Gunapadam Marunthiyal (Pharmacology)
DEPARTMENT
Vision
To preserve, promote, and scientifically validate the classical wisdom of Siddha pharmacology for the development of safe, effective, and standardized Siddha medicines that serve the well-being of humanity.
Mission
To impart comprehensive knowledge on Siddha drugs and their pharmacological actions.
To ensure quality, safety, and efficacy in the preparation and dispensing of Siddha formulations.
To integrate traditional pharmacological principles with modern scientific advancements.
To encourage research, standardization, and innovation in Siddha pharmacology and pharmaceutics.
Teaching Faculty
The department is headed by the Varma Aasan Prof. Dr. V. Ganapathy MD(S)., a distinguished scholar, researcher, healer and passionate educator with decades of experience. Under his visionary leadership, the department has evolved into a vibrant centre for academic, clinical, research and entrepreneurial excellence. A dedicated team of Associate Professors – Dr.N.Kasirajan MD(S)., Mrs.T.C.Beaula Stary MSc, B.Ed., Assistant Professor – Dr.A.Sountharya MD(S) and Technical Staff contribute wholeheartedly to academic delivery, student mentoring, drug formulation, and therapeutic applications.
Research
Classification of drugs – Based on their source:
Mooligai – Herbal origin
Thadhu – Mineral/metal origin
Jeevam – Animal origin
Their botanical, zoological, or mineral identity and its regional names, Verupeyarkal(Synonyms), Metalic name, Vernacular names, Parts used, Suvai (Taste), Thanmai (Effect), Pirivu (Ultimate Taste), Veeriyam (Potency), Varieties, Identification, Distribution, Pothugunam (General Properties), Natppu charakku (Agonist), Pagai charakku (Antagonist), Suddhi (Purification), Therapeutic action, Dose, Uses, & name of the different formulations.
List of Practicals
Purification (Suddhi) of raw drugs – Removing toxic or unwanted parts before use.
Traditional detoxification processes using herbal juices, cow’s milk, lime water, etc.
Chemical Analysis
Inorganic chemical analysis
Phytochemical analysis
Raw Drug Identification & Interpretation based on its predominant bootham, suvai, thanmai and pirivu, pharmacological activity and Phytochemicals.
ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
To deepen student engagement and knowledge application, the department routinely organizes:
Guest Lectures by experienced Siddha physicians, pharmacologists, botanists, and traditional healers
Workshops on raw drug authentication, standardization techniques
Exposure Visits to GMP-certified Siddha pharmacies, herbal farms, and ethnomedical communities
Student Research Projects and mini-thesis works on classical formulations, drug-drug interactions, safety validation, and product development
Entrepreneurial Training Modules on value-added Siddha products, packaging, and marketing skills
In collaboration with other institutions and community stakeholders, the department also encourages publication, patenting, and startup development of unique Siddha herbal products.
Department Photos
