Anti-asthmatic activity of Siddha polyherbal formulation Thoothuvalai Nei

Background: Siddha medicine is a traditional Indian system of medicine which provides a comprehensive treatment for different kinds of diseases among which are respiratory problems. The Siddha system of medicine uses different types of herbals, minerals and therapeutic methods to handle respiratory ailments like wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Thoothuvalai Nei is a siddha polyherbal formulation with a traditional use in respiratory health. Objectives: This paper discusses the anti-asthmatic activity of Thoothuvalai Nei by means of pre-clinical experimentation. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out by giving Thoothuvalai Nei to Guinea pigs to find out if it had bronchodilator effect against histamine induced bronchospasm. Results: The research proved that after the treatment the Pre-convulsive Time (PCT) was much longer and thus the formulation appeared to be of great help in bronchospasm relief. The dose dependent reaction proved the therapeutic efficacy of the medicine, with the higher doses showing a greater protection. Conclusion: The above mentioned facts confirm the pharmacological value of Thoothuvalai Nei and it is better to include it as evidence based respiratory care in the healthcare practice. Thus, it is a way to connect traditional knowledge of siddha medicine with the latest and the best scientific knowledge of medical science.