Padikaram (Alum)- A Unique drug and its Utilization in Siddha Medicine: A Pharmacological review

Abstract

Siddha system is one of the ancient medicinal practices, laid down by various Siddhars. This Siddha system has various unique properties which can`t be compensated by any of the currently available treatment methods. These superlative nature of this system is due to the extra-ordinary diagnostic methods, treatment regimes, various methods of medications as well as in preventive care. Padikaram(Seenakaram, Alum), which is an unique mineral found in various parts of India as well as in other countries has been used routienly by coomon people with adequate knowledge like arresting bleeding etc..This article aims to give an deep insight of scientific knowledge of Padikaram, it’s pharmacological activities, therapeutic potential in Siddha texts and in current modern medicines, which has been mentioned in Traditional texts. It is used as an antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, hemostytic in several medicinal systems. It is also used in many compound formulations in various dosage forms. In this paper, Alum is reviewed for its various pharmacological and physiochemical properties due to its importance and benificent medical indications.
Keywords: Alum, mineral, Siddha, Medicine, Pharmacology, Literature.

Full text

Siddha Papers 2019 (14)(2) K. Vignesh et al,
Siddha Papers 2019 (14) (2)
REVIEW ARTICLE
https://www.siddhapapers.com
Padikaram (Alum)- A Unique drug and its Utilization in Siddha Medicine: A
Pharmacological review
K. Vignesh1, S.J. Nivesh1, K. Saravanasingh2, A.P. Uma3*
1UG scholar, Sivaraj Siddha Medical College, Salem.
2Research Scholar, Department of Biotechnology, Thiruvalluvar University, Serkadu, Vellore.
3*Lecturer, Department of Toxicology, Sivaraj Siddha Medical College, Salem.
vignesh02vg@gmail.com
Abstract
Siddha system is one of the ancient medicinal practices, laid down by various Siddhars. This
Siddha system has various unique properties which can`t be compensated by any of the currently
available treatment methods. This superlative nature of this system is due to the extra-ordinary
diagnostic methods, treatment regimes, various methods of medications as well as in preventive care.
Padikaram (Seenakaram, Alum), which is an unique mineral found in various parts of India as well as
in other countries has been used routinely by common people with adequate knowledge like arresting
bleeding etc., This article aims to give an deep insight of scientific knowledge of Padikaram, its
pharmacological activities, therapeutic potential in Siddha texts and in current modern medicines,
which has been mentioned in Traditional texts. It is used as an antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic,
hemostyptic in several medicinal systems. It is also used in many compound formulations in various
dosage forms. In this paper, Alum is reviewed for its various pharmacological and physiochemical
properties due to its importance and beneficent medical indications.
Keywords
Alum, mineral, Siddha, Medicine, Pharmacology, Literature.

Siddha Papers 2019 (14) (2) K. Vignesh et al,
Introduction
India’s soil is enriched with several minerals with its ores. Besides its country economic
wealth for commercial use, it has high medicinal values in curing ailments. On knowing this, the
Siddhar’s with their immense knowledge, found the separation of these minerals from it`s ore, their
astonishing purification methods and formulated medicinal preparation procedures with their
indications of various diseases. Minerals are the inorganic compounds that occur in nature in pure or
impure state. One among them is Alum. Alum is extracted from its ore of Alumen, which is a
Mineral salt. Alum is extracted from the soil ore present in Nepal, Bihar, Punjab and around
Kathiawar(2). In Siddha literatures, Alum is used to arrest bleeding, leucorrhoea and menorrhagia,
diarrhoea, vomiting, washing eyes in case of eye diseases, stomatitis and in washing wounds. It is
used as an antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, haemostatic in several medicinal systems. It is also
used in many compound formulations in various dosage forms. It also has various commercial uses
like tanning, baking cosmetics etc. In this paper, Alum is reviewed for its pharmacological and
physiochemical properties due to its importance and beneficent medical indications.
Vernacular Names
Tamil: Padikaram, Shinacarum
English: Alum, Sulphate of aluminia and potash or of aluminum and ammonium, Ammonious
Sulphate.
Persia: Shab-i-Yemeni, Zake Bilor, Zake sagefed.
Arab: Shabb-zaje-abyaz
Hindi: Phitikhari, phithkari
Gujarthi: Phatkari
Telugu: Pattikaramu
General Properties
According to Siddha Literature, Aluminium and its oxides are found almost everywhere in
form of clay combined with metal irons, ammonium etc as a compound called Alumina from which
the metal is isolated resembling Silver. It is white with bluish tinge and available in lumps and it is

