A recent study published in the Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (IJTK) has shed light on the potential of Siddha medicine in reducing anaemia among adolescent girls. Conducted under the Public Health Initiative (PHI), the study aimed to mainstream the use of Siddha drugs to tackle anaemia—a widespread health issue in India.

The research team, comprising experts from prominent Siddha institutions such as the National Institute of Siddha (NIS), Tamil Nadu’s Xavier Research Foundation, and Velumailu Siddha Medical College & Hospital, examined the efficacy of a combination of traditional medicines known as ABMN (Aṉṉapēticentūram, Bāvaṉa kaṭukkāy, Mātuḷai maṇappāku, and Nellikkāy lēkiyam). The results indicated a significant improvement in haemoglobin levels, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) among anaemic girls.

The study involved 2,648 adolescent girls, with 2,300 completing a 45-day treatment program. Before treatment, participants underwent deworming with Cuṇṭaivaṟṟal cūraṇam to ensure optimal absorption of the Siddha formulations. Researchers then monitored the girls' progress over the treatment period, assessing various clinical symptoms of anaemia, including breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, and pale skin.

Using World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the researchers categorized anaemia into three levels: mild (haemoglobin levels between 11.0 to 11.9 mg/dl), moderate (8.0 to 10.9 mg/dl), and severe (below 8.0 mg/dl). A subset of 283 girls also underwent detailed laboratory tests, which confirmed the beneficial effects of ABMN in improving red blood cell counts and overall blood health.

Dr. R. Meenakumari, Director of the National Institute of Siddha and a senior author of the study, emphasized the significance of the findings. "Siddha medicine plays a notable role in the Public Health Initiatives of the Ministry of Ayush. The awareness created among adolescent girls, dietary advice, and preventive care provided through this initiative have yielded therapeutic benefits. Siddha drugs offer a cost-effective and accessible treatment for anaemia, contributing positively to public health," she said.

This research highlights the potential of integrating traditional medicine like Siddha into mainstream healthcare to address widespread conditions like anaemia, particularly in resource-limited settings.