Phytochemical profiling of the Siddha Formulation Vasampathi Chooranam (VC): A Scientific Basis for Its Traditional Use in Treating Malignant Fungating Wounds

Background and Aim: The Siddha system of medicine utilizes the polyherbal formulation, Vasampathi Chooranam (VC), to treat various ailments, including " vippuruthi," or Malignant fungating wounds. Despite its traditional use, a scientific validation of its active components and therapeutic mechanisms is lacking. This study aims to provide a comprehensive phytochemical profile of VC using modern analytical techniques to establish a scientific basis for its traditional application.

Materials and Methods: The VC formulation was prepared according to the classical Siddha text “ Pararasasekara vaithiyam”. Its phytochemical composition was investigated using a three-stage approach: preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening identified major classes of compounds present in this formulation. High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) was employed to create a characteristic chromatographic fingerprint, identifying key compounds like gallic acid and quercetin. Finally, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed to identify specific volatile and semi-volatile compounds.

Results and Discussion: The qualitative analysis confirmed the presence of tannins, phenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids, which are known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The HPTLC analysis further specified the presence of compounds such as ellagic acid, boswellic acid, and quercetin, linking the formulation's traditional use to their documented therapeutic effects. The GC-MS analysis identified specific antibacterial compounds, including 2-(Acetoxymethyl)-3-(methoxycarbonyl)biphenylene and Silicic acid, diethylbis(trimethylsilyl)ester, providing molecular-level evidence that supports the formulation's efficacy against infection-related pus.

Conclusion: This study provides a robust scientific foundation for the traditional use of Vasampathi Chooranam. The synergistic presence of compounds with confirmed antibacterial, anti-inflammatory validates its application for Malignant fungating wounds forming cancers. The detailed phytochemical profile serves as a critical benchmark for quality control and paves the way for future pharmacological and clinical investigations into the formulation's therapeutic potential.