A review on usage of copper and its extractives Satthu in Siddha system of medicine

Abstract

The Siddha system of medicine is an ancient chemico-philosophical system with unfathomable roots in iatrochemistry. Huge potential data are still hidden in the Siddha manuscripts about the preparation and usage of herbomineral formulations. This review focuses on the medicinal utility of ‘Chembu,’ that is, elemental copper in Siddha medicine encompassing purification, medicines made from copper, and also about copper extractives Satthu. Copper made as Chembu parpam or chendooram is employed in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract ulcers, cancer, severe asthma, and eye diseases. Recent researches have shown that elemental copper is converted into nanometal complexes with no toxicity in low doses with a series of processes indicated in literature. An intensive insight into Siddha classics divulges the role of Siddhas as skilled metallurgists of ancient times. Chembu satthu extracted with a sublimate called Kudori, from certain copper-rich herbals and animal sources, as indicated in Siddha literature is made as chendooram and consumed internally to rejuvenate body, endure longevity, and it also finds an indispensable role in alchemy. It also throws light upon the toxicity of copper and measures to overcome. The core data are collected from published books of Siddha classics, which mentions copper and its formulations.