Nilavembu kudineer
What is the News?
- Under in vitro conditions, nilavembu kudineer (a Siddha medicine) was found to provide protection against chikungunya virus while it was effective as a treatment during acute phase of dengue infection.
- The Tamil Nadu government had distributed nilavembu kudineer concoction to treat people infected with dengue during the outbreak in late 2017.
What is Nilavembu kudineer?
- Nilavembu Kudineer is a herbal drug comprising nine ingredients in equal measure.
- The primary ingredient of the drug — nilavembu (andrographis paniculata)–is a small plant that is said to have antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and anti-analgesic properties and several other health benefits.
- Under Siddha treatment, it is prescribed for all types of fevers and also for body aches.
- It is consumed as a drink mixed in measures prescribed by Siddha medical practitioners.
Safety studies
- Safety studies showed that nilavembu kudineer concoction was non-toxic starting from 3% (about 1.8 milligram per millilitre) of human dose.
- The researchers found that andrographis, which is the active ingredient of nilavembu kudineer, when used alone was extremely toxic at 3% of human dose.
- Human dose is prepared by mixing 5 grams of nilavembu kudineer in 240 ml of water. It is then boiled and reduced to 30 ml and consumed.
- This shows that nilavembu kudineer as a formulation is safe for use in humans.