Abstract

Dr. Preyadarsheni K.* and Manoharan A.

ABSTRACT

India is rich in flora securing tenth position in the world and fourth in Asia in plant diversity. Siddha system of medicine is an indigenous system that inculcates the principle of ‘Whatever is in macrocosm is also in microcosm’. Hypertension ranks among the most common chronic medical condition. It has been among the most studied topics of the previous century and has been one of the most significant co morbidities contributing to the development of stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and renal failure. This review throws limelight in the pharmacognistic, ethnobotanical and pharmacological activities of ingredients in Siddha herbal formulation “VAASATHI KASHAYAM”. Vaasathi Kashayam is a decoction formula stated in Siddha classical literature AGATHIYAR 2000 specifically indicated for RATHATHA PITHAM. This decoction is made from the leaves of Adhatoda (Justicia adhatoda. Linn, Acanthaceae) and dry grapes (Vitis vinifera. Linn, Vitaceae). The study methodology involves extensive research and review of siddha classical literatures, Materia medica texts from library of Government Siddha Medical College, Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu, India and published journals from PubMed, Scopus and other authenticated portals. After meticulous search using keywords such as Justicia adhatoda, Vitis vinifera, Systemic Hypertension, Preclinical studies, In-silico analysis, In-vitro studies and Clinical trials with Boolean search AND and OR in. A total of 20 fully accessed articles and 7 classical textbooks were included in this study revealing that the leaves of Adhatoda leaf has ACE inhibitory potential, marked thrombolytic properties, antagonistic vascular alpha receptors, phosphodiesterase inhibitor, direct action on endothelium to release EDRF (vasodilatory effect) and anti-thrombolytic activity. The dry fruits of Vitis vinifera ameliorates hypertension, oxidative stress, improves vascular function, improves arterial relaxation and attenuates cardia hypertrophy. This literature review explores the potency of Siddha herbal formulations in management of Hypertension.