Siddha Gunapadam concepts, raw drugs and purification (suddhi) processes MCQs With Answer

Siddha Gunapadam concepts, raw drugs and purification (suddhi) processes MCQs With Answer

Introduction: This quiz compilation is designed for M.Pharm students studying Indian Systems of Medicine (MPG 203T), focusing on Siddha Gunapadam — the materia medica — and the principles of raw drug handling and purification (suddhi). The questions emphasise conceptual understanding of drug classification (herbal, mineral, animal), objectives and indicators of classical purification processes, common traditional media and modern analytical approaches used to verify purity and safety. These MCQs bridge classical Siddha terminology and contemporary pharmaceutical quality control, helping postgraduate students consolidate theory and prepare for exams or research involving standardisation of Siddha raw materials and processed formulations.

Q1. What is the most appropriate definition of “Gunapadam” in Siddha pharmaceutics?

• Study of properties, actions and therapeutic applications of drugs (Materia Medica)
• Study of surgical instruments and operations
• Dissection techniques used in anatomy
• Record of pulse variations only

Correct Answer: Study of properties, actions and therapeutic applications of drugs (Materia Medica)

Q2. Which is the classical Siddha classification of raw drugs?

• Thavaram (herbal), Thadhu (mineral/metal), Jeevam (animal)
• Vata, Pitta, Kapha
• Rasa, Guna, Virya
• Oil, Paste, Decoction

Correct Answer: Thavaram (herbal), Thadhu (mineral/metal), Jeevam (animal)

Q3. What is the primary objective of “suddhi” (purification) processes applied to raw mineral/metal drugs?

• To detoxify, remove physical and toxic impurities and make raw drugs therapeutically safe and efficacious
• To change the colour of the raw material for market appeal
• To increase the weight of material for economic gain
• To sterilize herb seeds for storage

Correct Answer: To detoxify, remove physical and toxic impurities and make raw drugs therapeutically safe and efficacious

Q4. Which classical Siddha process is used to convert metals to therapeutically usable calx forms?

• Maranam (calcination/incineration)
• Rasayana (rejuvenation)
• Avartana (encapsulation)
• Snehapaka (oil processing)

Correct Answer: Maranam (calcination/incineration)

Q5. Which of the following is NOT a classical step in metal/mineral processing in Siddha pharmaceutics?

• Shodhana (purification)
• Marana (incineration/calcination)
• Suddhi (purification/specific cleansing processes)
• Pasteurization

Correct Answer: Pasteurization

Q6. Traditional media commonly reported for shodhana/suddhi of minerals and metals include which of the following?

• Herbal decoctions, cow’s urine, lime water and other traditional reagents
• Industrial concentrated acids only
• Synthetic organic solvents only
• Pure ethanol exclusively

Correct Answer: Herbal decoctions, cow’s urine, lime water and other traditional reagents

Q7. Which modern analytical technique is most suitable for ultra-trace detection of heavy metals in purified Siddha mineral products?

• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
• Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)
• Ultraviolet spectrophotometry (UV-Vis) without digestion
• Paper chromatography

Correct Answer: Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Q8. Which organoleptic parameters are routinely assessed during quality evaluation of herbal raw drugs in Siddha?

• Colour, odour, taste and texture
• pH only
• Moisture content only
• Viscosity only

Correct Answer: Colour, odour, taste and texture

Q9. Which category in Siddha refers specifically to animal-derived medicines?

• Jeevam
• Thavaram
• Thadhu
• Gunapadam

Correct Answer: Jeevam

Q10. Which doctrine describes the three humours that guide disease understanding and drug selection in Siddha?

• Uyirthathukkal (Vatham, Pitham, Kabam)
• Rasa-Bhakti theory
• Prakriti-Dosha synthesis
• Dhatukarma only

Correct Answer: Uyirthathukkal (Vatham, Pitham, Kabam)

Q11. In a Siddha pharmaceutical context, what does “samskara” primarily refer to?

• Processing or chemical/physical transformation applied to a drug to enhance desired properties
• A type of disease classification
• A method of pulse reading
• A dietary regimen for patients only

Correct Answer: Processing or chemical/physical transformation applied to a drug to enhance desired properties

Q12. What is the major risk associated with incomplete or inadequate suddhi of metals used in Siddha formulations?

• Residual toxicity leading to adverse reactions in patients
• Loss of market value only
• Increased pleasant flavour only
• Faster shelf-life exclusively

Correct Answer: Residual toxicity leading to adverse reactions in patients

Q13. What is a commonly cited classical endpoint indicator for successful maranam (calcination) of a metal?

• Conversion to a stable calx/ash with loss of metallic lustre and characteristic colour
• Gain of metallic shine and ductility
• Increase in malleability for forging
• Formation of volatile fumes only

Correct Answer: Conversion to a stable calx/ash with loss of metallic lustre and characteristic colour

Q14. For microbial safety evaluation of herbal powders used in Siddha, which test is typically recommended?

• Total aerobic microbial count and absence of specified pathogens
• Only organoleptic assessment
• Only heavy metal screening
• Only pesticide residue screening

Correct Answer: Total aerobic microbial count and absence of specified pathogens

Q15. Which international guidance document is commonly referenced for quality control and safety of traditional herbal medicines?

• WHO guidelines on quality control of herbal medicines
• ICH stability guidelines only
• USP dental monographs only
• EPA pesticide manuals only

Correct Answer: WHO guidelines on quality control of herbal medicines

Q16. Which physicochemical parameter can indicate removal of volatile impurities after purification of a herbal drug?

• Loss on drying (moisture/volatile content)
• Optical rotation only
• Viscosity exclusively
• Melting point of unrelated compound

Correct Answer: Loss on drying (moisture/volatile content)

Q17. Which statement best describes the role of “bhavana” (repeated trituration with herbal juices) in Siddha processing of drug materials?

• It may increase potency, facilitate incorporation of liquids and reduce toxicity when used appropriately
• It is used only to change colour for aesthetics
• It always increases toxicity and is therefore avoided
• It is purely ritualistic without pharmaceutical effect

Correct Answer: It may increase potency, facilitate incorporation of liquids and reduce toxicity when used appropriately

Q18. Which modern analytical technique is particularly suitable to detect residual elemental mercury in processed Siddha products?

• Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (CVAAS)
• Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)
• Refractive index measurement
• Paper electrophoresis

Correct Answer: Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (CVAAS)

Q19. Which term in Siddha literally denotes the materia medica or compilation of drug properties?

• Gunapadam
• Siddhanta
• Maruthuvam
• Varmam

Correct Answer: Gunapadam

Q20. Which documentation elements are essential for quality control and traceability of a Siddha raw drug after collection and processing?

• Source (botanical/geo origin), collection season, method of processing (suddhi) and analytical profile
• Only the market price
• Only the colour description at collection
• Only traditional name without any analytical data

Correct Answer: Source (botanical/geo origin), collection season, method of processing (suddhi) and analytical profile

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