Integrative management of chronic kidney disease: A case study combining siddha and modern medicine

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disorder frequently associated with long standing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Systemic Hypertension (SHTN). A 53-year-old male with an 8-year history of DM and a 5-year history of SHTN presented with pedal edema, frothy urination, dyspnoea and generalized itching, with no improvement from allopathic treatment and he refused dialysis. He opted for Siddha medicine, receiving Polyherbal nephroprotective decoction, polyherbal iron enriched decoction, calcined pearl-based formulation and calcined Herbo mineral formulation, while continuing Metformin and Amlodipine. After two and a half months, the patient showed significant clinical and biochemical improvements, including reduced serum creatinine, resolution of edema and relief from urinary and respiratory symptoms. Thus, we show the potential of Siddha medicine as a nephroprotective and integrative approach in managing CKD alongside allopathic treatment.