Siddha Papers 2019 (14) (2) K. Vignesh et al,
sour and astringent in taste. It contains water and so boils when heated. It is a double sulphate of
aluminium and potassium. It has long been produced artificially from different ores. It is brittle,
inodorous and crystalizes as transparent containing acid which is sweetish astringent taste. It forms
the principle constituent cocoined with the oxides or iron of Silajet(2).
Types of Alum and it’s Uses
1. Potassium alum
a) Physical and chemical properties
• Chemical formula- KAL (SO4)2 .12 H2O
• Molecular weight- 474.39gm
• Color - colorless, white.
• Luster - vitreous
• Specific gravity- 1.757
• Crystal system- Isometric
• Hardness – 2 on mohs` scale or 2 gypsum
• Type – Isotropic
• Density-1.757 g/cm3 or 1.753 g /cm3
• Cell parameter = 12.157(3)A
• Streak-white
• Electron density – bulk density=1. 84 gm/cc
• Fermion index-0.0013552227
• Photoelectric; PE alum (k) =1.89 barns/electron
• V=PE ALUM(K) x electron=3.47 barns/electron
b) COMPOSITION
Potassium
8.24% k
9.93% k2o
Aluminium
5.69% Al
10.75% Al2o3
Hydrogen
5.10% H
45.57% H20
Sulfur
13.52%S
33.75%So3
Oxygen
67.45% O
100%
100% TOTAL oxide
Table1: Composition of Alum

Siddha Papers 2019 (14) (2) K. Vignesh et al,
c) Morphology
If Crystal Octahedral is precipitated from pure water solution, Cubic from alkaline
solutions commonly massive with columnar or granules, structure, stalactitic, merely coating.
d) Uses
It is aluminium potassium sulfate also known as “tawas” or potash alum. It mainly
used as astringent and antiseptic. It is also used in water purification, tanning, dying, fire
proof textile and baking powder as E number E522. It also has cosmetic effects as deodorant,
to arrest bleeding in minor cut and abrasion, epistaxis, and hemorrhoids and to relive pain
from stings and bites. Potassium alum was also used topically to remove pimples and acne
and to cauterize aphthous ulcers. It has been used to stop bleeding in cases of hemorrhagic
cystitis in children and help to cure for hyperhidrosis. It is used in dentistry especially in
original retraction cords, because of its astringent and hemostatic properties. Potassium and
ammonium alum are the active ingredient in some antiperspirants(4) and deodorants, acting by
inhibiting the growth of bacteria responsible for body odour.
Potassium alum was the major adjuvant used to increase the efficacy of vaccines but it
has almost completely replaced by aluminium hydroxide and aluminium phosphate in
commercial vaccines. Alum may be used in depilatory waxes used for the removal of body
hair or applied to freshly waxed skin and serves as a demulcent. Potassium alum may be the
acidic ingredients of baking powder to provide a second leavening phase at high temperature.
Preservatives, brad whites fire retardant to under cloth, wood and paper materials less
flammables. Leather tanning is done in order to remove moisture from the hide and prevent
rotting. It is used as mordant to form a permanent bond between dye and natural textile fibers.
It is a base of lake pigment. It is used to remote antiquity purification of turbid liquid.
Between 30 and 40 ppm of alum for household wastewater often more in industrial waste
water, is added to the water so that the negativity changed colloidal particles dump together
into flocs. Like other similar salts, it works by neutralizing the electrical double layer
surrounding very fine suspended particles, allowing them to join into flocs. This same
principle is exploited when using alum to increase the viscosity of ceramic glaze more readily
adherent and slows its rate of sedimentation. Alum solution has the property of dissolving
steels bits that have become lodged in machined castings. Alum and animal glue were
dissolved in water, forming a liquid known as dousa and used as an unclucout for paper
sizing. Potassium alum was formerly used as a hardness of photographic emulsions, usually
as part of fixer.

