ISSN : 2663-2187

Unveiling of Citrullus colocynthis. Linn medicinal formulations in Siddha system of medicine and its therapeutic role in reproductive health: A review

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R. Karpagambal , B. Abarna , V. Manjari , R. Madhavan
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.14.2024.8841-8859

Abstract

Women experience reproductive health issues at least once in their life time. In India, the prevalence of gynecological disorders has increased significantly, affecting approximately 43-92% of women with reproductive morbidities. This highlights the urgent need for effective and minimally invasive treatments. Women seek guidance to maintain their well-being, as their health is vital to the welfare of their families and society. Siddha medicine offers management for health issues from childhood to postmenopausal stages. The Herbal and Herbo-mineral formulations of Citrullus colocynthis Linn (CC) were indicated for treating various gynecological disorders like menstrual irregularities, infertility, hormonal imbalances, and even postpartum issues especially, Kumatti mezhugu and Navauppu mezhugu were commonly used to treat infertility, uterine fibroids respectively in the Siddha System of Medicine. The present review focuses on the composition, indications, therapeutic applications, and scientific work done on herbal and herbomineral formulations of CC. CC-based Siddha formulations were obtained from prehistoric Siddha books and their recent research evidence from electronic databases such as Science Direct, Pubmed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. The study results indicated that Kalingathy Thailam and Kalingathy Kadugu have scientifically proven efficacy in treating female reproductive conditions like PCOS, infertility, irregular menstruation, and cervical cancer. Additionally, research studies revealed that the pharmacological properties of CC and its phytocomponents, including vitexin, cucurbitacins, and L-arginine, positively impact reproductive health.

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