Cytotoxic and Antiproliferative Activity of Putru Pathangam A Siddha Herbomineral Formulation

Abstract

Cancer, one of the leading cause of death worldwide (accounting for 8.2 million deaths in 2012), continues to affect people at an alarmingly increasing rate globally. In the developing countries, certain infections are the main reasons for 20% of the cancer deaths. Putru pathangam, a herbo-mineral formulation, is used for many years in Siddha System of Medicine. The formulation mentioned in the Siddha Text Anuboga vaithya navaneethan-part10 ; has been indicated for Marbu putru (Breast cancer), Vai putru (Buccal cancer), Kanna putru (Cheek cancer), Algul putru (Vaginal cancer). So far, No studies were established in antiproliferative and cytotoxic property of Putru pathangam. The raw drugs and other ingredients were purified as per the methods prescribed in Siddha literatures. The purified Rasam, Lingam, Kandhagam, vellai padanam, Thalagam, Kantham, Manosilai, Pooram, jathkkai, Kuppai meni charu. First mercury was ground with sulphur and remaining ingredients were made it into fine powder individually, then all powders were mixed together and ground with Acalypha indica juice for 1 hr and pasted in a cloth, dried in sun light. Two equal parts of common salts were taken, one part of the common salt was placed in a pot, above processed cloth was placed over it and remaining part of the common salt was placed. The pot was covered with another earthen pot having identical size of mouth and sealed with seven layers of mud pasted cloth. Then mud pot was heated for 12 hours. After it was allowed to cool itself, Then the cloth was removed and the pathangam which was found deposited on the upper mud pot was taken and powered. The Putru pathangam thus prepared was subjected to physico-chemical analysis, morphological analysis, spectral studies, toxicity studies and MTT assay study and anti cancer study in animal model. In Siddha System of Medicine, Herbo-mineral medicines play a key role in the treatment of Putru (Cancer). This finding supports the traditional claim of Putru pathangam usage in the treatment of Putru Noi.