Siddha Papers 2019 (14) (2) K. Vignesh et al,
It usually dissociates in an alkaline solution, combining with OH of water to form
insoluble aluminium hydroxide. In the presence of excess acid, aluminium hydroxide cannot
be formed, thus causing failure of aluminium haematoxylin dye lake to form, due to lack of
OH ions. Hence acid solution of alum haematoxylin becomes red. During staining alum
haematoxylin –stained section are usually passed on to a neutral or alkaline solution in moles
to neutralize the acid and form an insoluble blue aluminium haematin complex this procedure
is known as blueing.
e) Toxicology
Weak irritant to skin.
f) Radioactivity
• GR api (gamma ray American petroleum institute units) = 124.32
• Concentration of alum(k) per GR api unit = 0.80%
• Estimated radioactivity from alum (K) – barely detertable.
g) Adverse effects while using alum
Common adverse effect - Stinging of skin
Infrequent adverse effect
• Dry skin
• Skin irritant
• Stinging of skin
Rare adverse effect
• Burn
• Feeling faint
• Feeling of throat tightness
• Fluid accumulation around the eye
• Hives
• Hypersensitivity drug reaction
• Life threatening allergic reaction
• Puffy face from water retention
• Shallow skin ulcer
• Skin ulcer
• Throat swelling
• Trouble breathing

Siddha Papers 2019 (14) (2) K. Vignesh et al,
• Itching
2. Sodium alum
• Physical and chemical properties:
➢ Chemical formula: Na Al (SO4)2.12(H20)
➢ Molecular weight : 458.28gm
➢ Cell dimension; a =12.214
➢ X ray diffraction; by intensity (I/IO)=4.314(3)2,2.962(O.35),3.526(0.14)
➢ Color - colorless
➢ Density-1.67
➢ Habit-Fibrous- crystal made up of fibers
➢ Hardness – 3 –calite
➢ Luminescence – non florescent
➢ Luster-vitreous (glassy)
➢ Magnetism- non magnetic
➢ Electron density- bulk density=1.75gm/cc
➢ Specific gravity of alum (Na)=1.67 gm /cc
➢ Photoelectric PE alum (Na)=1.22 barns/electron
➢ Radioactivity-GRapi=o (gamma ray American petroleum institute unit)
➢ Alum(Na) is Non-radioactive.
Morphology
Like its potassium analog, sodium Aluminium sulfate crystallizes are dodecahydrate in the
classical cubical alum structure. Sodium alum is very soluble in water and extremely difficult to
purify.
Uses
Sodium aluminium sulphate is produced by combing sodium sulfate and aluminium sulfate.
An estimated 3000 ton/year are produced worldwide.Baking powder-sodium alum act as an acid
which is activated at baking temperature. Mordant for the preparation of hematoxylin solutions for
staining cell nuclei.
Two other rare mineral forms are
Mendozite
Tamarugite

Siddha Papers 2019 (14) (2) K. Vignesh et al,
3. Ammonium alum
a) Physical and chemical properties
➢ Chemical formula: (NH4)Al(SO4)2
➢ Molar mass: 237.15g/mole (anhydrous), 453.33g/mole(dodecahydrate)
➢ Appearance –white crystal
➢ Density -2.45g/cm3(anhydrous)
➢ Melting point -93.5oc
➢ Boiling point-120oc
➢ Solubility in water -15g/100ml
➢ Crystal structures-hexagonal (anhydrous), Cubic(dodecahydrate)
➢ Coordination geometry: octahedral (Al3+)
➢ Flash boin-non flammable
b) Uses
Ammonium alum is made from aluminium hydroxide ,sulfuric acid and ammonium
sulfate.It form a solid solution with potassium alum.Pyrolysis cause alumina such alumina is
used in the production of grinding powder and as precursor of synthetic gums.Used in water
purification in vegetable glue,in porcelain cement in deodorants and in tanning,dying and in
fire proofing textiles.The PH of solution resulting from the topical application of ammonium
alum with perspiration is typically in slightly acid range from 3 to 5.It is common ingredients
in animal repellent sprays.
c) Adverse effects while using alum:
It causes Alzheimer’s disease
d) Potential health effect
This material hydrolyses in water to form sulfuric acid which is responsible for the
irritating effects.
Inhalation
➢ Irritating respiratory tract
➢ Symptoms: coughing, Shortness of breath

