A Review on Role of Siddha Medicine in Improving CD4 Cells in HIV Patients

Abstract

Siddha medicine, one of the most ancient traditional systems of medicine originating from South India, emphasizes holistic health, immunity enhancement, and disease prevention. In the context of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, depletion of CD4 T-lymphocytes remains a major concern as it leads to progressive immunodeficiency. While modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) effectively suppresses viral replication, immune restoration may be slow and incomplete in some patients. Siddha medicine offers supportive and complementary approaches aimed at improving immune strength, enhancing quality of life, and supporting CD4 cell regeneration. This review elaborates on the theoretical concepts of Siddha medicine, the role of immunity (Uyir Thathukkal and Udalthathukkal), and the importance of specific Siddha formulations such as Nilavembu Kudineer, Thiripala Chooranam, and Aya Birungaraja Karpam in maintaining and improving CD4 cell counts in HIV patients.