokkanam and Varma, the Siddha way of Touch “Food is Medicine - Medicine is Food" therapy, Medicated Oil application, Saint Thiruvalluvar says Fomentation, herbal steam bath etc. " Miginum Kuraiyinum Noi Seyyum  Using medicines like Parpam, Noolor Chenduram, Chuxnam etc. made Vali Mudhala Enniya Moondru " of minerals especially of metals.

"Wind, bile and phlegm three cause Significance disease so Doctors deem it more or less" The Siddha System is capable of Diagnosis treating all types of chronic diseases " Noi Naadi Noi Mudhal Naadi Athu especially arthritis, skin problems thanikkum urinary tract disorders, infertility, Vaai Naadi Vayppa Seyal." degenerative disorders like osteo "Test disease, its causes and cure arthritis, Senile Dementia, disease of the and apply remedy that is sure" liver, medicinally treatable Spinal -Thiruvalluvar. disorders, general debility, diarrhoea and intractable allergic disorders. It is always essential to identify the cause Aringnar Anna Govt Hospital of Indian for any disease to be accepted as a Medicine, Arumbakkam, being the “Scientific method” The Diagnostic premier institute in Tamil Nadu for Indian methodology in Siddha Treatment is Medicine and Homoeopathy treats both unique as it is made purely on the basis of outpatient and inpatient.

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Ayurveda System of Medicine developed by Arabs and Persians. Hippocrates explained that the disease was Ayurveda is an ancient system of a normal process and its symptoms were medicine, which originated in northern the reaction of the body to the disease. The India antiquity of which dates back to the chief function of the physician was to aid period of vedas and this is said to be born the natural forces of the body. He held that from Atharva Veda. This knowledge has there exists in the body four humours that been gathered due to constant observation keep up the balance of it. He also laid of nature for long years by men since the emphasis on diet, drugs of plants, animal advent of civilization and cannot be and mineral origin for curing the disease. attributed to any individual or a group of The Unani system of Medicine is based on individuals by any stretch of imagination. the Humoural theory. Humoural pathology Ayurveda is basically based on the which presupposes the presence of four predominance of three humours namely humours namely - Blood (Dam), Phlegm Vatha, Pittha and Kapha in the human (Balgham), Yellow bile (Safra) and Black body. Balanced state of these doshas bile (Sauda) in the body. The temperament denotes health and their imbalance of persons is expressed accordingly by the produces disease. words Sanguine, Phlegmatic, Choleric and Preceptors like Charaka, Susrutha have Melancholic according to the been benevolent enough to compile these preponderance of them in the body. invaluable treasure troves of knowledge to Everybody has got unique humoural be passed on to posterity. The fact that constitution which represents the healthy Ayurveda has stood the test of time bears state of humoural balance of the body. The ample testimony to its efficacy till date. It Unani medicine plays a vital role when the comprises of eight branches namely. individual experiences the humoural 1. Kaya Chikitsa (General Medicine) imbalance. The correct diet and digestion 2. Kaumara Bhruthya (Paediatrics) can bring back the humoural balance. Its 3. Bhutha Vidhya (Psychiatry) main emphasis is on diagnosis of a disease 4. Salakya (ENT and Ophthalmology through Nabz (Pulse), Baul (Urine), Baraz and dentistry) (stool) etc. It has laid down six essential 5. Shalya (Surgery) prerequisites for the prevention of disease. 6. Agada Tantra (Toxicology) They are known as 'Asbab-e-sitte 7. Rasayana (Rejuvenation Therapy) Zarooriya' viz. air, drinks and foods; 8. Vajeekarana (Aphrodisiac therapy) bodily movement and repose; psychic Pancha karma one of the areas of movement and repose; sleep and specialization, which has earned public wakefulness; excretion and retention [23]. acclaim in recent times, is also a part of The modes of treatment are as follows:- the above branches. It enjoys popularity because of its being hands on therapy and i) Ilaj bid-Tadbeer (Regimental is very relaxing to the fatigued body and therapy) tired mind [22]. ii) Ilaj bid Ghiza (Dieto Therapy) iii) Ilaj bid Dawa (Pharmaco Unani system of Medicine Therapy) iv) Jarahat (Surgery) Unani system of Medicine has originated in Greece. It was further enriched and

