Integrating Siddha Herbal Medicine with Stem Cell–Based Therapy: Bioactive Compounds, Signaling Targets, and Clinical Barriers

Authors

  • Divya Jayachandran
  • E.Sathya Priya
  • Saravanasingh Karan Chand Mohan Singh
  • L. Sridevi
  • Chandrasekar R
  • T Susmitha
  • Kanniyakumari M
  • Renga Sundari
  • Senthamil Veni S
  • Nimeshika Devi S.V.L

Keywords:

Stem cell therapy, Siddha medicine, Regenerative medicine, Herbal immunomodulation, Phytochemicals, Wnt signaling, PI3K/Akt pathway, Oxidative stress, Translational research

Abstract

 Background: Stem cell–based therapies are central to regenerative medicine but remain constrained by challenges such as immune rejection, variable engraftment, and long-term safety. Siddha medicine, a traditional South Indian system using herbal and lifestyle approaches, includes botanicals with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties that may influence stem cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation.

Methods: This narrative review synthesizes foundational stem cell biology (embryonic, adult, perinatal, and induced pluripotent stem cells), Siddha medical principles relevant to regeneration and rejuvenation, and experimental evidence describing herb–stem cell interactions. Emphasis is placed on candidate Siddha botanicals frequently discussed in the literature (e.g., Withania somnifera, Tinospora cordifolia, Centella asiatica, Curcuma longa, Bacopa monnieri, and Phyllanthus emblica) and the molecular pathways potentially involved.

Results: Multiple phytochemicals in Siddha herbs plausibly modulate stem cell behavior through convergent mechanisms: (i) reduction of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine signaling that otherwise impair engraftment and regeneration; (ii) activation or modulation of cell-survival and differentiation pathways (e.g., PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, BMP/TGF-β-linked signaling); and (iii) niche support via angiogenesis and immunoregulatory effects. Preclinical findings suggest potential for adjunct use alongside stem cell therapies, including herb-priming strategies and microenvironment conditioning; however, direct clinical trials combining standardized Siddha formulations with stem cell interventions remain limited.

Conclusions: Integrating Siddha phytotherapy with stem cell–based regeneration is biologically plausible and supported by mechanistic preclinical signals, but translation is currently restricted by heterogeneity of herbal preparations, limited human pharmacokinetic/bioavailability data, and insufficient controlled clinical trials. Standardization, safety assessment, and

 

 

pathway-specific validation are necessary before clinical integration can be responsibly recommended.

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References

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Published

2025-03-10

How to Cite

1.
Jayachandran D, Priya E, Chand Mohan Singh SK, Sridevi L, Chandrasekar R CR, T Susmitha TS, et al. Integrating Siddha Herbal Medicine with Stem Cell–Based Therapy: Bioactive Compounds, Signaling Targets, and Clinical Barriers. J Neonatal Surg [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 10 [cited 2026 Feb. 7];14(3):346-53. Available from: https://jneonatalsurg.com/index.php/jns/article/view/9912

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 3 (2025): Journal of Neonatal Surgery

Section

Original Article

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