Wound Healing and Pharmacological Properties of the Siddha Formulation Mathan Thailam: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Wound healing remains a significant concern in clinical practice, especially in chronic and infected wounds, where delayed healing can lead to serious complications and increased healthcare costs. The rising problem of antimicrobial resistance has encouraged a renewed interest in traditional systems of medicine as alternative options for wound care, even though conventional treatments are often effective. The Siddha system of medicine offers several medicated oils for external application, one of which is Mathan Thailam, a formulation that has been used for a long time in the treatment of burns, infected wounds, and ulcers.In this review, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar with keywords including “Mathan Thailam,” “wound healing,” and “Siddha medicine.” Studies published in English up to 2025 were considered, including preclinical experiments, traditional Siddha texts, and selected case reports; studies lacking relevant data were excluded. Evidence was synthesized narratively to evaluate pharmacological properties, mechanisms of action, and clinical outcomes. Mathan Thailam formulation is prepared using Datura leaf extract, purified copper sulfate, and coconut oil. Earlier reports indicate that this preparation shows antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing effects. Preclinical data suggest that topical application of Mathan Thailam accelerates wound healing through increased collagen deposition, greater tensile strength, and improved epithelialization. It is thought that these effects are linked to changes in inflammatory mediators(TNF-α, IL-10) as well as better antioxidant defense systems and angiogenesis. Clinical evidence however remains limited and is largely confined to observational case reports documenting symptomatic improvement and reduction in wound size in chronic ulcers. In the absence of controlled clinical trials, such observations should be interpreted with caution. Overall, the existing literature indicates that Mathan Thailam possesses wound-healing potential that is supported mainly by preclinical data. Further well-designed clinical studies are required to establish its safety, efficacy, and therapeutic relevance within evidence-based wound-care practice.