Systematic Drug Review on <i>Mookirattai Chooranam</i> in the Management of Musculoskeletal Diseases and Gastrointestinal Diseases

Background: Based on earlier reports from the World Health Organization (WHO), about 60% of the world’s population relies on herbal medicine, while 80% of people in developing countries primarily depend on herbs for their healthcare needs. The Siddha system, known as the oldest and most well-documented Indian medical system, has traditionally used herbal remedies to treat numerous ailments. Mookirattai chooranam is a Siddha polyherbal formulation, mentioned in the classical literature Siddha Vaithiya Thirattu. The formulation includes four herbal ingredients, and all of them must be purified using traditional methods before obtaining the medicine. This review outlines the scientific overview of the pharmacological effects of all the ingredients with traditional indications. Aim: This study set out to assess the pharmacological parameters by the indications mentioned in the literature compared with scientific evidence. Methods: The information was gathered from various Siddha texts and electronic databases spanning the period from 1997 to the present. Results: The findings of the review indicated that the pharmacological effects and therapeutic applications of the drug were in complete alignment with each component of the formulations. Based on the literature review, the Mookirattai chooranam is proven to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective activity as evident from the current review. Conclusion: Further studies for the evaluation of pharmacological efficacy may proceed to assess the efficacy of the drug. Major Finding: Mookirattai Chooranam, composed of hot potency and compatible tastes, aligns with Siddha principles to effectively streat deranged Vali and Iyam conditions. Its ingredients exhibit pharmacological actions supporting its traditional therapeutic use. This study lays a foundation in bridging a gap between traditional wisdom with modern findings.