Chennai: With the State witnessing a steep spike in the number of dengue and swine flu cases, the government is stressing on consumption of the herbal ‘nilavembu’ concoction. It is being distributed by the authorities and every other ‘socially-conscious person’ as if it were a life-saver. However, there has been a lot of mystery surrounding the drink as several experts question its efficacy in flu cases.
A doctor from Kilpauk Medical College, speaking to News Today, said, “There has been no proven research claiming that nilavembu kudineer increases the blood count when taken, though the Siddha doctors claim so. One-and-a-half years ago, I had a patient who died because of repeated consumption of the compound. It is said it even causes impotency.”
When a patient is affected by dengue, the virus hits the immunity level and a steep drop in blood cell count is witnessed. Arguing against the statement, the doctor said, “A human body is lined with several forms of immunity and it is still unclear about which line of defence it effects and also the cells.”
However, when Arignar Anna Government Hospital was contacted, the Joint Director said, “There has been a lot of studies published in scientific journals that validates the presence of anti-viral properties in the nilavembu herbal brew. It can be used to prevent and cure the fever and everyone can use it, as it is prophylactic. It is suggested adults can consume 30 ml a day twice and should continue it for five days as treatment.”
He further stated that the drink does not have any connection with impotency as the doctors suggest compounded therapy that is said to be safe for consumption. The herbal concoction is suggested with a combination of a few other compounds such as vilamichai ver, vettiver, sukku, milagu, pathpadagam and santhanam.
“Only when patients take the juice made of just nilavembu, it leads to such conditions,” he explained.
King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research, director, Dr P Gunasekaran, presented a paper along with a few doctors in 2015, where the team had conducted a study and proven the effectiveness of the herbal drink.
The study showed that in patients who consumed it for more than five days, an increased effect was seen and it significantly protected against the development of viral fever-related conditions. However, the results emphasise that the consumption of nilavembu kudineer is effective only when taken adequately and regularly.
“It has immuno-modulation effect that was proved by the ancient Siddhars and can be safely given to dengue patients,” reiterated Dr Gunasekaran.
IT JUMPS
The research paper co-authored by the King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research, director, Dr P Gunasekaran, proved that when dengue subset was observed, consumption of adathoda leaf and papaya leaf juice exert quick response on the bone marrow to generate platelet production.