Chennai, September 10, 2024 – A recent study published in the Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge has shown that a combination of Siddha drugs significantly reduces anemia in adolescent girls. Conducted as part of the Public Health Initiative (PHI), the research aimed to mainstream Siddha medicine as an effective treatment for combating anemia, particularly among young girls.
The study, led by researchers from prominent Siddha institutions including the National Institute of Siddha (NIS), Xavier Research Foundation, and Velumailu Siddha Medical College & Hospital in Tamil Nadu, evaluated the effectiveness of a drug combination known as ABMN. This treatment includes Aṉṉapēticentūram, Bāvaṉa kaṭukkāy, Mātuḷai maṇappāku, and Nellikkāy lēkiyam. Researchers found that ABMN improved critical health indicators like hemoglobin levels, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) in adolescent girls suffering from anemia.
The study observed 2,648 girls, with 2,300 completing a 45-day treatment program after initial deworming with Cuṇṭaivaṟṟal cūraṇam. Throughout the study, researchers closely monitored symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, giddiness, and menstrual irregularities, noting significant improvements in the girls’ health by the end of the treatment.
Following the World Health Organization’s guidelines, anemia was classified into three categories: severe (hemoglobin below 8.0 mg/dl), moderate (8.0 to 10.9 mg/dl), and mild (11.0 to 11.9 mg/dl). ABMN treatment led to considerable reductions in symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, and headaches, and boosted hemoglobin levels across the participants.
Dr. R. Meenakumari, Director of the National Institute of Siddha and one of the senior authors of the study, highlighted the role of Siddha medicine in public health initiatives. “Siddha medicine offers cost-effective and accessible treatment for anemia. The results of this study emphasize its therapeutic benefits for adolescent girls and its potential to contribute to public health,” she said.
The study underscores the growing recognition of traditional medicine in addressing public health challenges and promoting wellness through accessible treatments.
For more information, access the full study at [IJTK](https://or.niscpr.res.in/index.php/IJTK/article/view/11826).