Most people would probably say no.
After all, we often associate metals with toxicity.
So why do traditional systems like Siddha use certain metals and minerals in medicine?
The answer is simple:
Because they’re never used in their raw form.
Before becoming medicine, they undergo Suthi, a traditional purification process described in Siddha pharmaceutics. The goal is to reduce undesirable properties, improve safety, and prepare the material for therapeutic use.
Interestingly, modern studies have shown that Suthi can alter the physicochemical properties of certain ingredients, supporting the idea that purification changes the material rather than simply cleaning it.
Researchers have also reported nano- and submicron-sized particles in some Siddha formulations, although this cannot be generalized to all medicines and requires further research.
Does this mean every Siddha metal medicine is safe?
No.
Like any medicine, safety depends on proper purification, standardization, quality control, correct dosing, and clinical supervision. Improperly prepared or unregulated products can still be harmful.
The real question isn’t whether Siddha uses metals.
It’s how modern science can continue to validate and standardize traditional pharmaceutical processes like Suthi.
MBH/PS