Siddha Papers 2019 (14) (2) K. Vignesh et al,
Ingestion
Irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea .thus have been two cases of fatal human
poisoning from ingestion of 30g of alum.
Skin contact
Irritation, redness, itching, pain
Eye contact
Irritation redness, pain
e) Hazards identification
• Harmful if swallowed or inhaled causes irritation to skin ,eyes and respiratory tract
• Health rating –slight
• Flammable rating-none
• Reactivity rating-none
• Contact rating-slight
• Lab protective equip-goggles, lab coat
• Storage color code-orange
f) First aid measures
• Inhalation
• Move to fresh air.
• If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
g) Chrome Alum
It is also known as Chromium Alum. It has the formula KCr(SO4)2, 12 H2O. It is an
deep violet compound used in tanning and can be added in other alum for coloring.
h) Selenate Alum
Like chrome Alum it is replaced by Selenate[SeO42-]. The selenate compound is an
strong oxidizing agents, so it can be used as an Antiseptics.
i) Aluminum Sulfate
It is also called as “Papermaker`s Alum” still rendered use in Medical purposes.
j) Alumen exsiccatum (Dried Alum)
In Siddha Text`s it denoted in the name of “Padigapori”(2). It is used as an mild
escharotics(5).

Siddha Papers 2019 (14) (2) K. Vignesh et al,
Purification Method in Siddha Literatures
Crystallization: Dissolve alum in water and the saturated salt solution is filtered by using a
filter. The solution is poured in a china clay container and covered by a cloth to prevent dust. then it
is exposed to sunlight and allowed to evaporated, the purified crystals are obtained(1),(6)(8).
Pharmacological actions in Siddha Literature
Internal uses
➢ Alum, Catechu (kaichukatti) and Cinnamomun are taken in equal quantity and
powdered . 975 gms of this powder is given with honey with diarrhoea proceeding cholera.
➢ Administration of 65 mg of padikaram relieves vomiting.
➢ Administration of 195 mg padikaram with 14ml of rose water twice a day releives
asthma and cough.
➢ 260 mg of padikaram is mixed with juice of Adathoda vasica and administered thrice
a day for leucorrhoea and menorrhagia.
➢ To extract Aloe Vera juice, padikaram powder is used(1) .
It is also an ingredient in various compound preparations like padikara parpam, padikara
cheendoram, Padikalinga thuvar etc..
Reported Pharmacological activities
1) Anti- Hemorrhagic activity:
In the trial of 45 patients with tonsillectomy, Aluminium Potassium Sulphate (>99%
pure) used as hemostatic agent and gauze pack on the other side in the tonsilar fossae
reduced the operation time significantly(28.6%), functioning blood loss by 19.7% and
number of ties used reduced by 33.3% in comparison with control(7). This confirms
the anti-hemorrhagic activity with anti-platelet activity(9)mentioned in the Classical
Siddha texts(1).
2) Anti-microbial activity:
Different concentrations of Alum were examined against Proteus mirabilis, that
causes urinary tract infections. The results with loss of motility in semi-solid media
and minimum inhibitory concentrations were found to prove the adequate anti-
microbial activity(10).