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The regimental therapy includes 'Cinchona bark' in treating intermittent venesection, cupping, sweating, diuresis, fever due to its toxic effect on the stomach bath (Hammam), massage, cauterization, and conducted experiments upon himself purging, vomiting, exercise and leeching in order to get the truth. He deduced from etc. Dieto therapy aims at treating certain the experiment that Cinchona was used as ailments by administration of specific a remedy for intermittent fever and it could diets, whereas pharmaco therapy deals produce symptoms similar to those of with use of naturally occuring drugs, intermittent fever in healthy people, if mostly herbals though drugs of animals taken for a specific period of time. The law and mineral origin are also used. of 'Similia Similibus Curentur' or 'let likes be treated by the likes' thus forms the basis Diagnosis and Treatment of treatment under the Homoeopathic method of drug therapy employed to cure The unani system of diagnosis of diseases the natural sufferings of person by the and treatment restoring health revolves administration of drugs which have been round the concept of temperament or experimentally proved to possess the 'Mizaj'. The humours also have specific power of producing similar artificial temperament. Changes in temperament are sufferings or symptoms of diseases in related to changes in the balance of healthy human being [24]. humours. Any change in temperament In Homoeopathy, the main emphasis is on brings about a change in the health of the the remedial agents in illness and in health. individual. Thus imbalance of the harmony It is a low cost system using only the non- of humours and temperament along with toxic drugs. It has established a reputation failure of one or more parts of the body to for successful treatment of acute and eliminate pathogentic waste causes chronic illness and in certain disease for disease. The Government recognized the which there is no or less treatment in other merit of Unani system and attempts were systems. Dr.Samuel Hanemann, who was made to develop it as a viable system of the founder of this system, enunciated the medicine for National Health care. The basic concepts and its principles in Unani drugs are cost effective, safe and "Organon the Art of Healing" in the year widely accepted by the people of India. 1810. Due to various reasons like cost- Therefore, the Tamil Nadu Government effectiveness and non-toxic nature of its have established a Unani Medical College drugs, no side effects of easy in take. and Unani dispensaries. Homoeopathy is getting a very high recognition and acceptance from the Homoeopathy System of Medicine people. Having its origin in the moden scientific age, it has the benefit of basing Homoeopathy is a system of treatment of its theory and concept on demonstrable the diseased by drugs usually prescribed in scientific principles and procedures. minute doses that in a healthy person It is based on the following cardinal would produce symptoms like those of principles disease. The Homoeopathy way of healing 1. The law of Similars was devised by the Great German 2. The law of Single Remedy physician Dr.Christian Frederick Samuel 3. The law of Minimum Dose Hahnemann in the late 18th Century. He 4. Doctrine of Drug proving came across an old idea of the efficacy of 5. Doctrine of dynamisation

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6. Doctrine of vital force symptomatology than the diagnosis. By 7. Doctrine of Chronic disease treating in this way, the natural defence Among this, the most fundamental is the mechanism (Immunity) of the individual is 'law of Similars'. This law states that the strengthened and recurrence of the disease symptoms experienced by the sick person is curtailed. are reactions of the body which it In deciding the treatment, the mobilizes in order to counteract a morbid Homoeopathic practitioner follows the influence, be it a specific stress such as well-known principles of 'Similia bacteria or viruses, or a non-specific stress Similibus Curentur'. In simple terms it such as climatic changes, environmental means let the similar substance which can pollution, mental and emotional produce specific symptoms in a healthy disturbances etc. Among the seven, first individual cure those similar symptoms in three are having more therapeutic a sick individual, although the symptoms importance and value. have arisen from another cause i.e. Bacteria, Virus etc., The cure is based on Health and Disease the assumption that the patient is extremely sensitive to that particular This system assumes that any disease remedy and only to that remedy which can symptoms, syndrome is the reaction of the produce his/her symptomatology. defence mechanism of human body against Homoeopathy has a definite and effective the disease-causing agent. The symptoms treatment for some disease such as are the means through which the body tries Diabetes, Arthritis, Bronchial Asthma, to regain its lost balance. According to it, Epilepsy, Skin Eruption, Allergic the symptoms syndrome in a disease is not conditions and Mental or Emotional the disease per se but the reaction of the disorders. Even, some surgical disease gets defense mechanism mobilized by the body cured in Homoeopathy with out in order to counteract a morbific influence undergoing surgery. Thus the sick person existing in the body and causing the loss of after taking treatment not only gets cured balance of the healthy body. Thus the of his disease, but simultaneously regains a disequilibrium in the normal functioning perfect state of health. of the organs of body implies sickness. Naturopathy & Yoga System of Diagnosis and Treatment Medicine

In Homoeopathy patients are diagnosed Naturopathy is not just a system of (their individual symptoms) but not their medicine but a way of life. It is often disease. As there is specific medicine for referred as drugless therapy. It is based specific disease, unless the diseases are mainly on the ancient practice of the diagnosed, they cannot be treated, in other application of the simple laws of nature. systems of medicine, where as in There are two schools of thought regarding Homoeopathy, medicine are proved in the approach of Naturopathy. One group healthy individuals are their symptoms are believes in the ancient Indian methods. recorded. In order to treat the diseased The advocacy of Naturopathy pay individual their symptoms are to be particular attention to eating and living matched with the patients' symptoms. habits, adoption of purificatory measures, Therefore, importance is given to the use of hydrotherapy, cold packs, mud

