Siddha Review on Pandu (Anaemia) and its Management

Abstract

Siddha system is a traditional system of medicine that originated in South India. It describes approximately 4,448 diseases affecting humans. Pandu (anemia) is considered as one of the disease in Siddha medicine, whereas modern medicine regards anaemia as a sign and symptom of many underlying diseases. Our aim to review the concept of Pandu Roga from various Siddha literatures and to correlate it with modern anaemia. Materials were collected from ancient Siddha texts, research journals, and electronic databases. Literature related to Pandu were reviewed from library of Faculty of Siddha Medicine, University of Jaffna and main library of Jaffna Municipal Council. Nine books were identified and included in this study. The collected data were processed and statistically analysed using simple statistical methods with Microsoft Excel 2016. Out of the nine Siddha literatures reviewed, five (55.55%) mentioned the causes of Pandu. According to the literature review, five (55.55%) books mentioned that improper habits and behaviour are major causes of Pandu. Among the ten types of Pandu, Vatha Pandu and Pitha Pandu were mentioned in 100% of the literatures. The primary cause of Pandu was identified as improper behavior and habits, along with unhealthy dietary practices.