Nature’s Pharmacy for the Skin: Mechanisms and Molecules in Siddha Medicine

Abstract

This review synthesizes research on "Siddha and herbal medicine against skin diseases: mode of action and bioactive principles" to address gaps in understanding pharmacological mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy of traditional formulations. The review aimed to evaluate bioactive compounds, elucidate molecular targets, assess clinical efficacy and safety, compare Siddha treatments with conventional therapies, and correlate traditional protocols with modern pharmacology. Literature from Indian traditional medicine and related ethnobotanical contexts was systematically analyzed, encompassing phytochemical profiling, in vitro, in vivo, clinical studies, molecular docking, and network pharmacology. Key findings reveal diverse bioactive constituents—flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids—modulating inflammatory cytokines and signaling pathways implicated in psoriasis and dermatitis; clinical and preclinical evidence supports significant therapeutic benefits with favorable safety profiles; Siddha formulations demonstrate comparable or superior efficacy to conventional drugs with reduced adverse effects; and integration of traditional concepts with biomedical mechanisms enhances understanding and validation. Despite advances in standardization and emerging nanotechnology-based delivery systems, limitations include insufficient large-scale clinical trials and variability in formulation quality. These findings collectively underscore the potential of Siddha and herbal medicines as effective, safe alternatives or adjuncts in dermatological care. Further rigorous, standardized research is essential to facilitate clinical translation and integration into mainstream treatment paradigms.