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Siddha formulations for cancer management: A review of preclinical and clinical data
Abarna Balasubramani1, I Shaira Banu1, Jinavani Jeevagan1
1Department of Nanju Maruthuvam (Siddha Toxicology), National Institute of Siddha, (Affiliated with the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G. R Medical University), Ministry of Ayush, Chennai, Tambaram Sanatorium, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abstract:
Cancer continues to be a significant public health challenge in India, with 1,461,427 new cases reported in 2022. A review of various Siddha formulations evaluated for anticancer activity reveals promising in vitro results, particularly against cervical, breast and liver cancers. MTT assay was used to assess cytotoxicity, with IC50 values ranging from 0.075 µg/mL to 1000 µg/mL, indicating considerable variation in potency. Safety assessments, including acute and chronic toxicity studies, were conducted for many of the formulations, although advanced molecular analyses such as Annexin V and gene expression studies were limited. Hence, the therapeutic potential of Siddha medicine in oncology should be realised with further standardisation, detailed mechanistic investigations and well-designed clinical trials.
Insights
Siddha formulations show promising in vitro anticancer activity against cervical, breast, and liver cancers. Further research, including clinical trials, is needed to realize the full therapeutic potential of this traditional Indian medicine in oncology.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Oncology
- Traditional Indian Medicine
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Cancer poses a significant public health burden in India, with over 1.4 million new cases in 2022.
- Siddha medicine, a traditional Indian system, is being explored for its anticancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate the in vitro anticancer activity of Siddha formulations.
- To assess the preliminary safety profiles of these formulations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies evaluating Siddha formulations for anticancer effects.
- Cytotoxicity assessment using MTT assay to determine IC50 values.
- Review of available acute and chronic toxicity data.
Main Results:
- Promising in vitro anticancer activity observed, particularly against cervical, breast, and liver cancer cell lines.
- IC50 values varied widely (0.075 µg/mL to 1000 µg/mL), indicating diverse potencies.
- Safety data from toxicity studies were available for several formulations.
Conclusions:
- Siddha formulations demonstrate potential as anticancer agents in vitro.
- Further standardization, mechanistic studies, and clinical trials are essential to validate their therapeutic value in oncology.
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