Abstract

A SIDDHA MEDICINE MARUNTHU DESCRIBED IN THE PITHA KARMA SANTHI CONTEXT AND ITS POTENTIAL ROLE IN PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Karthikeyan M.*, Sharmila L., Mahalakshmi V.

ABSTRACT

Psychiatric disorders contribute significantly to the global burden of disease and often require long-term care and follow-up. In this regard, the Siddha system of medicine provides a comprehensive approach to their management, incorporating both internal medicines and external therapies, as described in classical texts. The present review highlights a Siddha medicinal formulation Marunthu described in the context of Pitha Karmam in Naarpathen Siddharkal Periya Gnana Kovai. It evaluates its relevance to psychiatric conditions through a comprehensive analysis of classical Siddha texts, peer-reviewed literature, and electronic databases. The review summarizes the traditional indications, pharmacological activities of the constituent herbs, and their possible mechanisms of action. The findings suggest that Marunthu from Pitha Karmam context may have potential benefits in the management of psychiatric disorders through its neuroprotective, antioxidant, and therapeutic effects in psychiatric disorders. However, systematic clinical studies and well-designed trials are required to validate its safety and efficacy. Integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary research may help expand therapeutic options for psychiatric care. Furthermore, the standardization of the formulation, along with the elucidation of molecular mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and long-term safety profiles, will facilitate the wider acceptance and integration of Siddha formulations into mainstream psychiatric practice.

Keywords: Siddha Psychiatry, Zingiber officinale, Donkey milk, Non-Centrifugal Cane Sugar, Mental health.