Article: THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL VALIDATION OF NAVAUPPU MEZHUGU: A SIDDHA MEDICINE REVIEW

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.17123

Pages: 134-140

Author: K. Priyadarshini *, S. Venkatesh, H. Nalini Sofia, H. Vetha Merlin Kumari

Abstract: Navauppu Mezhugu is a classical Siddha herbo-mineral formulation traditionally prescribed for a wide range of ailments, including pain (Soolai), ascites (Mahotharam), lymphadenitis (Kiranthi), rheumatism (Vali Vatham), arthritis (Mudaku Vatham), and gastric ulcers (Envagai Gunmam). The formulation is reputed for its broad therapeutic efficacy in managing inflammatory, infectious, and degenerative disorders. To correlate the traditional therapeutic indications of Navauppu Mezhugu with the pharmacological activities of its ingredients and to summarize scientific and toxicity evidence supporting its safety and efficacy. A comprehensive review of classical Siddha literature and published scientific studies was conducted. Data on the phytochemical composition, pharmacological properties, physicochemical characterization, and toxicity evaluation of Navauppu Mezhugu and its individual ingredients were analyzed. The formulation contains mineral and herbal ingredients exhibiting analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and protective activities. Experimental studies demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in animal models, with high-dose efficacy comparable to standard drugs. Physicochemical analysis confirmed stability, purity, and bioavailability, with no detectable toxic metals. Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies revealed no adverse effects up to 2000 mg/kg, confirming its safety. Navauppu Mezhugu is a safe, pharmaceutically stable, and therapeutically effective Siddha formulation.

Keyword: Navauppu Mezhugu, Siddha medicine, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, herbo-mineral formulation, toxicity study, traditional pharmacology.