Siddha Papers 2019 (14) (2) K. Vignesh et al,
3) Spermicidal activity:
Spermicidal activity varies with different concentration of potash Alum. In case of
15%, the death time is found to be 51.9 sec, in case of 10% it is found to be 87.2 sec
and in case of 5% it was 122 sec(11).
4) Treating aphthous stomatitis:
Recurrent aphtous stomatitis, which is caused by recurrent usage of several
medications like antibiotics, analgesics etc. This ulcer can be cured by tropical
application of allum(13).
5) As adjuvant in vaccines:
Recent studies revels that in addition of alum as an adjuvant, the efficacy of the
Hepatitis E, influenza ,RSV(Respiratory syncytial virus)-Pre F vaccines and several
others has been improved by several times(14),(15).
6) Management of post-operative wounds:
Alum shows a better prognosis in post-operative wound care(16).
It also has other activities like antiseptic, albuminuria, antispasmodic, anti-emetic,
anti- cancer, aphonia, arrest excessive menstrual bleeding, in asthma, astringent, atonic diarrhea,
atony in bed sores, Gum bleedings, bleeding piles, chronic conjuctivities,etc(12)
External uses(1)(3)
1. 130 mg of padikaram is dissolved in 28 ml of water and used for washing eyes in case of eye
diseases.
2. 35 gm of padikaram is dissolved in 28ml of water and used for mouth wash in stomatitis and
in washing wounds.
3. To arrest bleeding, gauze pieces is dipped into padikaram dissolved water and used as a
bandage.
4. Padikara patru: Powdered peel of Kadukai(Terminalia chebula) is grounded with lime water
and placed in a iron vessel. Powdered padikaram and kariyapolam is added and heated. It is
applied over the eye and shedding of tears.
It is also an ingredient in various compound preparations like Padikara neer, vellai
mathirai etc..

Siddha Papers 2019 (14) (2) K. Vignesh et al,
Conclusion
To conclude, besides several activities Padikaram can be promoted for its usefulness in
emergencies to arrest various types of bleeding in Siddha system owing reported pharmacological
activity. Further efforts are needed to evaluate these activities for better efficacy which will promote
the physicians to handle bleeding emergencies which will lay a milestone for the development of
Siddha system.
References
1. Dr.R.Thyagarajan LIM; Gunapadam Thathu jeevam vagupu- 2016 (9th edition): Indian
Medicine and Homeopathy Pg:396-401.
2. T.V.Sambasivam pillai; Dictionary of Medicine, Chemistry, Botany and Allied Sciences Pg:
93-96.
3. Dr. Thirunarayanan; External therapies of Siddha medicine-CTMR,Chennai-2010.
4. Christopher Exley; Aluminum in antiperspirants: More than just skin deep, The American
Journal of Medicine.Vol (117), Issue (12), Pg: 969-970.
5. Waring EJ, Pharmacopoea of India Reprint ed, Delhi: Asiatic Publishing House; 2010, Pg:
343.
6. Deva asirvaatham Shanmugavel MD(S), Marunthu Sei Yealum Kalaiyum, 2016 Pg: 294.
7. Al-Abbasi AM, The Benefit of Alum in Tonsillectomy, Gomal Journal of medical Sciences
2009; 7(2): 124-127.
8. Dr. A. Dhanalakshmi, Dep’t. of nanju noolum maruthuva neethi noolum: A Toxicity Study
on Padikara chendrum, dissertation submitted to THE T.N. DR M.G.R Medical
University,Chennai - 600 032.
9. FI Mohammed and YA shafagoj. In vitroanti platelet effectof intravenous alum in rabbits, La
Revue de la mediterrane orientale 2005; 11(3).
10. Sudha Revathi sudarsanam; Potency of Kara Sooda sathu parpam, A herbo mineral Siddha
drug in the management Kalladaipu noi(urolithiasis): A drug review - Int J. Res. Ayurveda
Pharm 5(3), May-June 2014.
11. Singh HP, Singh CK, Singh RR, Effect of potash alam on human semen, Indian J Pharmacol
1998; 42(2): 311-314.
12. Akhtar Ali; Shibb-E-Yamani(Alum) A Unique drug and its utilization in Unani medicine: A
Physiochemical and Pharmacological review-Int J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm 8(2), 2017.

Siddha Papers 2019 (14) (2) K. Vignesh et al,
13. Rafieian; Efficacy of alum for treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis, Caspian J Intern
med 2016 7(3); 201-205.
14. Joshi SS; Differential Immun responses in mice immunized with recombinant neutralizing
epitope protein of Hepatitis E virus formulated with liposome and alum adjuvants- Viral
immunol 2016 jul-aug 29(6): 350-360.
15. Yam KK; Comparison of AS03 and alum on immune responses elicted by A/H3N2 splint and
in young, mature and aged BALB/c mice; Vaccine 2016 mar14; 34(12)-1444-51.
16. Chueasupparobon; Treatment Frey`s syndrome with tropical ammonium alum; two cases; clin
otolaryngol 2016 oct 41(5); 593-6.