Traditional Siddha Medicine and Emerging Microbial Infections A Review
Keywords:
Siddha medicine, Proteus mirabilis, renal stones, urinary tract infection, Nandukkal Paspam, anti-urolithiatic, antimicrobial resistance, biofilm inhibition.Abstract
Background:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and infection-induced renal stone disease represent a significant clinical burden worldwide, particularly due to rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Proteus mirabilis is a key uropathogen implicated in struvite stone formation through urease-mediated urinary alkalinization and biofilm development, leading to recurrent infection and obstructive uropathy.
Objective:
This review aims to evaluate the role of traditional Siddha medicine in the management of Proteus-associated urinary tract infections and renal stone disease, with special emphasis on single herbal drugs, polyherbal formulations, and the herbo-mineral preparation Nandukkal Paspam, and to assess their antimicrobial and anti-lithogenic potential based on available scientific evidence.
Methods:
A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, and AYUSH Research Portal for studies published between 2000 and 2025. Relevant classical Siddha texts, experimental studies, in vitro and in vivo research, phytochemical analyses, and molecular docking studies were included. Data were extracted and analyzed focusing on antimicrobial activity, anti-urease effects, anti-biofilm activity, and anti-urolithiatic potential.
Results:
Evidence indicates that Siddha single herbal drugs such as Phyllanthus emblica, Tribulus terrestris, and Aerva lanata exhibit antimicrobial, diuretic, and anti-urolithiatic properties. Polyherbal formulations including Kabasura Kudineer and Nilavembu Kudineer demonstrate broad-spectrum antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. The herbo-mineral formulation Nandukkal Paspam shows potential litholytic and antimicrobial activity, particularly against urease-producing organisms such as Proteus spp., with possible inhibition of biofilm formation and crystal aggregation.
Conclusion:
Siddha medicinal interventions, particularly Nandukkal Paspam along with selected herbal and polyherbal formulations, may offer promising complementary strategies for managing Proteus-associated renal stone disease and UTIs. However, further pharmacological validation, toxicity assessment, and well-designed clinical trials are required to establish their safety, efficacy, and translational potential in modern healthcare.
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