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G.Arunachalam et a /J. Pharm. Sci. & Res. Vol.1(1), 2009, 1-15 . packs, massage and a variety of measure complimentary form of medicinal agents based on their innovative talent. and an alternative to modern orthodox A carefully supervised total fast or partial medicine. It is viewed as a natural fast is advocated to clear the system of approach for the treatment of metabolic toxic accumulation. Water or dilute fruit and chronic disorder, viral infections and juices are permitted. The Naturopathy has infections due to drug resistance to keep a strict supervision lest the patient organisms. Curtailment of bacterial may develop physical and emotional infections by antibiotic, and improved untoward effects. The system believes that, standard of living leads to longer if the way of life is properly organised, one longevity, hence a greater number of can get the bounties of energy, health and people are living to a very old age having happiness from the benevolent nature. the problems of senescence, which require What one has to do for prevention of a different kind of ‘drug’. Scientific disease, promotion of health and to get validation and pharmaceutical supervision therapeutic advantages is to adopt natural for good, safe and consistence medicinal means to living. Naturopathy is based on preparation from plants can minimize various treatments like magneto therapy, some of the criticism against herbal massage therapy, physiotherapy, treatment. When medicinal plant products phychotherapy, reflexology, are subjected to the rigors of applied chromotherapy, accupuncture, science, the experimentation reveals and accupressure, yoga therapy and diet clarifies the condition and the therapy [25 and 26]. pharmacodynamic basis for the use of such plants in medical practice. These Discussion reevaluations would provide a rationale for the use of those plants.

A noteworthy feature in ethnomedicinal The herbal drugs can be continually used system is the use of medicinal as well as in chemotherapeutics as (i) the plants food plants as ingredients for drug drugs provide a desirable therapeutic effect preparation. Certain types of these with reduced risk of iatrogenous diseases substances not only help the body in associated with allopathic medicine; (ii) providing energy sources but also assisting The infusion dosages of herbal preparation in the body’s plastic repairs as well as have bioavailability advantage over interfering in the complicated chemical conventional dosage forms; (iii) the reactions of life processes. The “non enhanced solubility and dispersion of nutritional” chemicals like alkaloids, active molecules at gastro-intestinal flavanoids, terpenes, glycosides etc. have absorption sites reduced the problems therapeutic potentials comparable to encountered in the pharmacodynamic isolates from non-edible plants. In many phase of drug therapy; (iv) herbal drugs developing countries therapeutic lists are most suitable for the diseases requires commonly contain a number long-term medication such as arthritis, of plant based drugs, partly because hepato-biliary deficiency, spleen disease, modern synthetic drugs are etc, because most plant extracts are used in beyond the reach of greater portion repeated low doses; (v) compared to the of the population and heavy synthetic compounds herbal drugs have a financial burden of expensive synthetic reduced chance of acute toxicity and drugs. Phytotherapy provides a secondary drug effect; and (vi) the multi-

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G.Arunachalam et a /J. Pharm. Sci. & Res. Vol.1(1), 2009, 1-15 . component feature of phytotherapeutic natural product based drugs derived from agents is considered a positive attribute as traditional medicine. The global herbal biodynamic agents since the same extract trade is at an early stage in its evolution or often includes compounds that have revival, which places the producers, synergistic activity, and in some instances especially in developing countries, in a even that antagonize the main activity of strategically favorable position to compete the plant product, thereby maintaining the with the major players, unlike in other equilibrium. biological resource based industries where new entry into the market is frustrated by It is therefore important to study the already saturated fields with large phytotherapeutic agents as they play vital companies in Europe and USA. Until 1990 roles in clinical medicine. The study of India has over 46,000 pharmacies medicinal plants is also important because manufacturing traditional remedies and in of the adverse effect sometimes observed the last 10 years the number increases with herbal drugs. Hence it is of immense sharply. clinical importance to determine the acute and chronic toxicity of therapeutically According to the World Health useful plant products and know whether or Organization the safety should be the not they exhibit the expected overriding criterion in the selection of pharmacological action. Until today herbal medicines for use in healthcare. relatively little effort is spent on Proof of safety should therefore take investigation of medicinal plants as drug precedence over establishing efficacy. sources because (i) it require a There is no longer any doubt regarding the considerable space and labour to cultivate value of traditional remedies, but the and harvest sufficient amounts of a plant difficult part of it is the conversion of materials; (ii) due to seasonal and climatic these remedies into modern therapeutic variations of the biological activities each agents in a sustainable and safe manner. It individual batch should consider is generally recognized that accuracy of separately; (iii) natural hazards and labeling the constituents of medicinal plant political restrictions like war may disrupt remedies is critical for their proper use, the supply of raw materials. However, the safety evaluation and drug control. Yet, same argument could be made for food many people are hesitant to disclose the plants. It is estimated that so far less than ingredients in their preparation. This 10% of the global genetic resources have reluctance to divulge ‘trade secret’ is been studied seriously as source of largely due to the fact that the formulations medicines and from this small fraction, are unprotected by any legal instrument. humanity has reaped enormous benefits. This cloak of secrecy leads to a situation where genuine medicines are sold This approach to the discovery and alongside ‘fake’ remedies with fantastic development of plant products as claims. It is therefore, the part of the duty medicines holds a lot of promise for of the medicinal plant experts to devise people of developing countries. The methods for protecting the rights of the increase in the acceptance of the ‘holistic’ medicinal plants. This is an area of study, philosophy of therapy by medical which is grouped under the omnibus term profession, which the traditional systems ‘intellectual property rights’ (IPR). It is the exemplify, is a further indication that there fact that large quantities of plant materials will continue to be a growing demand for are often required for the production of

