Poovarasam Pattai Kudineer in the Management of Kaana Kadi (Papular Urticaria)

Abstract

Kaanakadi, described in Siddha classical texts as a condition caused by the bite of an unknown creature, corresponds to papular urticaria in modern dermatology- a common hypersensitivity skin disorder characterized by pruritic erythematous papules, wheals, and localized swelling, primarily triggered by insect bites. Poovarasam Pattai Kudineer, a decoction prepared from the bark of Thespesia populnea (Malvaceae), is indicated in classical Siddha literature for the management of Kaanakadi. The present study evaluates the clinical efficacy of this formulation through a structured case series. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Poovarasam Pattai Kudineer in treating Kaanakadi (papular urticaria) using the Urticaria Activity Score (UAS) and eosinophil count as outcome measures over a 7-day follow-up period. It is a descriptive case series of 20 patients (9 males, 11 females; age 26–50 years) diagnosed with Kaanakadi (papular urticaria) was conducted at the OPD of Nanju Maruthuvam, Government Siddha Medical College and Hospital, Palayamkottai. Patients administered with Poovarasam Pattai Kudineer (50ml twice daily before food) for 7 days. UAS (Wheals and Pruritus, 0–3 scale) and eosinophil count (before and after treatment) were assessed for clinical outcomes. Paired t-test was used for statistical analysis. Post-treatment, UAS-Wheals significantly reduced (mean: 1.75±0.851 vs 0.95±1.191; p<0.001), UAS-Pruritus reduced significantly (mean: 1.7±0.733 vs 1.3 ± 0.979; p=0.017), and Eosinophil count showed a significant decline (mean: 6.45±2.460 vs 4.85±3.083; p=0.002). Complete resolution of wheals was observed in 55% of cases. Poovarasam Pattai Kudineer demonstrated statistically significant improvement in all three outcome parameters within 7 days, supporting its potential as an effective Siddha formulation for the management of Kaanakadi (papular urticaria).