Authors : Dr. M. Abhirami; Dr. Parthasarathy; Dr. V. Manickam; Dr. Ravikumar; Dr. K. Thangadurai; Dr. J. Anbuselvi

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mr7apj8v

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/5ebwp5p5

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr356

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is a chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal disorder that is typically found in elderly individuals, with symptoms of bilateral pain, stiffness, and functional impairment. Siddha medicine, a traditional healing system that dates back to the ages, offers a comprehensive approach to comprehending and treating PMR by employing the concepts of Mukkutram (Vatham, Pitham, Kabam), Uyir thathukkal and Udal kattugal. PMR and Vatha suram and other Vatha noi described in Siddha texts are connected, with humoral imbalance being the primary reason. The aim of this paper is to explore Siddha herbal remedies for PMR, which include decoctions, powders, and medicinal confections like Nellikai Legiyam, Karuncheeragam Legiyam, and medicated oils such as Muthuchippi Thailam, Vatha Kesari Thailam, and Pinda Thailam. Antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and rejuvenative properties are combined in these formulations to alleviate pain and stiffness. The digestive system can be rejuvenated, accumulated toxins can be cleansed, and muscle tissue strength can be improved. Siddha medicine offers a comprehensive, secure, and sustainable approach to managing PMR that incorporates internal medicines, external therapies, dietary regulations (Pathiyam), and lifestyle modifications. Further pharmacological validation and clinical research is necessary to confirm its importance in healthcare.

References :

1. Adiguna SP, Panggabean JA, Swasono RT, Rahmawati SI, Izzati F, Bayu A, Putra MY, Formisano C, Giuseppina C. Evaluations of Andrographolide-Rich Fractions of Andrographis paniculata with Enhanced Potential Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antihypertensive, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities. Plants. 2023;12(6):1220.
2. Pandit S, Srivastav AK, Sur TK, Chaudhuri S, Wang Y, Biswas TK. Effects of Withania somnifera Extract in Chronically Stressed Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2024;16(9):1293.
3. Haque, M. Tasneem; Rahman, N.; Faruk, M. O.; Hasan, M. K.; Urmi, A. B.; Tanni, R. N.; Kaisar, M. A., et al. (2025). Potential of Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Withania somnifera Linn. Leaves. Asian Journal of Research in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 14(3), 117–125.
4. Sharma, N., Kumar, P., Goswami, B., Pujani, M., Dikshit, B., & Tandon, S. (2023). The aqueous root extract of Withania somnifera ameliorates LPS-induced inflammatory changes in in vitro cell-based and mice models of inflammation. [Journal]. (Study showing reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines in cell and mouse models.)
5. Gupta, S., Annammadevi, G. S., Nag, S., Paul, R., & Mondal, S. (2024). Tinospora cordifolia: An Optimistic Herb for Comprehensive Gesundheit. Pharmacognosy Research, 16(2), 219-229.
6. Subasini, Uthirapathy (2021). Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Withania somnifera Root Extract. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International, 33(41A), pp. 75-84.
7. Sheersha, A. K., Sandhigata, A., & Jwara, S. (2018). Amavata Vatarakta. A Clinical Study To Evaluate The Efficacy Of Siddha Basti In Amavata With Special Reference To Rheumatoid Arthritis, 56.
8. Saha S, Ghosh S. Tinospora cordifolia: Its role in immunomodulation. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2012.
9. Sharma P, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of Tinospora cordifolia in chronic inflammatory disorders. Front Pharmacol. 2019.
10. Akbar S. Andrographis paniculata: A review of its pharmacological activities. Altern Med Rev. 2011.
11. Chandrasekaran CV, et al. Immunomodulatory effects of andrographolide. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2020.
12. Frontiers (2023). OECD-407 Driven 28-day-repeated-dose non-clinical safety evaluation of Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy) stem aqueous extract in Sprague-Dawley rats under GLP compliance.
13. Baliga MS, et al. Pharmacological potentials of Emblica officinalis (Amla): A review. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2011;62(8):731–739.
14. Heeba GH, Singh M. Protective effect of Emblica officinalis against oxidative stress. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2016;68(4):503–513.
15. Salem ML. Immunomodulatory and therapeutic properties of Nigella sativa L. seed. Int Immunopharmacol. 2005;5(13–14):1749–1770.
16. Umar S, et al. Nigella sativa oil reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in arthritis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012;140(1):49–56.
17. Patgiri B, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of Mukta Bhasma (calcined pearl). J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014.
18. Black CD, et al. Ginger reduces muscle pain from exercise. J Pain. 2010.
19. Meghwal M, et al. Piperine: anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2013.
20. Sharma R, et al. Sesame oil massage improves joint function. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2010.
21. Kaur G, et al. Rubia cordifolia has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006.
22. Choi, J. M., Lee, Y. S., Park, J., Kwon, Y. S., & Kim, H. G. (2012). Anti-inflammatory activity of constituents isolated from Terminalia chebula. Natural Product Sciences, 18(3), 253-257.
23. Grzanna, R., Lindmark, L., & Frondoza, C. G. (2005). Ginger—an herbal medicinal product with broad anti-inflammatory actions. Journal of Medicinal Food, 8(2), 125-132.
24. Sharma, U., Srivastava, V., Sharma, P. K., & Gupta, V. (2019). A critical review on Tinospora cordifolia with special reference to its immunomodulatory potential. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology, 41(2), 184-192.
25. Variya, M. A., Bakrania, A. K., & Patel, S. S. (2016). Emblica officinalis (Amla): A review of potential therapeutic applications. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 6(3), 301-314.
26. Bhat, S., Gaikwad, A. P., & Shinde, M. (2015). A comprehensive review on Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari). Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 6(4), 238-245.
27. Baliga, M. S., Bhat, H. P., Pai, R. J., Palatty, P. L., & Sattur, A. P. (2011). Pharmacological aspects of Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa (Bael): a critical review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011, 927621.
28. Chopra, A., Saluja, M., Tillu, G., Mehta, S., & Mohan, D. G. (2013). Ayurvedic medicine offers a multimodal approach to rheumatoid arthritis: a comparative evaluation of two classical formulations. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 11(1), 1-13.
29. Ammon, H. P. (2006). Boswellic acids and other natural inhibitors of NF-κB. Natural Product Communications, 1(11), 1083-1090.
30. Kim, S. J., & Chung, J. H. (2014). Effects of oil massage on pain and functional status in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the Korean Academy of Nursing, 44(2), 163-172.
31. Sharma, H., Zhang, X., & Dwivedi, C. (2015). The dosha theory and the basic concepts of Ayurveda. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 21(5), 241-248.
32. Shende, A., & Gupta, A. (2020). Lifestyle Modification in Ayurveda: A Tool for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Current Traditional Medicine, 6(1).