Literature Review on Kalikkam (Ophthalmic Application)- Siddha System of Medicine

Abstract

Through the development of science and technology, more non-invasive methods of treatment are made available to the general public. The Siddha system of medicine also has non-invasive methods that are less known to the public and even less practiced in the Siddha community. According to Siddha literature, eye diseases are classified into 96 types. Various forms of medicine are prescribed for treating eye diseases. Kalikkam (medicated eye drops) is one of the external forms of medicine that is applied to the eyes. This review documents the various preparations of kalikkam, the efficacy of kalikkam, methods of application, dosage form, and effect of kalikkam in treating delirium, sinusitis, fever, jaundice, and poisonous conditions. Copper sulphate (Thurusu), Piper nigrum (Milagu), Tamarindus indicus (Pazham puli), Terminalia chebula (Kadukai), and calamine (Thutham) were commonly used ingredients in kalikkam preparations. Most (40%) of the preparations were smoothed out with breast milk. This study highlights the value of Siddha medicines in the management of various emergency situations, and it will serve as a valuable reference for ophthalmic practises and clinical studies in the future.