A Comparative Analysis of Therapeutic Applications of Semi-poisonous Medicinal Plants in Ayurveda and Siddha Traditions: Insights from Classical Texts

A bstract Semi-poisonous plants hold a significant place in Ayurveda and Siddha for their potent, fast-acting properties after purification. This study reviewed classic Ayurvedic and Siddha texts to document therapeutic indications and purification methods. Plant identification was verified with Dravyaguṇa experts and standard references. Only original verses concerning therapeutic uses and detoxification procedures were included in the study, with Siddha verses validated by expert translation. After extensive review, 188 distinct disease conditions were identified across both systems. Only 42 (22.3%) are common, whereas 67 are exclusive to Ayurveda and 79 to Siddha, revealing markedly different therapeutic emphases despite shared botanicals. Ayurveda primarily employs these plants in musculoskeletal, anorectal, dermatological, dental, ear, nose, and throat, reproductive, infectious, and poisoning-related disorders, with limited use in neurological and respiratory conditions. Siddha favors neurological, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal disorders, followed by infectious and skin diseases, with minimal mention in neoplastic and renal conditions. Most plants exhibit antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, purgative, and rejuvenative actions, explaining their prominence in infectious, painful, inflammatory, dermatological, and gastrointestinal disorders. The low overlap underscores system-specific wisdom and highlights significant potential for cross-system validation. Thus, this study not only provides insight into the knowledge on how to use these plants but also provides pharmacological leads for the better incorporation of these plants into clinical practice.