title: Structural and elemental characterization of traditional Indian Siddha formulation: Thalagak karuppu.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The traditional Indian medicine 'Siddha' uses metals, metalloids and minerals including toxic ones with no proven toxicity. Thalagak karuppu (TK) is remarkably stable over a century and used for treating Suram (Fever), Kaasam (Cough), Elai (Tuberculosis) and Eraippu Erumal (Bronchial Asthma).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study addresses elemental and morphological characterization of therapeutic Siddha formulation: Thalagak karuppu (TK).
  
  
  METHODS
  TK was purchased from the Indian Medical Practitioners Co-operative Pharmacy and Stores (IMCOPS) Ltd, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. The physicochemical properties were evaluated using UV-visible spectrophotometer, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Zeta sizer and X-ray diffractometer (XRD).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mixed nature of arsenic was analyzed using UV-visible spectroscopy. The fingerprint region for arsenic derivatives was inferred from IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction patterns. The shape and size heterogeneity in the anisotropic mixture was observed in SEM images and the polydispersity was analyzed by Zeta sizer.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The structural, elemental and morphological analyses suggests that the arsenic may predominantly exist either as orpiment (As2S2) or realgar (As2S4) form. The possibility is less for the toxic arsenolite. Hence, the formulation may be considered safe.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology, MIT, Manipal University, Manipal, India.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kannan
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology, MIT, Manipal University, Manipal, India. Electronic address: s.balaji@manipal.edu.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Balaji
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, MIT, Manipal University, Manipal, India.
authors.forename: N V
authors.initials: NV
authors.lastname: Anil Kumar
keywords: Arsenic; Orpiment; Realgar; Siddha; Thalagak karuppu