Preliminary phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of a polyherbal Siddha formulation Chandra Prakasam with reference to eye diseases

Abstract Background: Traditional Siddha Medicine has been used since ancient times to treat ophthalmic conditions. Chandra Prakasam (CP) is a traditional Siddha polyherbal formulation for eye diseases in the classical Siddha literature Agasthiyar Nayana Vidhi 500 especially for Padalam (Keratitis) and Pillam (Trachoma). The aim of this study was to assess the phytochemical and antioxidant profiling of CP and to evaluate its efficacy in the treatment of eye diseases along with its mechanism of action. Materials and Methods: CP was prepared according to the standard operating procedure found in the classical Siddha text Agasthiyar Nayana Vidhi 500 . The raw drugs were purchased from the Raw Drugs Shop and were identified by the department of Gunapadam Marunthakaviyal , Government Siddha Medical College, Palayamkottai. Purification methods were followed as per the Siddha Literature “ Sarakku Suddhi Seimuraigal.” The end products were subjected to phytochemical and antioxidant analysis. Results: Qualitative analysis of phytochemicals and antioxidant analysis of CP indicates the significant presence of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins which have active free radical scavenging properties through 2,2-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay and ferric reducing antioxidant potential. Conclusion: Through phytochemical screening and antioxidant profiling of CP, it was concluded to possess free radical scavenging activity which mitigates oxidative stress-induced eye disorders.