Siddha medicine and modern neuroscience: a synergistic approach to neurological care

Neurological disorders burden modern healthcare causing cognitive and emotional issues. The Siddha system offers a promising herbal and non-invasive-based therapy. This present review explores the neuromodulatory and neuroprotective effects of the Siddha system integrating herbal and non-invasive interventions with modern neuroscience for a comprehensive treatment strategy against neurological disorders. A detailed literature review was conducted using sources, such as Google search engine, Web of Science, and published databases, focusing on keywords related to 'Siddha herbal, non-invasive, traditional approach for neurological disorders'. The findings indicate that Siddha-based herbal medicines exhibit significant pharmacological activities, which help slow the progression of neurological diseases. Additionally, Siddha-based non-invasive therapies, such as yoga, meditation, Varma (traditional pressure point therapy), massage, and other external manipulations, have been reported to significantly increase brain activity, improve cognitive function, and enhance the patient's quality of life. The findings suggest that complementing Siddha-based therapy with modern neuroscience could enhance personalized neurological care in patients. Although Siddha has a rich history in traditional medicine, a significant research gap remains in large-scale clinical trials, treatment standardization, pharmacological validation, and mechanistic understanding. Addressing these gaps could enhance clinical utility in contemporary healthcare, ultimately benefitting brain health and overall well-being. Integrating Siddha medicine with modern neuroscience holds promise for advancing neurological care.