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G.Arunachalam et a /J. Pharm. Sci. & Res. Vol.1(1), 2009, 1-15 . phytomedicine and therefore, it is very [14] Chhetri, D.R,, Parajuli, P., Subba, G.C., J important that such herbs are collected in Ethnopharmacol.2005,99,199-202. [15] Harsha, V.H., Hebbar, S.S., Hegde, G.R., sustainable manner. Shripathi, V., Fitoterapia. 2002, 3,281- 287. BIBILIOGRAPHY [16] Natarajan, B., Paulsen, B.S., Pharma Bio. 2000, 38,139-151. [1] Abu-Rabia, A., J. E thnobio and [17] Maruthi, K.R., Krishna, V., Manjunatha, Ethnomed. 2005, 4. B.K., Nagaraja, V.P., Environ and Eco. [2] Pei, S.J., . 2001, 39, 74-79. Pharma Bio 2000, 18,441-446. [3] Lev, E., J Ethnobio and Ethnomed. 2006, [18] Samvatsar, S., Diwanji, V.B., J 2, 4. Ethnopharmacol. 2000, 73,313-316. [4] Gazzaneo, L.R., Paiva de Lucena, R.F., [19] Kala, C.P., J Ethn obio an d E thnomed. Paulino de Albuquerque, U., J E thnobio 2005, 1, 1. . 2005, 1, 9. and Ethnomed [20] Hebbar, S.S., Harsha, V.H., Shripathi, V., [5] Al-Qura'n, S., Toxicon. 2005, 46,119-126. Hegde, G.R., J Eth nopharmacol. 2004, [6] Hanazaki, N., Tamashiro, J.Y., Leitao- 94,261-266. Filho, H., Gegossi, A., Biodiv and Conser. [21] Jain, S.K., Dictionary o f Indian Folk 2000, 9,597-615. Medicine and Ethnobotany. Deep [7] Rossato, S.C., Leitao-Filho, H., Gegossi, publications, Paschim Vihar, A., . 1999, 53:387-395. Eco bot NewDelhi.1991. [8] Azaizeh, H., Fulder, S., Khalil, K., Said, [22] Kurup, P.N.V., Traditional M edicine an d O., Fitoterapia. 2003. 74,98-108. Health Care Co verage. World Health [9] Khan, A.U., Pak Bio logi Conser. 2002, Organization Geneva. 1983, 50-58. 63,210-250. [23] Said, S.M., Traditional Medicin e a nd [10] Diallo, D., Hveem, B., Mahmoud, M.A., Health Care Co verage. World Health Berge, G., Paulsen, B.S., Maiga, A., Organization Geneva.1983, 61-67. Pharma Bio. 1999, 37, 80-91. [24] Vithoulkas, G., Traditional M edicine and [11] Principe, P., US Environmental protec tion Health Care Co verage. World Health Agency, Washington, D.C.1991.; Organization Geneva. 1983, 110-114. [12] Busia, K., . 2005, 19,919- Phytother Re s [25] Sachidananda, S., Integra Yoga: the yoga 923. sutras of Patanjali. Pomfret, CT, USA, [13] Saikia, A.P., Ryakala, V.K., Sharma, P., Integral Yoga Publicatios. 1978. Goswami, P., Bora, U., J [26] Bloomfield, R.J., Traditional Medi cine Ethnopharmacol. 2006. and Health Care Coverage. World Health Organization Geneva. 1983, 16-122.

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