Effectiveness of Siddha Medicine and Wound Dressing with Maththan ennai thiri (Medicated oil gauze wick) in the Management of Madhumegha Viranam (Diabetic foot ulcer) – A Case Study
Thiruvancheeswaran Soruban
Indhu PM
Jayaveeran T
Sivakkumar S
ABSTRACT
Chronic wounds, especially diabetic foot ulcers, represent a major health concern, characterized by deep tissue lesions in the lower limbs often associated with neurological and vascular complications. In the text Agathiyar Rana Vaithiyam, Viranam (Ulcers) is classified into two types Theerum Viranam (healing ulcers), and Theeratha Viranam (chronic non healing ulcers). Madhumega viranam (diabetic foot ulcer) owing to its chronicity may be correlated with Theeratha Viranam (chronic non healing ulcers). This case study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a Siddha treatment approach, combining topical Maththan Ennai Thiri (medicated oil gauze wick) and various internal medicines, for managing a chronic diabetic foot ulcer. A 42-year-old male driver, suffering from a two months history of a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer and a recent diabetes diagnosis, was treated at the National Institute of Siddha. His ulcer, measuring 2cm x 1cm with a 4cm sinus, presented with pus, pain, and swelling. The treatment involved daily wound cleansing with normal saline, application of Maththan Ennai Thiri, and concurrent administration of internal Siddha medicines: Madhumega Chooranam, Keezhanelli Chooranam, Seenthil Sarkarai, Biramanantha Bairavam, and Parangi Pathangam. Wound healing was monitored weekly through measurements and photographs. After one month of consistent treatment, the patient exhibited significant ulcer healing, evidenced by a marked reduction in both the size and depth of the wound. This positive outcome suggests that the integrated use of topical Maththan Ennai Thiri and the prescribed internal Siddha medicines was effective in promoting the healing of this chronic diabetic foot ulcer, aligning with Siddha principles for treating such conditions. In conclusion, this case study indicates that this Siddha treatment protocol is effective for Madhumega Viranam (diabetic foot ulcer), and these encouraging results highlight the need for further comprehensive clinical studies to validate its efficacy.
Keywords: Diabetic foot ulcer, Madhumegha Viranam, Maththan Ennai Thiri, Medicated oil gauze wick, Siddha medicine.