IN-VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF SIDDHA FORMULATION MUTHU PARPAM WITH BRAHMI NEI

The Siddha system of medicine, a holistic traditional medical system, emphasizes both preventive and curative healthcare through plant-based, mineral and animal-derived formulations. Among its therapeutic branches, Kaya Karpam (rejuvenation therapy) is recognized for promoting longevity and overall vitality, primarily due to its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants play a crucial role in inhibiting oxidative processes that generate free radicals, thereby preventing cellular damage and the onset of various chronic disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, and inflammatory disorders. The present study evaluates the antioxidant potential of a classical Siddha formulation Muthu Parpam (MP) with Brahmi Nei (BN). MP, which combines a herbo-mineral preparation derived from the marine mollusc Pinctada margaritifera (pearl) with BN, a polyherbal ghee-based preparation (MP-BN)(1). Antioxidant activity was assessed using in vitro free radical scavenging assays, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Nitric Oxide, 2,2′-azinobis( 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and Hydrogen Peroxide Scavenging Assay. MP-BN demonstrated inhibition percentages of 61.46% (DPPH), 41.12% (Nitric Oxide), 36.07% (ABTS), and 39.42% (Hydrogen Peroxide) at 100 μg/ml, compared to standard antioxidants ascorbic acid (88.37%), gallic acid (92.71%, 95.82%), and Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) (86.45%), respectively. Traditionally, MP-BN has been indicated for a wide range of acute and chronic conditions to enhance endogenous antioxidant levels while reducing lipid peroxidation. The findings of this study reveal that MP-BN has high natural antioxidant activity, which validates its traditional use as a rejuvenating drug in Siddha medicine. Its capacity to reduce oxidative stress highlights its potential involvement in avoiding free radical-mediated diseases and promoting overall health.