Towards Standardization–A New Protocol for Oil drop test (Neikuri) in Healthy Subjects

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, 2015, 4, 4, 83-89.
DOI: 10.5530/ijpcs.4.4.3
Published: December 2015
Type: Research Article
Authors: Ahamed Basha Abdul Bari, Prince Johnson Samuel, Mathangi Damal Chandrasekar, Ramnath Shyamala, Siva Shankar Rangasamy

Author(s) affiliations:

Ahamed Basha Abdul Bari1*, Prince Johnson Samuel1, Mathangi Damal Chandrasekar1, Ramnath Shyamala1, Siva Shankar Rangasamy2
1Department of Physiology, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Kelambakkam, Chennai-103, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.
2Dr. Rai Memorial hospital, Chennai-18, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.

Abstract

Background: Oil drop test (Neikuri), a method of urine examination used in Siddha Medicine, an Indian system of medicine. In this test, patient urine is collected in a vessel, over which a drop of sesame oil is placed and the behavior of the oil drop on the urine surface is noted. However, due to lack of a standardized protocol for this test and advancement of modern diagnostic facilities, the utility value of this test has decreased to a greater extent. Objectives: To develop a new protocol for the oil drop test in healthy subjects so that it can be used as a standard reference to compare with other pathological conditions. Methods and Material: Urine samples of 12 healthy volunteers aged between 18 to 25 years were collected. Biochemical analysis was done on the urine samples with a urine reagent strip to confirm the health status of the subjects. 12 μl of sesame oil was dropped over 30 ml of each urine sample and the behavior (shape of the oil spread, direction, and spread time) was observed. Results: The majority of the samples showed a circular shape, and the most appropriate time to record it was after 15 minutes of the test procedure. Conclusion: This test protocol can be taken as a standard technique for the oil drop test. However, further studies must be done in a larger population so that it can be used as a non-invasive and cost-effective diagnostic/prognostic tool.

Keywords: Neikuri, Oil Drop Test, Oil Spread Direction and Time, Oil Spread Shape, Siddha Diagnostic Technique


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