CHUNNAM: A COMMENDED DOSAGE FORM IN SIDDHA MEDICINE

Siddha system of medicine is one of the ancient living systems of healing in southern India. A vast cornucopia of different dosage forms of inorganic formulations are indicated in classical texts of this system. Chunnam is one such, highly acclaimed dosage form of alkaline group of drugs indicated for chronic degenerative diseases. Highly commended medicine in Siddha classics, muppu chunnam also falls under this category which is used in kayakalpam treatment. A detailed review is made in this article regarding the special features of chunnam preparations, its comprehensive uses in drug making and therapeutic effects which makes this dosage form as an indispensible one in Siddha medicine. This paper aims to highlight an important thrust area of Siddha medicine which enables to unearth many possible medicines for life style disease of this millennium.